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First  President  of  Brown  University  -  From  a  Portrait  painted  in  1770 


EARLY    HISTORY 


OF 


BROWN    UNIVERSITY, 


INCLUDING    THE 


Life,  Times,  and  Correspondence  of 
President  Manning. 

1756- 1791. 


By    REUBEN    ALDRIDGE    GUILD,    A.  M.,  LL.  D. 
LIBRARIAN  EMERITUS. 


HIC    LOCUS   AETATIS   NOSTRAS   PRIMORDIA    NOVIT, 

ANNOS    FELICES,    LAETITIAEQJJE   DIES. 
HIC    LOCUS    INGENUIS   PUERILES    IMBUIT   ANNOS 

ARTIBUS,    ET   NOSTRAE    LAUDIS   ORIGO    FUIT. 
HIC   LOCUS    1NSIGNES   MAGNOSOJUE    CREAVIT   /LUMNOS. 

—  Ntclhcm. 


Providence,    1897. 


Published  by  Subscription. 
Edition  Limited. 


Copyright,   1896. 

By  Reuben  Aldridge  Guild. 

All  rights  reserved. 


Printed  by 
Snow   &   Farnham. 


TO 


THE    ALUMNI 


OP 


irouitt  SMvergity 


THIS  WORK  IS  RESrECTFULLY  DEDICATED 


BY 


THE    AUTHOR. 


329930 


ILLUSTRATIONS 


JAMES   MANNING, 

THE   AUTHOR, 

HOPEWELL   ACADEMY, 

JOHN   GANO, 

WILLIAM    ROGERS, 

DAVID   HOWELL, 

COLLEGE   EDIFICE   AND   PRESIDENT'S   HOUSE, 
SAMUEL   STENNETT,    ....... 

FIRST   BAPTIST   MEETING-HOUSE, 

SOLOMON   DROWNE, 

SAMUEL   STILLMAN, 

JOHN   RIPPON, 

CALEB   EVANS, 

ISAAC  BACKUS, 


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'  529 

PREFACE 


At  the  annual  meeting  of  the  Corporation  of  Brown  University, 
held  in  September,  1844,  a  resolution  was  unanimously  passed  request- 
ing Professor  Gammell  to  prepare  "  an  adequate  history  of  the  origin 
and  progress  of  the  University."  Want  of  sufficient  material  was  with- 
out doubt  the  reason  why  the  facile  pen  of  the  Professor  of  Rhetoric 
and  History  was  not  employed  on  this  important  and  much  needed 
work.  Three  years  later  the  author,  immediately  on  graduating, 
entered  upon  his  long  professional  career  in  connection  with  the 
Library.  At  first  he  was  an  assistant  under  the  late  Professor  Charles 
C.  Jewett.  In  March,  1848,  he  succeeded  him  in  the  Librarianship  of 
the  University.  One  of  his  earliest  efforts  as  Librarian  was  to  complete 
a  file  of  the  annual  catalogues.  Afterwards,  by  means  of  circulars  and 
otherwise,  he  made  a  collection  of  pamphlets,  manuscripts  and  docu- 
ments illustrative  of  the  history  of  the  College.  As  a  result  he 
published,  in  1864,  a  large  duodecimo  volume  of  five  hundred  and 
twenty-three  pages,  entitled,  "Life,  Times  and  Correspondence  of 
James  Manning  and  the  Early  History  of  Brown  University";  and 
three  years  later  a  handsome  quarto  volume  entitled,  "History  of 
Brown  University,  with  Illustrative  Documents."  These  works  have 
long  been  out  of  print,  the  number  of  copies  of  the  latter  having  been 
limited  to  three  hundred  and  ten,  and  the  stereotype  plates  of  the  for- 
mer having  been  destroyed  in  the  breaking  up  of  the  long  established 
house  of  Gould  and  Lincoln,  of  Boston. 

At  the  Commencement  in  1893,  the  author  resigned  his  position  as 
Librarian,  after  a  continuous  and  uninterrupted  service  of  forty-six 


2 


PREFACE. 


years.  Since  that  time  he  has  been  employed  upon  the  present  work. 
It  was  his  original  intention,  in  accordance  with  the  circulars  sent  out, 
to  include  in  this  first  volume  a  history  of  the  Library,  an  account  of 
the  Revivals  in  College,  and  an  account  of  the  Portraits  in  Sayles 
Memorial  Hall.  These  will  appear  in  the  second  volume.  In  their 
stead  he  has  revised  and  rewritten  his  Life  of  Manning,  enlarging  upon 
the  early  history  of  the  College,  and  devoting  entire  chapters  to  sub- 
jects of  special  interest,  among  which  may  be  mentioned  the  origin  of 
the  College,  the  Charter,  the  First  Commencement,  the  Contest  for  the 
final  location,  the  early  College  Laws,  the  history  of  the  First  Baptist 
Church,  and  the  building  of  the  present  spacious  and  beautiful  meeting- 
house "for  the  public  worship  of  Almighty  God,  and  also  for  holding 
Commencement  in."  The  Correspondence  of  Manning,  who  was  a  lead- 
ing man  in  Providence  during  all  the  trying  scenes  of  the  War  of  the 
Revolution,  and  undoubtedly  stood  at  the  head  of  the  denomination  to 
which  he  was  attached,  are  republished  in  full,  together  with  additional 
letters  which  have  come  to  light  during  the  past  thirty  years.  They 
furnish  an  admirable  illustration  of  the  efforts  put  forth  by  our  fathers 
under  the  auspices  of  the  College,  and  the  Warren  Association,  in  behalf 
of  civil  and  religious  freedom.  Interspersed  throughout  the  book  are 
sketches  of  Manning's  associates  and  pupils,  and  of  his  correspondents, 
some  of  whom  were  among  the  leading  Dissenters  in  England,  and  were 
specially  friendly  to  the  American  cause  during  the  war.  This  first 
volume,  which  is  complete  in  itself,  is  now  given  to  the  public,  among 
whom  are  two  thousand  graduates,  with  the  author's  best  wishes  for 
the  prosperity  and  continued  growth  of  his  beloved  Alma  Mater. 

R.  A.  G. 

Providence,  September  1,  1890. 


FIRST    PREFACE 


1864= 


A  century  has  elapsed  since  Brown  University  was  founded,  and  nearly  three 
quarters  of  a  century  have  passed  away  since  the  death  of  Dr.  Manning;  yet  no 
extended  history  of  the  one  or  life  of  the  other  has  heen  published.  This  neglect  to 
record  the  honors,  the  struggles,  and  triumphs  of  the  founder,  so  to  speak,  of  the 
venerable  seat  of  learning,  with  the  early  history  of  which  his  own  history  is  so  closely 
identified,  must  be  ascribed,  in  part,  to  the  almost  habitual  indifference  which  Baptists 
have  thus  far  manifested  to  the  characters  and  the  fame  of  their  fathers  and  departed 
worthies. 

"It  is  mortifying,"  says  a  writer1  in  one  of  the  earlier  numbers  of  the  Christian 
Review,  "that  we  have  allowed  men  like  Clarke  and  Callender,  Backus  and  Manning  — 
each  of  them  an  honored  and  true-hearted  advocate  of  the  faith  which  we  profess,  at  a 
time  when  this  faith  was  despised  and  derided  over  the  greater  part  of  New  England, — 
to  pass  away  so  nearly  from  the  memory  of  men.  They  were  all  scholars,  who  com- 
pared well  with  the  foremost  of  their  time.  Some  of  them,  also,  have  linked  their 
names  with  the  history  of  the  country,  by  the  services  they  rendered  in  the  days  of  her 
early  settlements,  and  her  subsequent  struggles  for  national  independence.  But  no  one 
of  them  has  found  among  their  own  brethren  a  biographer  to  set  forth  their  labors  and 
sacrifices,  and  to  delineate  their  characters  in  connection  with  the  peculiar  faith  which 
they  professed.  Their  lives,  in  some  instances,  at  least,  were  filled  with  important 
events,  which  illustrated  the  civil  and  religious  character  of  the  age  to  which  they 
belong.  They  were  made  beautiful,  too,  by  their  simple  manners,  their  all-enduring 
faith,  their  deep  devotion  to  truth.  It  is  sad  to  think  that  their  memory  has  so  nearly 
perished,  and  it  is  humiliating  to  think  that  this  would  have  been  permitted  in  no  other 
denomination  than  our  own." 

In  1815,  twenty-four  years  after  Dr.  Manning's  death,  a  brief  sketch  of  his  character 
and  life  by  the  late  John  Howland,  Esq.,  was  published  in  the  Rhode  Island  Literary 
Repository.  It  comprises  sixteen  pages,  and  consists  chiefly  of  personal  recollections. 
Mr.  Howland,  although  his  calling  was  humble,  possessed  original  and  vigorous  powers 


1  Prof.  Wm.  Gammell. 


6  FIRST    PREFACE. 

The  undertaking  was  entered  upon  with  great  diffidence.  It  has  been  continued 
from  year  to  year,  under  all  the  disadvantages  of  accumulated  public  and  professional 
duties,  and  amidst  frequent  interruptions.  Historical  accuracy,  and  not  literary  excel- 
lence, is  all,  therefore,  to  which  the  author  has  been  able  to  aspire.  Sincerely  wishing 
that  he  had  possessed  greater  skill  and  more  ample  leisure  for  the  performance  of  the 
task  to  which  his  position  as  Librarian  seems  naturally  to  have  assigned  him,  the 
work,  with  all  its  imperfections,  is  herewith  submitted  to  the  public,  in  the  hope  that  it 
may  prove  acceptable  to  the  general  reader,  and  especially  useful  to  the  College,  and  to 
the  religious  denomination  under  whose  auspices  the  College  was  founded. 

R.  A.  G. 
Brown  University,  September  1, 1864. 


Brown  University  and  Manning, 


CHAPTER  I. 

1756-1763. 

Origin  of  the  College  —  Baptists  a  century  and  a  half  ago  —  Principles  at  variance  with 
those  of  the  standing  orders  —  Six  colleges  in  existence  at  this  time  —  Hopewell 
Academy  and  the  Philadelphia  Association  —  Isaac  Eaton  —  Distinguished  graduates 
of  the  Academy  —  Success  of  the  Academy  inspired  the  friends  of  learning  in  the 
denomination  to  found  a  college  —  Morgan  Edwards  the  prime  mover  in  the  matter 

—  Sketch  of  his  character  and  life  -*-  Inclined  to  Toryism  during  the  War  of  the 
Revolution  —  Two  sons  William  and  Joshua  —  Extracts  from  the  funeral  sermon  of 
the  latter  preached  in  1854,  giving  particulars  relating  to  his  father  —  Recantation 
of  Toryism  in  1775  —  Extracts  from  the  funeral  sermon  of  Morgan  Edwards,  preached 
hy  the  Rev.  Dr.  William  Rogers,  in  1795  —  Peculiarities  —  Meeting  of  the  Philadelphia 
Association,  Oct.  12,  1762,  when  the  moderator,  Morgan  Edwards,  made  the  motion  to 
found  a  college  —  Difficulties  in  the  way  of  such  an  undertaking  —  Urgent  need  of  an 
educated  Baptist  ministry  —  Colleges  in  existence  generally  unfriendly  to  Baptists  — 
Extract  from  Backus's  history  —  James  Manning  esteemed  a  suitable  leader  in  the 
new  enterprise  —  Beginnings  in  the  history  of  Rhode  Island  College,  now  Brown 
University,  found  in  connection  with  the  Philadelphia  Association  —  Extracts  from 
the  records  showing  a  continued  interest  in  the  Institution  —  Manning's  birth  and 
parentage  —  First  pupil  of  Isaac  Eaton  at  the  Hopewell  Academy  —  Conversion  and 
baptism  —  Benjamin  Miller  his  pastor  —  At  the  age  of  twenty  admitted  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Freshman  class  in  the  College  of  New  Jersey,  now  Princeton  University  — 
Extract  from  Maclane's  history  relative  to  the  founding  of  the  College  —  Samuel 
Davies  and  Samuel  Finlay  Presidents  —  Letter  from  Oliver  Hart  on  death  of  Da  vies 

—  Laws  and  Customs  of  the  College  —  Manning's  Classmates—  Diploma  —  Licensed 
to  preach  —  Marriage  to  Margaret  Stites  —  Account  of  the  Stites  family  —  Ordained 
and  set  apart  as  an  Evangelist  —  Letter  from  Oliver  Hart  inviting  him  to  settle  in 
South  Carolina  — Sketch  of  his  brother-in-law,  Rev.  John  Gano. 

Brown  University  owes  its  origin  to  a  desire  on  the  part  of  mem- 
bers of  the  Philadelphia  Association,1  to  secure  for  the  Baptist  churches 
an  educated  ministry,  without  the  restrictions  of  denominational  influence 
or  sectarian  tests.     The  distinguishing  sentiments  of  the  Baptists,  it 


1  The  oldest  Baptist  Association  in  America,  founded  in  1707. 


8  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  I. 

may  be  observed,  were  at  variance  with  the  religious  opinions  that  pre- 
vailed throughout  the  American  colonies.  They  advocated  the 
supremacy  of  the  Bible  as  the  only  authoritative  rule  of  faith  and  prac- 
tice in  religious  concernments,  freedom  of  worship,  liberty  of  con- 
science, the  entire  separation  of  church  and  state,  believers'  baptism 
by  immersion,  and  a  converted  church  membership ;  —  principles  for 
which  they  had  earnestly  contended  from  the  days  of  Roger  Williams. 
The  student  of  history  will  readily  perceive  how  they  thus  came  into 
conflict  with  the  ruling  powers.  The  pages  of  Backus1  and  Semple2 
abound  in  instances  of  individual  oppression  and  of  relentless  persecu- 
tion. In  Massachusetts  and  Connecticut  they  were  taxed  for  the 
support  of  churches  of  the  standing  order,  and  upon  a  refusal  of  the 
payment  of  rates,  their  lands,  homes,  and  goods  were  seized  and  sold, 
and  they  themselves  were  imprisoned.  In  Virginia  the  laws  against 
Dissenters  bore  heavily  and  mainly  against  the  Baptists,  who  suffered 
imprisonment,  accompanied  by  fines,  whippings,  and  other  penalties. 
Throughout  the  land  they  appear  to  have  been  subjected  to  contumely 
and  reproach.  In  the  words  of  Manning  they  were  "  poor,  despised  and 
oppressed."  This  prejudice  and  opposition  against  the  Baptists,  or 
Anabaptists  as  they  were  termed  in  derision,  was  very  naturally  shared 
by  the  colleges  and  academies  then  in  existence.3 

In  the  year  1756,  there  was  founded  at  Hopewell,  New  Jersey, 
under  the  auspices  of  the  Philadelphia  Association,  an  academy  "  for 
the  education  of  youth  for  the  ministry."  Among  the  early  records  of 
the  Association  appears  the  following,  under  date  of  October  5th,  this 
being  the  time  of  the  annual  meeting :  —  "  Concluded  to  raise  a  sum 
of  money  toward  the  encouragement  of  a  Latin  Grammar  School,  for 
the  promotion  of  learning  among  us,  under  the  care  of  the  Rev.  Isaac 

1  History  of  New  England  with  particular  reference  to  the  denomination  of  Christians  called 
Baptists.  Vol.  1, 1777 ;  Vol.  2, 1784 ;  Vol.  3, 1796.  Reprinted  by  the  Backus  Historical  Society,  2  vols. 
8vo.    Newton,  Mass.,  1871. 

2  History  of  the  Baptists  in  Virginia.  12mo.  1810.  Recently  reprinted  by  the  Southern  Baptist 
Publication  Society. 

3  There  were  six  colleges  in  the  Colonies  when  the  charter  for  Rhode  Island  College  was  granted, 
viz.:  Harvard,  founded  in  1638;  William  and  Mary,  1692;  Yale,  1701;  College  of  New  Jersey,  or 
Princeton,  1746;  University  of  Pennsylvania,  1753;  and  Columbia,  1754. 


1756-1763.  AND    MANNING.  9 

Eaton,  and  the  inspection  of  our  brethren,  Abel  Morgan,  Isaac  Stelle, 
Abel  Griffith,  and  Peter  B.  Van  Home."  Mr.  Eaton  was  the  son  of  the 
Rev.  Joseph  Eaton,  of  Montgomery,  Pennsylvania.  At  an  early  age  he 
began  to  preach,  and  when  twenty-four  years  old  took  charge  of  the 
church  in  Hopewell.  This  was  in  November,  1748.  Rich  blessings 
were  the  result  of  his  pastorate,  which  ended  only  with  his  life,  twenty- 
six  years  after -his  ordination.1  He  at  once  became  prominent  in  the 
Association,  and  thus  the  way  was  opened  for  what  proved  to  be  the 
great  work  of  his  life.  To  him,  therefore,  says  a  distinguished  writer,2 
belongs  the  honor  of  being  the  first  American  Baptist  to  establish  a  semi- 
nary for  the  literary  and  theological  training  of  young  men.  For  this 
work  his  natural  endowments  of  mind,  his  rare  personality,  his  varied 
attainments  in  knowledge,  and  his  genuine  piety,  happily  qualified 
him.  Under  his  wise  management  and  able  instruction,  the  academy 
had  a  prosperous  existence  for  eleven  years.  During  this  period 
many,  who  afterwards  became  eminent  in  the  ministry,  received  from 
him  their  education.  Among  them  may  be  mentioned  his  first  pupil, 
James  Manning;  Hezekiah  Smith,  "the  great  man  of  Haverhill,"  and 
the  distinguished  Chaplain  of  the  Revolution ;  Samuel  Stillman,  the 
eloquent  preacher  of  Boston;  Samuel  Jones,  who  was  informally 
invited  to  succeed  Manning  in  the  Presidency  of  Rhode  Island  College ; 
John  Gano,  Manning's  brother-in-law,  the  fearless  Chaplain,  and  "a 
Prince  among  the  Baptist  hosts  of  Israel";  Oliver  Hart,  the  beloved 
pastor  and  patriot  of  Charleston,  South  Carolina ;  Charles  Thompson, 
the  Valedictorian  of  the  first  graduating  class  under  Manning;  William 
Williams,  also  of  this  class,  the  founder  of  an  academy  in  Wrentham ; 
Isaac  Skillman,  of  Boston,  a  member  of  the  famous  "  Committee  on 
Grievances";  John  Davis,  of  Boston,  the  first  agent  of  the  churches 
of  the  Warren  Association ;  David  Jones,  the  eminent  pastor,  patriot 


1  The  tablet  erected  to  his  memory,  first  in  the  meeting-house,  and  now  in  the  cemetery  of  the 
Hopewell  Church,  has  this  inscription :  —  "To  the  front  of  this  are  deposited  the  remains  of  Rev. 
Isaac  Eaton,  A.  M.,  who  for  upwards  of  twenty-six  years  was  pastor  of  this  church,  from  the  care  of 
which  he  was  removed  by  death,  on  the  4th  of  July,  1772,  in  the  forty-seventh  year  of  his  age." 

"  In  him  with  grace  and  eminence  did  shine 
The  man,  the  Christian,  scholar,  and  divine." 

2  Prof.  William  Goddard,  LL.  D.    See  memoir  of  President  Manning. 

2 


10  BROWN    UNIVERSITY  Chap.  I. 

and  chaplain  ;  and  John  Sutton  who  accompanied  Manning  on  his  first 
visit  to  Rhode  Island  in  behalf  of  the  College.  Not  a  few  of  the  Hope- 
well Academy  pupils  distinguished  themselves  in  the  professions  of 
medicine  and  law.  Of  this  latter  class  was  the  Honorable  Judge 
Howell,  a  name  familiar  to  the  students  of  Rhode  Island  College,  and 
to  the  statesmen  and  jurists  of  his  day.  Benjamin  Stelle,  who  was 
graduated  from  the  College  of  New  Jersey  in  1766,  and  afterwards 
established  a  Latin  School  in  Providence,  was  also  a  pupil  of  Mr.  Eaton. 
His  daughter  Mary,  it  may  be  added,  was  the  second  wife  of  the  Hon- 
orable Nicholas  Brown,  the  well-known  benefactor  from  whom  Brown 
University  derives  its  name.  Dr.  Stites  who  educated  his  nephew 
Stephen  Gano,  and  John  and  Richard  Stites,  all  brothers-in-law  of 
Manning,  are  included  in  the  list  of  Hopewell  graduates.  The 
house  in  which  the  sessions  of  the  academy  were  held  is  still  standing, 
and  is  regarded  as  an  object  of  interest  to  the  historian  and  antiquary. 
It  is  on  the  Bound  Brook  Railroad,  near  the  Calvary  Church,  and  not  far 
from  the  "Old  School  Baptist  Church"  edifice,  in  which  the  descend- 
ants of  the  people  to  whom  Mr.  Eaton  ministered,  are  accustomed 
to  meet  for  worship.  The  structure  is  a  plain  substantial  building  in 
good  condition.  The  accompanying  engraving  is  taken  from  a  cut  in 
Cook's  "Story  of  the  Baptists."1 

The  success  of  the  Hopewell  Academy  inspired  the  friends  of  learn- 
ing in  the  denomination  with  renewed  confidence,  and  incited  them  to 
establish  a  college.  "Many  of  the  churches,"  says  a  contemporary, 
"being  supplied  with  able  pastors  from  Mr.  Eaton's  academy,  and 
being  thus  convinced,  from  experience,  of  the  great  usefulness  of  human 
literature  to  more  thoroughly  furnish  the  man  of  God  for  the  most 
important  work  of  the  Gospel  ministry,  the  hands  of  the  Philadelphia 
Association  were  strengthened,  and  their  hearts  were  encouraged  to 
extend  their  designs  of  promoting  literature  in  the  Society  (denomina- 
tion), by  erecting,  on  some  suitable  part  of  this  continent,  a  college  or 


1  The  Story  of  the  Baptists  in  all  Ages  and  Countries.  By  Rev.  Richard  B.  Cook,  D.  D.  l2iuo. 
Baltimore,  1884.  The  thirty-third  thousand  of  this  popular  and  instructive  history  was  published 
in  Springfield,  Mass.,  in  1889. 


a 
< 

< 

o 


1756-1763.  AND   MANNING.  11 

university,  which  should  be  principally  under  the  direction  and  govern- 
ment of  the  Baptists.  At  first  some  of  the  Southern  colonies  seemed 
to  bid  fairest  to  answer  their  purpose,  there  not  being  so  many  colleges 
in  those  colonies  as  in  the  Northern ;  but  the  Northern  colonies  having 
been  visited  by  some  of  the  Association,  who  informed  them  of  the 
great  increase  of  the  Baptist  societies  (churches)  of  late  in  those  parts, 
and  that  the  Rhode  Island  Government  had  no  public  school  or  college 
in  it,  and  was  originally  settled  by  persons  of  the  Baptist  persuasion, 
and  a  greater  part  of  the  Government  remained  so  still,  there  was  no 
longer  any  doubt  but  that  this  was  the  most  suitable  place  in  which  to 
carry  the  design  into  execution." 

The  foregoing  extract,  which  appears  in  an  appendix  to  President 
Sears's  Centennial  Discourse,1  is  taken  from  a  rough  sketch  on  file 
among  some  papers  belonging  to  the  Hon.  Judge  Howell,  which  were 
placed  in  the  author's  hands  many  years  ago  by  a  descendant,  the  late 
Gamaliel  Lyman  D wight.  Dr.  Sears  attributes  the  paper  to  the  Rev. 
Morgan  Edwards.  Whether  from  his  pen,  or  that  of  Judge  Howell, 
which  latter  seems  quite  probable,  the  writer  was  evidently  familiar 
with  all  the  facts  pertaining  to  the  origin  and  early  history  of  the 
College.  Mr.  Edwards,  whose  name  in  this  connection  is  henceforth 
prominent,  was  the  pastor  of  the  Baptist  Church  in  Philadelphia,  now 
called  the  First  Church,  to  which  he  had  been  recommended  by  the  Rev. 
Dr.  Gill  and  others  of  London.  He  was  a  native  of  Wales,  and  was 
born  on  the  9th  of  May,  1722.  His  early  education  was  obtained  at 
the  schools  of  Monmouthshire,  and  at  a  suitable  age  he  was  placed 
at  the  celebrated  Bristol  Academy,  under  the  instruction  of  the  Rev. 
Dr.  Bernard  Foskett.2  Upon  leaving  the  academy  he  preached  for 
seven  years  to  a  small  congregation  in  Boston,  Lincolnshire,  pursuing 
meanwhile  his  theological  studies.  He  became  a  proficient  in  Hebrew 
and  Greek,  and  made  the  Old  and  New  Testaments  in  their  original 
tongues  his  constant  companions,  deeming  them  to  be,  using  his  own 

1  Celebration  of  the  One  Hundredth  Anniversary  of  the  Founding  of  Brown  University,  Septem- 
ber 6th,  1864.    8vo.    Providence,  1865.    See  pp.  62-64. 

2  For  a  biographical  sketch  of  Dr.  Foskett,  see  Rippon's  Baptist  Register  for  the  years  1794-7, 
Vol.2.    8vo.    Lond.,  pp.  422-31. 


12  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  I. 

words,  the  "  two  eyes  of  a  minister."  On  the  first  day  of  June,  1757, 
he  was  ordained  pastor  of  a  Baptist  church  in  Cork,  Ireland.  Here  he 
remained  nine  years  ;  and  here  he  married  his  first  wife,  whose  maiden 
name  was  Mary  Nunn.  He  arrived  in  Philadelphia  on  the  23d  of  May, 
1761,  and  at  once  entered  upon  the  duties  of  his  American  pastorate. 
Being  now  in  the  prime  of  life,  and  possessed  of  superior  learning  and 
abilities  united  with  uncommon  perseverance  and  zeal,  he  became  an 
acknowledged  leader  in  various  literary  and  benevolent  undertakings, 
devoting  to  them  freely  his  talents  and  his  time,  and  thereby  rendering 
essential  service  to  the  denomination  to  which  he  was  attached.  He 
was  the  moving  cause  of  having  the  minutes  of  the  Philadelphia 
Association  printed,  publishing  first,  at  his  own  expense,  tables  exhibit- 
ing the  original  and  annual  state  of  the  associating  churches.  He 
journeyed  from  New  Hampshire  to  Georgia,  gathering  facts  for  a 
history  of  the  Baptists;  and  these  "Materials,",  as  he  termed  them, 
penned  or  printed,  are  the  most  valuable  records  of  the  kind  extant. 
"In  his  day,"  says  Cathcart,  "no  Baptist  minister  equalled  him,  and 
since  his  day  no  one  has  excelled  him."  This  may  be  a  somewhat 
exaggerated  statement,  having  special  reference  doubtless  to  his  historical 
labors.  It  shows  the  estimation  in  which  he  is  held  by  a  former  Phila- 
delphia pastor,  and  the  author  of  the  "Baptist  Encyclopedia."  The 
great  enterprise  in  which  Mr.  Edwards  engaged,  and  the  one  with  which 
his  name  will  be  forever  associated,  was  the  founding  of  Rhode  Island 
College.  In  this  he  appears  to  have  been  the  prime  mover.  His 
activity  in  procuring  from  the  State  Legislature  a  charter,  and  his  exer- 
tions in  procuring  in  England  and  Ireland  the  first  funds  for  the 
endowment  of  the  "  Infant  Institution,"  he  deemed  to  his  latest  days 
to  be  the  greatest  service  he  had  ever  rendered  for  the  Baptist  cause. 
This  statement  is  made  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  William  Rogers,  in  a  funeral 
discourse  which  he  preached  on  the  22d  of  February,  1795. l  Dr.  Rogers 
was  a  member  of   the  first  graduating  class  of  the  College,  and  Mr. 


1  This  discourse  was  first  published  in  Rippon's  Baptist  Register  for  the  years  1794-97,  Vol  2. 
8vo.  Lond.,  pp.  308-14.  A  portion  of  it  is  given  in  "  Documentary  History  of  the  University," 
pp.  167-171. 


1756-1763.  AND    MANNING.  13 

Edwards's  successor  in  the  pastorate  at  Philadelphia.  In  his  "Materials 
towards  a  History  of  the  Baptists  in  Pennsylvania,"  published  in  1770, 
Mr.  Edwards  speaks  of  himself,  quoting  his  own  words,  as  having 
"  labored  hard  to  settle  a  Baptist  College  in  the  Rhode  Island  Govern- 
ment, and  to  raise  money  to  endow  it ;  which  he  deems  the  greatest 
service  he  has  done  or  hopes  to  do  for  the  Baptist  interest."  In  the 
same  work,  after  speaking  of  his  endeavors  to  make  the  combination 
of  Baptist  Churches  universal  upon  this  continent,  he  adds  :  —  "And 
should  God  give  me  success  herein,  as  in  the  affair  of  the  Baptist 
College,  I  shall  deem  myself  the  happiest  man  on  earth. ' ' 

During  the  Revolutionary  struggle  Mr.  Edwards  sympathized  with 
the  mother  country,  where  nearly  forty  years  of  his  life  had  been  spent, 
and  where  he  had  secured  substantial  aid  for  the  College.  Hence  his 
influence  was  greatly  impaired,  and  his  affections  were  for  a  time  alien- 
ated from  his  brethren  in  the  ministry,  who,  to  a  man,  were  ardent 
patriots.  According  to  Cathcart,  who  has  published  a  volume  entitled, 
"The  Baptists  and  the  American  Revolution,"  he  was  the  only  Tory 
in  the  ministry  of  the  American  Baptist  Churches.  His  Toryism,  how- 
ever, was  rather  a  matter  of  principle  than  of  action,  yet  it  served  to 
bring  him  into  disrepute.  Having  a  Welsh  temperament  he  could 
hardly  restrain  his  speech,  and  in  the  beginning  of  the  war  he  made  use 
of  expressions  which  gave  great  offence.  His  family,  too,  was  identi- 
fied with  His  Majesty's  service,  one  of  his  sons  being  an  officer  in  the 
English  army.  He  married  for  his  second  wife,  according  to  Dr. 
Rogers's  statement,  a  Mrs.  Singleton  of  Delaware,  in  which  state  he 
resided  many  years,  upon  a  plantation  which  he  had  purchased.  At  a 
meeting  of  the  Committee  of  White  Clay  Creek,  held  at  Mr.  Henry 
Darby's  house,  in  New  York,  Aug.  7, 1775,  Mr.  Edwards  was  present 
and  signed  a  recantation  of  his  Tory  principles,  which  was  voted  satis- 
factory. After  the  war  he  occasionally  read  lectures  in  Divinity  in  Phil- 
adelphia and  other  cities,  but  he  could  never  be  prevailed  upon  to  resume 
the  work  of  a  Christian  minister.  He  died  at  Pencader,  Newcastle 
County,  Delaware,  on  the  28th  of  January,  1795,  in  the  seventy-third 
year  of  his  age.     The  universal  testimony  of  those  with  whom  he  was 


14  BROWN    UNIVERSITY  Chap.  I. 

associated,  and  who  knew  him  intimately  was,  that  he  was  "a  great 
and  a  good  man."1 

Mr.  Edwards  left  two  sons,  William  and  Joshua.  The  former  was 
a  pupil  in  Manning's  Latin  School  at  Warren,  removing  with  the 
School  to  Providence  in  1770.  At  the  second  Commencement  of  the 
College,  the  account  states,  "  the  business  of  the  day  being  concluded, 
and  before  the  assembly  broke  up,  a  piece  from  Homer  was  pronounced 
by  Master  Billy  Edwards,  not  nine  years  old."  He  was  graduated  from 
the  College  in  1776.  Sympathizing  with  his  father  in  his  attachment 
to  the  land  of  his  birth,  he  espoused  the  cause  of  George  III.  in  the 
great  Revolutionary  struggle.  Eventually  he  became  a  British  officer 
with  the  rank  of  colonel.  After  the  war  he  resided  in  London.  On  his 
way  to  Cork  from  Bristol  to  see  about  the  settlement  of  his  mother's 
estate,  he  in  some  way  perished,  as  nothing  was  ever  heard  from  him 
afterwards.  Joshua  was  born  in  Philadelphia,  Dec.  29,  1769.  On 
arriving  at  manhood  he  spent  some  time  in  England,  being  in  the  posses- 
sion of  an  ample  estate.  Returning  to  this  country  he  married  and 
settled  in  New  Jersey,  where  he  died  in  1854,  at  the  advanced  age  of 
eighty-five.  A  son  of  his,  Rev.  Morgan  Edwards,  an  eccentric  Baptist 
preacher  and  evangelist,  was  living  some  years  ago  in  Burlington,  Iowa. 
In  a  correspondence  with  him  the  writer  received  an  account  of  his  life, 
and  copious  extracts  from  a  sermon  preached  at  his  father's  funeral  in 
1854.  These  extracts  give  new  and  interesting  particulars  respecting 
his  grandfather,  Morgan  Edwards.  No  apology  need  be  offered  for 
publishing  in  this  connection  some  of  these  extracts :  — 

Morgan  Edwards  was  a  native  of  Wales.  In  early  life  he  embraced  Baptist  princi- 
ples (his  parents  were  of  the  Church  of  England),  and  having  studied  in  the  academy 
of  the  pious  Dr.  Foskett,  he  completed  his  theological  course  under  the  three  great  Bap- 
tist divines  and  scholars,  Dr.  Stennett,  Dr.  Llewelyn,  and  Dr.  Gill.  The  Baptist  con- 
gregation in  Philadelphia,  having  lost  its  first  minister,  the  Rev.  Jenkin  Jones,!  and 


iSee  letters  from  Rev.  Francis    Pelot  and  Rev.  Oliver  Hart,  addressed  to  Hezekiah  Smith. 

!Mr,  Jones  was  born  about  1690,  in  Wales,  and  came  to  this  country  in  1710.  He  took  charge  of 
the  First  Church  of  Philadelphia,  May  15,  1746,  at  the  time  the  church  was  reconstituted.  Pre- 
vious to  that  time  the  Philadelphia  body  was  only  a  branch  of  the  Lower  Dublin  Church,  of  which 
Mr.  Jones  had  been  pastor  for  twenty-one  years.  He  died  July  16,  1761.  See  Cathcart's  Encyclo- 
paedia. 


1756-1763.  AND    MANNING.  15 

being  composed  mostly  of  Welsh  people,  he  was  importuned  to  come  to  America.  .  .  . 
He  was  a  man  of  learning  and  enterprise  and  public  spirit.  He  projected  the  establish- 
ment of  a  college  for  the  Baptists,  and  went  to  England  and  Ireland  to  solicit  funds  for 
the  erection  of  Brown  University,  at  Providence,  Rhode  Island.  In  this  he  was  largely 
successful,  and  so  that  Institution  owes  its  existence  in  a  measure  to  him. 

He  lost  his  wife  (daughter  of  Joshua  Nunn,  of  Cork,  Ireland),  soon  after  the  birth  of 
her  eighth  child,  suddenly,  but  not  unexpectedly  to  her,  for  she  had  lived  for  years 
under  the  impression  that  at  that  time  she  would  die.  The  effect  upon  him  was  dis- 
tressing. He  was  seized  with  the  impression  that  he  now  understood  a  dream  he 
had  fifteen  years  before,  and  that  it  intimated  to  him  the  year,  and  perhaps  the  day  of 
his  own  death.  He  preached  and  printed  a  sermon  expressing  his  expectation  that  his 
end  was  nigh,  but  he  lived  after  this  twenty-five  years.1  A  distinguished  Quaker  min- 
ister, Pemberton,  came  to  him  and  said:  —  "  Thy  dream  will  come  true  —  this  year  is 
the  death  of  thy  ministry."  It  was  so;  —  he  resigned  the  pastoral  office  and  never 
preached  regularly  afterwards,  though  occasionally  he  lectured,  as  he  called  the  read- 
ing of  sermons.  "When  the  Revolution  commenced,  being  a  man  of  note  and  very 
sarcastic,  and  having  declared  himself  bound  by  his  oath  of  allegiance  to  maintain  the 
king's  cause,  he  became  very  unpopular.  The  Committee  of  Safety  ordered  him  to  be 
secured  as  a  dangerous  person.  Colonel  Miles,  the  Chairman  of  the  Committee,  took 
Mr.  Edwards  privately  to  his  house  and  hid  him,  and  then  expedited  the  officers  with 
the  warrant  for  his  apprehension.  Orders  went  at  once  to  Philadelphia,  to  examine  his 
son  Joshua  as  to  the  place  of  his  father's  concealment.    He  knew  nothing  of  it. 

This  must  have  been  some  time  after  Morgan  Edwards's  recantation, 
as  Joshua  was  at  that  date  only  five  years  and  nine  months  old.  The 
following  extract  from  President  Manning's  diary,  is  of  interest,  show- 
ing Mr.  Edwards's  relations  to  Manning,  Samuel  Jones  and  Colonel 
Miles  :  —  "  Philadelphia,  Tuesday,  Aug.  10th,  1779.  Mr.  Edwards,  in 
company  with  Jones  and  myself,  set  out  for  Colonel  Miles.     Distance 


iDr.R^gers  gives  the  title  of  this  remarkable  discourse  as  follows:  —  "A  New  Year's  Gift;  a 
sermon  preached  in  this  house,  January  1, 1770,  from  these  words,  This  year  thou  shalt  die."  It 
passed  through  four  editions  and  naturally  attracted  much  attention.  The  excellent  Geo.  White- 
field,  Dr.  Rogers  adds  in  a  note,  had  a  similar  delusion  in  respect  to  a  child  whom  he  named  John, 
before  its  birth,  who,  he  believed  and  predicted  was  to  be  a  preacher  of  the  everlasting  gospel, 
but  who  instead  died  in  infancy.  The  full  title  of  this  discourse,  which  I  give  from  a  copy  in  the 
College  Library,  reads  as  follows: — "A  New  Year's  Gift.  Being  a  sermon  delivered  at  Philadel- 
phia, on  January  1, 1770;  and  published  for  rectifying  some  wrong  reports,  and  presenting  others 
of  the  same  sort ;  but  chiefly  for  the  sake  of  giving  it  another  chance  of  doing  good  to  them  who 
heard  it.  By  Rev.  Morgan  Edwards,  A.  M.,  Fellow  of  Rhode  Island  College,  and  minister  of  the 
Baptist  Church  in  Philadelphia.    Printed  by  Joseph  Crukshank,  in  Second  Street." 


16  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  L 

thirteen  miles.  Arrived  in  the  evening,  and  he  and  lady  next  morning 
from  town.  He  has  a  most  elegant  seat,  gardens,  meadows,  etc.,  and  a 
most  remarkable  spring,  which  turns  three  wheels  in  one  fourth  of  a 
mile  from  its  source.  Spent  three  days  very  agreeably,  and  on  the  13th 
set  out  for  town,  Mr.  Edwards  returning  with  Mr.  Jones." 

The  following  is  Mr.  Edwards's  recantation,  which  we  take  from  Dr. 
Armitage's  history :  — 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Committee  of  White  Clay  Creek,  at  Mr.  Henry  Darby's,  in  New 
York,  Aug.  7,  1775,  William  Patterson,  Esq.,  being  in  the  chair,  Rev.  Morgan  Edwards 
attended  and  signed  the  following  recantation,  which  was  voted  satisfactory,  namely: — 

"Whereas,  I  have  some  time  since  frequently  made  use  of  rash  and  imprudent 
expressions  with  respect  to  the  conduct  of  my  fellow-countrymen,  who  are  now  engaged 
in  a  noble  and  patriotic  struggle  for  the  liberties  of  America,  against  the  arbitrary 
measures  of  the  British  ministry ;  which  conduct  has  justly  raised  their  resentment 
against  me,  I  now  confess  that  I  have  spoken  wrong,  for  which  I  am  sorry  and  ask  for- 
giveness of  the  public.  And  I  do  promise  that  for  the  future  I  will  conduct  myself  in 
such  a  manner  as  to  avoid  giving  offense,  and  at  the  same  time,  in  justice  to  myself, 
declare  that  I  am  a  friend  of  the  present  measures  pursued  by  the  friends  of  Ameri- 
can liberty,  and  do  approve  of  them,  and,  so  far  as  is  in  my  power,  will  endeavor  to  pro- 
mote them." 

The  extracts  from  the  funeral  sermon  of  Joshua  Edwards,  further 
state,  that  when  he  was  about  ten  years  old  his  father  married  the 
widow  of  Washington  Nathaniel  Evans,  a  wealthy  proprietor  of  the 
Welsh  Tract  in  Delaware,  and  that  he  went  to  reside  on  her  property  in 
Newark.  This  was  in  the  year  1780.  Previous  to  this,  according  to 
Dr.  Rogers,  he  had  married  for  his  second  wife  a  Mrs.  Singleton,  of 
Delaware.  The  remains  of  Morgan  Edwards,  Dr.  Armitage  states, 
were  at  first  buried  in  the  Baptist  meeting-house,  La  Grange  Place, 
between  Market  and  Arch  Streets,  Philadelphia.  They  now  rest  in 
Mount  Moriah  Cemetery. 

Dr.  Rogers,  who  in  1772  succeeded  Mr.  Edwards  as  pastor  of  the 
church  in  Philadelphia,  preached  the  funeral  sermon  to  which  we  have 
referred,  from  the  text  selected  by  the  deceased,  in  2  Cor.,  vi.  8 :  — 
"  By  honor  and  dishonor,  by  evil  report  and  good  report ;  as  deceivers 


1756-1763.  AND    MANNING.  17 

and  yet  true."     The  following  extracts  may  fitly  close  our  account  of 
the  first  "  mover  "  in  the  enterprise  of  founding  a  college  :  — 

Honor  Mr.  Edwards  certainly  had,  both  in  Europe  and  America.  The  College  and 
Academy  of  Philadelphia,  at  a  very  early  period,  honored  him  as  a  man  of  learning  and 
a  popular  preacher,  with  a  diploma,  constituting  him  a  Master  of  Arts ;  this  was  fol- 
lowed by  a  degree  ad  eundem,  in  the  year  1769,  from  the  College  of  Rhode  Island,  being 
the  first  Commencement  in  that  Institution.  In  this  Seminary  he  held  a  Fellowship, 
and  filled  it  with  reputation,  till  he  voluntarily  resigned  it  in  1789;  age  and  distance 
having  rendered  him  incapable  of  attending  the  meetings  of  the  Corporation  any 
longer. 

He  also  met  with  dishonor;  but  he  complained  not  much  of  this,  as  it  was  occasioned 
by  his  strong  attachment  to  the  Royal  Family  of  Great  Britain,  in  the  beginning  of  the 
American  war,  which  fixed  on  him  the  name  of  a  Tory ;  this  I  should  have  omitted 
mentioning,  had  not  the  deceased  expressly  enjoined  it  upon  me.  For  any  person  to 
have  been  so  marked  out  in  those  days  was  enough  to  bring  on  political  opposition  and 
destruction  of  property;  all  of  which  took  place  with  respect  to  Mr.  Edwards,  though 
he  never  harbored  the  thought  of  doing  the  least  injury  to  the  United  States  by  abetting 
the  cause  of  our  enemies. 

He  had  the  oversight  of  this  church  for  many  years ;  voluntarily  resigned  his  office 
when  he  found  the  cause,  which  was  so  near  and  dear  to  his  heart,  sinking  under  his 
hands,  but  continued  preaching  to  the  people  till  they  obtained  another  minister,  the 
person  who  now  addresses  you,  in  the  procuring  of  whom  he  was  not  inactive. 

After  this,  Mr.  Edwards  purchased  a  plantation  in  Newark,  New  Castle  County, 
State  of  Delaware,  and  moved  thither  with  his  family  in  the  year  1772;  he  continued 
preaching  the  Word  of  Life  and  salvation  in  a  number  of  vacant  churches  till  the  com- 
mencement of  the  American  war.  He  then  desisted,  and  remained  silent  till  after  the 
termination  of  our  Revolutionary  troubles,  and  a  consequent  reconciliation  with  this 
church ;  he  then  occasionally  read  lectures  in  divinity  in  this  city,  and  other  parts  of 
Pennsylvania;  also  in  New  Jersey,  Delaware,  and  in  New  England;  but  for  very 
particular  and  affecting  reasons  could  never  be  prevailed  upon  to  resume  the  sacred 
character  of  a  minister. 

Dr.  Rogers  speaks  of  Mr.  Edwards  as  a  "peculiar  but  worthy 
man."  His  leaving  the  ministry  after  preaching  the  remarkable  ser- 
mon to  which  we  have  referred,  his  sympathy  with  the  English  in  the 
Revolutionary  struggle,  and  his  impulsive  methods  of  speech  and  action, 
doubtless  created  distrust  in  the  minds  of  his  brethren,  and  impaired  for 

3 


18  BROWN"   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  I. 

the  time  his  usefulness.  Dr.  Rippon,  of  London,  in  a  letter  to  President 
Manning,  asks,  in  reference  to  the  apostasy  of  Winchester,  a  former 
Baptist  minister  of  Philadelphia,  —  "Is  it  true  that  Morgan  Edwards 
has  printed  a  book  in  vindication  of  him  ?  "  To  this  Manning,  under 
date  of  Aug  3,  1784,  replies :  —  "Mr.  Morgan  Edwards  has  not  printed 
in  vindication  of  his  principles,  but  he  read  me  a  manuscript,  more  than 
a  year  since  on  that  subject,  which  he  did  not  own  though  charged  with 
being  the  author.  He  did  not  deny  it,  whereby  he  was  entreated  not 
to  add  the  printing  of  this  to  the  long  list  of  imprudent  things  which 
had  so  greatly  grieved  his  friends  and  injured  his  reputation. ' ' 

On  the  12th  of  October,  1762,  the  annual  meeting  of  the  Philadel- 
phia Association  was  held  in  the  meeting-house  of  the  Lutheran  church, 
on  Fifth  Street.  Here,  in  the  quaint  language  of  the  record,  "the 
sound  of  the  organ  was  heard  in  the  Baptist  worship."  The  Rev.  Mor- 
gan Edwards  presided  as  Moderator,  and  the  Rev.  Abel  Morgan  served 
as  Clerk.  Of  the  twenty-nine  Churches  belonging  to  the  Association, 
eighteen  were  represented  by  delegates,  including  not  a  few  prominent 
and  influential  pastors  and  laymen,  whose  praises  have  been  recorded 
by  the  pen  of  a  master1  in  his  "Annals  of  the  American  Pulpit,"  and 
more  recently  in  the  "Baptist  Encyclopaedia."  The  seats  of  the 
spacious  house  were  filled  with  devout  men  and  women,  who  engaged 
with  delight  in  the  exercises  of  the  prolonged  sessions.  A  spirit  of 
calmness  and  deliberation  breathed  in  their  consultations,  and  peaceful 
unanimity  characterized  all  their  determinations.  Such  is  the  tenor  of 
the  customary  "Pastoral  Address,"  or,  as  it  is  now  called,  the  "Circu- 
lar Letter."2 

It  was  at  this  memorable  meeting  of  the  Association  that  a  motion 
was  made  by  the  Moderator  for  the  establishment  of  a  Baptist  college. 
No  formal  action  was  taken,  so  far  as  the  records  show,  but  the  matter 
was    without  t  doubt   thoroughly  discussed,  and   the   co-operation   and 

i  Rev.  Dr.  William  B.  Sprague.    Vol.  6.    Baptists. 

8  A  copy  of  the  minutes  of  the  Philadelphia  Association  from  1707  to  1807,  edited  by  the  Rev.  Dr. 
A.  D.  Gillette,  and  published  by  the  American  Baptist  Publication  Society,  8vo,  Phila.,1851,  is  in  the 
Library  of  the  University.  Also  a  set  of  the  original  minutes  in  several  quarto  volumes.  These 
minutes  contain  the  Pastoral  Addresses. 


1756-1763.  AND   MANNING.  19 

assistance  of  prominent  brethren  were  pledged,  notwithstanding  the 
difficulties  and  obstacles  in  the  way  of  an  enterprise  of  such  magnitude 
and  importance.  "The  first  mover  for  it  in  1762,"  says  Edwards,1 
"  was  laughed  at  as  the  projector  of  a  thing  impracticable.  Nay,  many 
of  the  Baptists  themselves  discouraged  the  design,  prophesying  evil  to 
the  churches  in  case  it  should  take  place,  from  an  unhappy  prejudice 
against  learning."  Well  might  the  Baptists  as  a  body  have  hesitated 
to  engage  in  so  difficult  and  responsible  an  undertaking.  The  country 
at  large  was  still,  so  to  speak,  in  its  infancy,  with  a  population  of  less 
than  three  millions.  Only  one  hundred  and  forty-two  years  had 
elapsed  since  the  Pilgrims  set  foot  on  Plymouth  Rock,  and  but  little 
more  than  a  century  and  a  half  since  Smith  and  his  adventurers  landed 
at  Jamestown.  In  the  time  intervening  there  had  been  exhausting 
wars  with  the  Indians,  and  an  incessant  struggle  for  the  bare  necessities 
of  living.  In  the  Northern  colonies  shelter  had  to  be  sought  from  the 
storms  and  frosts  of  a  rigorous  climate.  Food  had  to  be  gained  mainly 
by  the  sweat  of  the  brow,  out  of  a  soil  in  many  parts  not  overfruitf ill, 
and  everywhere  needing  labor  and  care.  Farms  had  to  be  enclosed, 
roads  to  be  built,  and  the  nameless  wants  incident  to  a  new  settlement, 
in  a  country  separated  from  civilized  Europe  by  the  broad  Atlantic,  to 
be  supplied.  All  these  things  pressed  heavily  and  sorely  upon  a  people, 
but  few  of  whom  were  blessed  with  wealth,  leaving  them  little  time  and 
still  less  means  for  books  and  schools  and  colleges.  The  Baptists,  espec- 
ially, were  poor.  In  the  New  England  colonies  they  numbered  at  this 
time,  according  to  Backus,  but  thirty-nine  churches,  including  both 
General  and  Particular  Baptists.  The  twenty-nine  churches  connected 
with  the  Philadelphia  Association  represented  the  colonies  of  Pennsyl- 
vania, New  Jersey,  New  York,  Maryland,  Delaware,  and  Virginia. 
There  were  also  churches  in  North  Carolina,  South  Carolina,  and 
Georgia,  which  afterwards  formed  the  Charleston  Association.  It  is 
within  bounds  to  state,  that  in  all  the  thirteen  colonies  there  were  at 
this  time  less  than  seventy  regularly  constituted  churches,  with  a  total 

1  "  Materials  for  a  History  of  the  Baptists  of  Rhode  Island."    See  Staples's  Annals  of  Providence, 
page  519;  Collections  of  the  Rhode  Island  Historical  Society,  Vol.  VI.,  page  348. 


20  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  I. 

membership  of  perhaps  five  thousand.  What  could  such  a  people  do 
towards  the  establishment  of  a  higher  seat  of  learning?  —  without 
wealth,  and  without  social  or  political  influence ;  in  many  places,  as  we 
have  already  stated,  fined,  scourged,  and  imprisoned  for  their  religious 
opinions,  and  everywhere,  save  in  Pennsylvania,  New  Jersey,  Delaware, 
Maryland,  and  Rhode  Island,  "scorned,"  and  like  their  Divine  Master, 
"rejected  of  men." 

On  the  other  hand,  churches  of  the  Baptist  faith  were  rapidly  multi- 
plying. The  good  sense  and  better  judgment  of  the  people,  notwith- 
standing the  perversion  of  schools  and  learning  by  the  "  Standing 
Order,"  demanded  ministers  who,  in  addition  to  the  gifts  and  graces  of 
the  Holy  Spirit,  possessed  the  aids  of  literary  and  scientific  culture. 
The  Academy  at  Hopewell,  although  eminently  prosperous  and  success- 
ful, was  yet  but  a  preparatory  school.  The  two  colleges  of  New 
England,  Harvard  and  Yale,  were  controlled  exclusively  by  the  Congre- 
gationalists,  and  were  especially  unfriendly  at  this  period  to  Anabaptists 
and  "  New  Lights,"  or  revivalists.  The  College  of  New  Jersey,  at 
Princeton,  had  been  established  by  Presbyterians,  while  Columbia  of 
New  York,  William  and  Mary  of  Virginia,  and  the  University  of 
Pennsylvania  were  under  Episcopal  control.  These  were  the  only 
American  colleges  in  existence  at  the  time  of  which  we  speak.  Not- 
withstanding the  indifference  of  some  and  the  opposition  of  others, 
there  were  pastors  of  strong  faith  and  determined  will,  like  Morgan 
Edwards,  Samuel  Jones,  Isaac  Sutton,  Abel  Morgan,  John  Gano  and 
Isaac  Eaton,  and  influential  laymen  like  Mayor  Stites,  of  Elizabethtown, 
and  John  Hart,  of  Hopewell,  the  signer  of  the  immortal  Declaration,  who 
were  ready  to  embark  in  the  proposed  enterprise.  "And  hereby,"  says 
Backus,  referring  especially  to  the  "  travels  and  labors  of  our  Southern 
fathers  and  brethren,"  in  New  England,  "the  Philadelphia  Association 
obtained  such  an  acquaintance  with  our  affairs,  as  to  bring  them  to  an 
apprehension  that  it  was  practicable  and  expedient  to  erect  a  college  in 
the  colony  of  Rhode  Island,  under  the  chief  direction  of  the  Baptists, 
wherein  education  might  be  promoted,  and  superior  learning  obtained, 


1756-1763.  AND    MANNING.  21 

free  of  any  sectarian  religious  tests.  Mr.  James  Manning,  who  took 
his  first  degree  in  New  Jersey  College  in  September,  1762,  was 
esteemed  a  suitable  leader  in  this  important  work."1 

From  the  foregoing  accounts  we  see  clearly,  that  the  "  beginnings 
in  the  history  of  Rhode  Island  College,  now  Brown  University,  are 
found  in  connection  with  the  Philadelphia  Association.  Pausing  in 
our  narrative,  we  may  introduce  here  the  following  extracts  from  the 
records  of  the  Association,  showing  a  continued  interest  in  the  Institu- 
tion which  it  had  been  instrumental  in  bringing  into  being :  — 

1764.  Agreed,  To  inform  the  churches  to  which  we  respectively  belong,  that,  inas- 
much as  a  charter  is  obtained  in  Rhode  Island  Government  toward  erecting  a  Baptist 
College,  the  churches  should  be  liberal  in  contributing  toward  carrying  the  same  into 
execution.  1766.  Agreed,  To  recommend  warmly  to  our  churches  the  interest  of  the 
College,  for  which  a  subscription  is  opened  all  over  the  continent.  This  College  hath 
been  set  on  foot  upwards  of  a  year,  and  has  now  in  it  three  promising  youths  under  the 
tuition  of  President  Manning.  1767.  Agreed,  That  the  Rev.  Isaac  Eaton,  and  John 
Hart,  Esq.,  executors  of  Mrs.  Hobbs's2  will,  be  allowed  to  pay  fourteen  pounds  toward 
the  education  of  Charles  Thompson,  student  in  Rhode  Island  College,  out  of  the  interest 
of  the  legacy  left  by  said  Mrs.  Hobbs  for  the  use  of  the  Association  in  Philadelphia. 
Agreed,  That  the  churches  be  requested  to  forward  the  subscription  for  Rhode  Island 
College.  1769.  We  received  pleasing  accounts  from  Rhode  Island  College.  Seven 
commenced  this  Fall.  The  colony  has  raised  twelve  hundred  pounds  toward  the  build- 
ing, which  will  be  begun  early  in  the  Spring.  About  one  thousand  pounds,  lawful 
currency  of  New  England,  have  been  sent  us  from  home  (Great  Britain)  toward  making 
up  a  salary  for  the  President ;  and  all  the  ministers  of  the  Association  have  implicitly 
engaged  to  exert  themselves  in  endeavoring  to  raise  money  for  the  same  purpose. 
Resolved,  That  the  moneys  which  may  be  raised  in  the  Provinces  of  New  York,  New 
Jersey  and  Pennsylvania,  shall  be  put  to  interest  in  those  Provinces,  and  not  taken  out 
of  either,  except  the  interest,  which  shall  be  subject  to  the  order  of  the  College  to  pay 
the  President's  salary,  and  for  no  other  use.  The  persons  appointed  for  receiving  the 
donations  are :  in  New  York,  the  Rev.  John  Gano;  in  the  Jerseys,  John  Stites,  Esq.; 
in  Pennsylvania,  the  Rev.  Morgan  Edwards.    They  are  to  see  that  the  securities  be 


1  History  of  the  Baptists.    Edition  of  1871.    Vol.  2,  pp.  137  and  347. 

-  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Hobbs,  widow  of  John  Hobbs,  who  died  March  26,  1767,  aged  upwards  of  eighty- 
years.  She  left  a  legacy  of  £350  for  the  education  of  pious  youths  for  the  ministry,  and  also  a  hand- 
some bequest  to  the  Hopewell  Church  of  which  she  was  a  member.  See  article  by  Dr.  S.  S.  Cutting, 
in  the  Examiner  for  Dec.  1, 1864. 


22  BROWN    UNIVERSITY  Chap.  I. 

sufficient,  and  that  the  bonds,  mortgages,  etc.,  be  deposited  with  the  Treasurer  of  the 
College.  Voted,  That  fourteen  pounds,  Jersey  currency,  be  given  to  Mr.  Thomas 
Ustick,  towards  defraying  his  expenses  at  the  College. 

Entries  like  these  continue  to  appear  in  the  records.  In  1774,  the 
Charleston  Association  proposed  a  plan  for  raising  funds,  which  was 
adopted  by  the  Philadelphia  Association,  and  also  by  the  Warren. 
This  plan  was,  in  the  language  of  the  records,  "  recommending  to  every 
member  to  pay  sixpence  sterling,  annually,  for  three  years  successively, 
to  their  Elder,  or  some  suitable  person  ;  this  money  to  be  paid  to  the 
Treasurer  of  the  College."  At  the  same  time,  says  Benedict,  the  Rev. 
Messrs.  John  Gano,  of  New  York,  and  Oliver  Hart  and  Francis  Pelot, 
of  South  Carolina,  were  appointed  to  address  the  Baptist  Associations 
throughout  America,  and  urge  their  co-operation  in  these  efforts  to  raise 
funds  for  the  College.  The  war  which  soon  afterwards  broke  out, 
arrested  of  course  these  efforts.  We  may  be  amused,  as  we  read  such 
records,  at  the  gravity  with  which  an  organized  body  of  men  could 
recommend  the  payment  of  so  small  a  sum  as  sixpence,  toward  endow- 
ing an  institution  of  learning,  especially  when  we  contrast  it  with  the 
princely  benefactions  of  later  days.  They  illustrate  what  has  already 
been  stated  respecting  the  poverty  of  the  country  at  large,  and  espec- 
ially of  the  Baptists. 

Mr.  James  Manning,  who,  according  to  Backus  "was  esteemed  a 
suitable  leader  in  the  important  work  of  erecting  a  college  in  the 
Colony  of  Rhode  Island,"  was  born  on  the  22d  of  October,  1738,  in 
Piscataway,  Middlesex  County,  New  Jersey.  This  was  originally  a 
part  of  the  "  Elizabethtown  Grant,"  so-called,  and  hence  his  birthplace  is 
sometimes  called  Elizabethtown.  The  story  of  his  life  is  the  history  of 
the  College.  Concerning  his  parentage  and  ancestors  we  have  had 
until  recently  but  little  authentic  information.  Of  late  years  Mr. 
Oliver  B.  Leonard,  City  Clerk  of  Plainfield,  New  Jersey,  whose  wife  is 
a  descendant  of  the  Mannings  and  the  Stelles,  has  made  a  careful  study 
of  the  colonial  history  of  his  state,  and  of  the  beginnings  of  Baptist 
history  in  America.     Through  his  researches  in  probate  courts,  town 


1756-1763.  AND    MANNING.  23 

records,  deeds,  conveyances,  church  registers  and  family  Bibles,  he  has 
been  enabled  to  ascertain  the  genealogy  and  history  of  the  families  to 
which  he  is  related,  the  results  of  which  he  has  kindly  placed  at  the 
writer's  disposal  and  for  which  grateful  acknowledgments  are  hereby 
tendered. 

James,  the  father  of  the  subject  of  our  sketch,  was  a  prosperous  and 
intelligent  farmer,  who  owned  a  plantation  between  Plainfield  and  New 
Brunswick,  his  farm  being  watered  by  the  little  stream  known  as  Cedar 
Brook.  His  residence  was  not  far  from  the  little  village  of  Brooklin 
and  Samp  town,  adjoining  the  lands  of  Nathaniel  Drake  and  Benjamin 
Laing.  He  was  the  son  of  James  and  Christiana  (Laing)  Manning, 
and  the  grandson  of  Jeffrey,  one  of  the  earliest  settlers  in  the  Piscata- 
way  township.  His  will,  which  is  on  record  in  the  Prerogative  Court 
at  Trenton,  is  dated  Dec.  26, 1766.  It  names  as  executors  his  sons 
Jeremiah  and  Joseph,  and  his  son-in-law  Joseph  Tingley,  and  mentions 
his  children  in  the  disposition  of  his  real  estate,  all  of  whom  were  living 
excepting  a  daughter,  Mrs.  Woodruff. 

Grace,  the  mother,  daughter  of  Joseph  and  Rebecca  (Drake)  Fitz 
Randolph,  was  one  of  thirteen  children,  most  of  whom  married  and 
reared  large  families.  Judging  from  the  character  of  him  whose  life  we 
are  considering,  and  from  the  fact  that  most  of  her  children  became 
members  of  the  church  before  they  had  attained  their  majority,  she 
was  a  woman  of  superior  moral  and  mental  endowments ;  one  who 
exemplified  in  her  daily  life  the  happy  and  sanctifying  influences 
of  the  Christian  religion.  James  thus  enjoyed  all  those  advantages 
which  are  derived  from  the  watchful  care  of  sensible,  well-to-do, 
and  religious  parents.  To  their  counsel  and  example  he  was  indebted 
for  those  principles  of  right  conduct,  and  those  cultivated  moral  sensi- 
bilities, which  saved  his  youth  from  frivolity  and  vice,  and  to  which,  ere 
he  had  attained  to  manhood,  God  was  pleased  to  add  the  regenerating 
influences  of  his  Holy  Spirit.  His  maternal  grandparents,  it  may  be 
added,  lived  in  Piscataway  township,  and  belonged  to  the  Baptist 
church.  His  grandfather  died  in  1750,  leaving  by  will  fifty  pounds  to 
each  of  his  surviving  daughters,  Grace,   Prudence  and  Rebecca,  and 


24  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  I. 

giving  his  land  to  his  sons  Ephraim,   Jeremiah,  Paul,  Thomas,  and 
Joseph. 

Seven  children  constituted  the  family  of  James  and  Grace  Manning, 
viz. :  Christiana,  who  married  Joseph  Tingley,  and  lived  in  Samptown ; 
Jeremiah,  who  was  thrice  married,  and  lived  in  Bonham  and  afterwards 
in  Bordentown ;  Enoch,  who  married  Janet  Edgar  and  died  in  Feb- 
ruary, 1791 ;  Joseph,  who  in  1777  was  elected  a  ruling  Elder  in  the 
Scotch  Plains  Baptist  Church,  and  was  thrice  married;  John,  who 
married  Sarah  van  Pelt  and  settled  on  a  farm  in  Somerset  County ;  a 
younger  sister,  who  married  a  Woodruff  and  died  previous  to  1766  ; 
and  James,  the  President  of  Rhode  Island  College.  These  are  all  men- 
tioned by  him  in  his  diaries  and  correspondence.  Concerning  young 
Manning's  school-boy  days,  but  little  can  now  be  ascertained.  He 
probably  enjoyed  better  advantages  than  most  lads  of  that  early  colonial 
period.  Elizabethtown,  then  the  chief  city  of  New  Jersey,  and  the 
centre  of  comparative  wealth  and  refinement,  was  but  ten  miles  from 
his  home.  Here  Dickinson  resided,  the  first  president  of  the  College 
of  New  Jersey,  and  here  were  the  beginnings  of  that  now  celebrated 
school  of  learning.  Five  miles  to  the  south  of  him  was  New  Brunswick, 
the  present  capital  of  Middlesex  County,  and  the  seat  of  Rutgers 
College.  Whatever  schools  he  attended,  it  is  certain  that  he  was 
thoroughly  taught  the  elementary  branches  of  knowledge.  He  was  an 
accomplished  reader,  an  excellent  penman  and  a  good  speller.  His 
manuscript  writings  furnish  abundant  evidence  of  his  proficiency  in  this 
latter  useful,  though  too  often  neglected,  "rudiment."  These  may  be 
regarded  as  matters  of  trivial  importance,  yet  they  show  that  he  did  not 
neglect  his  early  opportunities  for  instruction. 

At  the  age  of  eighteen  he  left  the  parental  roof  to  prepare  for  college 
at  the  Hopewell  Academy,  under  the  instruction  of  Mr.  Eaton,  being, 
it  is  said,  his  first  pupil.  Here  under  the  guidance  of  his  faithful  and 
beloved  teacher,  he  became  the  subject  of  renewing  grace.  How  much 
the  prayers  of  pious  loved  ones  at  home  contributed  towards  his  conver- 
sion, and  how  great  an  influence  was  thus  exerted  upon  the  destiny  of 
multitudes  in  his  after  career,  eternity  alone  will  reveal.     A  striking 


1756-1763.  AND    MANNING.  25 

instance  of  the  importance  of  prayer  in  behalf  of  colleges  and  academies 
is  here  presented.  Little  did  the  principal  of  the  infant  academy 
realize  how  greatly  the  interests  of  learning  and  religion  were  to  be 
affected  by  the  conversion  to  God  of  this  promising  youth.  In  the  sub- 
sequent relations  of  Manning  to  the  Latin  School,  the  College  and  the 
Church,  both  at  Warren  and  at  Providence,  the  results  of  his  academic 
training  at  Hopewell  are  clearly  recognized. 

Having  finished  his  preparatory  studies,  he  returned  to  his  home 
where  he  made  a  public  profession  of  religion.  He  was  baptized  by  the 
Rev.  Benjamin  Miller,  who  had  been  for  many  years  pastor  of  the 
Scotch  Plains  Baptist  Church.  Mr.  Miller  was  a  native  of  Scotch 
Plains,  who  had  been  converted  under  the  preaching  of  the  celebrated 
Gilbert  Tennent,  and  by  him  encouraged  to  enter  the  ministry.  He 
was  ordained  on  the  13th  of  February,  1748.  Here  he  continued  until 
his  death  in  1780,  a  good,  laborious  and  successful  minister.  "Never," 
said  the  Rev.  John  Gano,  who  preached  his  funeral  sermon,  "did  I 
esteem  a  ministering  brother  so  much  as  I  did  Mr.  Miller,  nor  feel  so 
sensibly  a  like  bereavement  as  that  which  I  sustained  by  his  death." 
This  is  high  praise,  coming  from  one  who  was  an  acknowledged  leader 
in  the  Baptist  denomination.  It  is  pleasant  to  note  thus  the  religious 
influences  that  surrounded  the  future  President. 

Soon  after  his  baptism,  Manning,  being  now  twenty  years  of  age, 
was  admitted  into  the  College  of  New  Jersey,  now  Princeton  Univer- 
sity, as  a  member  of  the  Freshman  Class.  This  flourishing  institution 
of  learning  had  been  founded  in  1746,  under  the  auspices  of  the  Synod 
of  New  York,1  representing,  it  is  well  known,  that  branch  of  the  Presby- 

1  Ex-President  Maclean,  the  learned  historian  of  the  college  (2  vols.,  8vo,  Phila.,  1877),  thus 
writes :  —  "  The  first  efforts  for  the  erection  of  a  college  in  New  Jersey  have  an  intimate  connection 
with  the  first  schism  in  the  Presbyterian  church.  This  schism  began  in  1741,  with  the  separation  of 
the  Presbytery  of  New  Brunswick  from  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia.  It  was  consummated  in  1745, 
by  the  withdrawal  of  the  Presbytery  of  New  York,  from  the  same  Synod,  then  the  only  one;  and  by 
the  organization  of  a  new  Synod,  under  the  title  of  The  Synod  of  New  York,  in  the  autumn  of 
that  year."  Jonathan  Dickinson,  of  Elizabethtown,  the  first  president  of  the  college,  had  been  the 
acknowledged  leader  of  the  old  Synod  of  Philadelphia,  and  he  became  no  less  the  leader  of  the 
new  Synod  now  formed.  He  was  the  intimate  friend  of  Whitefield,  who,  on  one  occasion,  visited 
him  and  preached  in  his  parish.  "  He,"  says  Sprague  in  his  'Annals,'  "  had  more  to  do  with  origi- 
nating the  College  of  New  Jersey  than  any  other  man." 

4 


26  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  I. 

terian  church,  which  sympathized,  as  did  in  general  the  Baptists,  with 
Whitefield  and  Tennent,  and  aided  in  the  promotion  of  revivals.1  The 
first  location  was  Elizabethtown,  whence  it  was  removed  to  Newark, 
where  it  remained  eight  years.  In  1756  it  was  removed  to  Princeton, 
its  present  location,  where  Nassau  Hall,  one  of  the  largest  and  finest 
structures  of  the  kind  in  the  colonies,  had  been  erected  for  its  use. 
This  afterwards  served  as  a  model  for  our  present  "University  Hall." 

At  the  time  of  Manning's  entrance  to  college,  the  institution  had  no 
presiding  officer.  President  Burr  had  died  on  the  24th  of  September, 
1757.  His  successor,  Jonathan  Edwards,  lived  only  five  weeks  after 
taking  the  oath  of  office.  The  Rev.  Samuel  Davies,  who  was  the  fourth 
president,  was  a  man  distinguished  for  his  wisdom,  piety  and  eloquence. 
Indeed,  he  has  been  regarded,  and  justly  perhaps,  as  the  prince  of 
American  preachers.  His  patriotic  sermons,  when  a  pastor  in  Virginia, 
are  said  to  have  produced  effects  as  powerful  as  those  ascribed  to  the 
orations  of  Demosthenes.2  It  was  to  him,  doubtless,  that  Manning, 
and  his  classmate,  the  celebrated  Hezekiah  Smith,  of  Haverhill,  were 
largely  indebted  for  the  model  and  inspiration  of  that  popular  and 
effective  style  of  preaching,  which  make  them  pre-eminent  among  the 
Baptist  divines  of  their  day.  Mr.  Davies,  after  a  most  successful 
career  of  eighteen  months,  as  president  of  the  college,  died  in  February, 


1  It  has  been  stated,  says  Maclean,  that  the  College  owes  its  origin  to  the  expulsion  of  David 
Brainard  and  John  Cleaveland  from  Yale  College  in  consequence  of  their  attending  meetings  of  the 
"  New  Lights,"  as  revivalists  were  then  called.  It  is  a  significant  fact  that  three  of  the  men  who 
were  most  conspicuous  in  their  sympathy  with  and  efforts  for  Brainard,  and  in  labors  to  promote 
revivals,  were  Jonathan  Dickinson,  Aaron  Burr  and  Jonathan  Edwards,  the  first  three  presidents 
of  the  College. 

2  His  "  Sermons,"  to  which  are  prefixed  a  sermon  on  his  death,  by  his  successor,  Samuel  Finley, 
and  another  discourse  on  the  same  occasion,  together  with  an  Elegiac  Poem  to  his  memory,  by  the 
Rev.  Dr.  Thomas  Gibbons,  were  published  in  London,  in  five  octavo  volumes.  A  fine  copy,  second 
and  third  editions,  is  in  the  Library  of  Brown  University.  Mr.  Davies  spent  the  early  part  of  his 
professional  life  in  Virginia,  preaching  to  destitute  churches  in  Hanover  County,  maintaining  the 
cause  of  the  Dissenters,  and  laboring  persistently  to  secure  the  religious  liberties  of  his  people 
against  the  bigotry  :and  tyranny  of  their  oppressors.  He  was  thus  a  warm  friend  of  the 
Baptists.  The  distinguished  Patrick  Henry,  who  was  born  in  Hanover  County,  was  one  of  his 
hearers,  and  an  enthusiastic  admirer  of  him  and  his  opinions.  In  1753  Mr.  Davies  had  been  chosen 
by  the  Synod  of  New  York,  at  the  instance  of  the  Trustees  of  the  College,  to  accompany  the  Rev. 
Gilbert  Tennent  to  Great  Britain  to  solicit  benefactions  for  the  young  institution.  This  service  he 
performed  with  singular  spirit  and  success. 


1756-1763.  AND    MANNING.  27 

1761.  The  following  letter  from  the  Rev.  Oliver  Hart,  whose  acquaint- 
ance Manning  had  formed  while  a  student  at  the  Hopewell  Academy, 
may  fitly  be  introduced  in  this  connection.  Mr.  Hart  was  a  leading 
Baptist  at  the  South,  the  founder  of  the  "Charleston  Baptist  Associa- 
tion," and  also  of  "  The  Religious  Society  "  to  aid  pious  young  men  in 
their  studies  for  the  ministry,  one  of  whose  beneficiaries  was  the  famous 
Dr.  Stillman,  who  afterwards  labored  so  efficiently  with  Manning  and 
Smith,  in  efforts  to  advance  the  interests  of  Rhode  Island  College  :  — 

Charleston,  April  17, 1761. 
My  Dear  Friend  :  — 

I  received  your  kind  letter  of  the  1st  of  March,  ult.,  together  with  President  Davies's 
sermon  on  the  death  of  his  late  Majesty,  —  for  which  favors  I  return  my  most  unfeigned 
thanks.  You  intimate  that  you  have  written  me  several  letters  heretofore.  I 
received  only  one  of  them  as  near  as  I  can  remember,  about  two  years  ago,  and 
to  which  I  returned  an  answer  by  the  first  opportunity.  I  lament  with  you  (and  surely 
all  the  friends  of  Zion  must  mourn)  the  loss  of  the  justly  celebrated  President  Davies. 
Oh,  what  floods  of  sorrow  must  have  overwhelmed  the  minds  of  many,  when  it 
was  echoed  from  house  to  house  and  from  village  to  village,  as  in  the  dismal  sound  of 
hoarse  thunder,  Presided  Davies  is  no  more!  Oh,  sad  and  melancholy  dispensation! 
Arise,  all  ye  sons  of  pity,  and  mourn  with  those  that  mourn.  And  thou,  my  soul,  let 
drop  the  flowing  tear  while  commiserating  the  bereaved  and  distressed.  Alas  for  the 
dear  woman,  whose  beloved  is  taken  away  with  a  stroke!  May  Jesus  be  her  husband, 
her  strength,  and  her  stay.  Alas  for  the  bereaved  children!  May  their  father's  God  be 
their  God  in  covenant.  Alas  for  the  church  of  Christ !  Deprived  of  one  of  the  principal 
pillars,  how  grievous  the  stroke  to  thee!  But  Jesus,  thy  head  and  foundation,  ever 
lives. 

And  thou,  Nassau  Hall,  lately  so  flourishing,  so  promising,  under  the  auspicious 
management  of  so  worthy  a  president  —  what  might  we  not  have  expected  from  thee! 
But  alas!  How  is  the  mighty  fallen  in  thee!  How  doth  the  large  and  beautiful  house 
appear  as  a  widow  in  sable  weeds!  And  thy  sons,  lately  so  gay  and  pleasant,  as  well 
as  promising  and  contented  —  how  do  they  retire  into  their  apartments,  and  there  with 
bitter  sighs,  heavy  groans,  and  broken  accents,  languish  out,  My  Father,  My  Father!  — 
the  chariot  of  Israel,  and  the  horsemen  thereof!     But  I  can  write  no  more. 

Yours  affectionately, 

Oliver  Hart. 


28  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  I. 

President  Davies  was  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Samuel  Finley, 
who  entered  upon  the  duties  of  his  office  in  July,  1761.  By  him  Man- 
ning was  taught  in  his  senior  year,  Latin,  Greek,  and  Hebrew.  He 
was  a  man  of  extensive  learning,  and  remarkable  for  sweetness  of  dis- 
position and  politeness  of  behavior.  In  the  early  years  of  his  ministry 
he  had  labored  with  Whitefield  and  Tennent,  in  promoting  the  great 
revival  of  religion  which  was  at  that  period  so  remarkable  throughout 
the  country.  While  a  pastor  at  Nottingham,  in  Maryland,  he  had 
established  an  academy  which  acquired  a  great  reputation.  Under 
his  instruction  many  youths  received  the  rudiments  of  learning  and 
correct  moral  sentiments.  In  his  religious  opinions  he  was  called  a 
Calvinist.  Other  instructors  of  Manning  were  Tutors  Halsey,  Treat, 
Ker,  and  Blair,  all  of  whom  afterwards  became  eminent  clergymen. 
The  last  named,  Dr.  Samuel  Blair,  was  in  1767  elected  to  the  presidency 
of  the  college.  He,  however,  declined  the  appointment.  Such  were 
the  men  to  whom  the  future  President  was  indebted  for  his  academic 
and  collegiate  training.  That  they  exerted  a  most  important  influence 
in  developing  his  character,  and  in  determining  his  subsequent  career, 
no  one  will  deny. 

Among  the  requirements  for  admission  to  the  College  of  New 
Jersey  was  one  obliging  every  student  to  transcribe  the  laws  and  cus- 
toms thereof,  which  copy,  being  signed  by  the  president,  was  to  be 
in  testimony  of  his  admission,  and  to  be  kept  by  him  while  in  college, 
as  a  rule  of  his  good  behavior.  Among  the  Smith  papers  is  a  copy  of 
these  laws,  which  are  published  in  full  in  the  life1  of  Smith,  as  an  illus- 
tration of  the  colonial  times.  "Laws,"  says  Montesquieu,  "in  their  most 
extensive  sense,  are  the  necessary  relations  arising  from  the  nature  of 
things.  In  this  sense,  all  beings  have  their  laws,  the  Deity  his  laws, 
the  material  world  its  laws,  the  intelligences  superior  to  man  their 
laws,  man  his  laws,  the  beasts  their  laws."  No  apology  need  be 
required  for  introducing  at  this  point  extracts  from  these  laws,  espec- 

i"  Chaplain  Smith  and  the  Baptists;  or,  Life,  Journal,  Letters  and  Addresses  of  the  Rev.  Heze- 
kiah  Smith,  D.  D.,  of  Haverhill,  Massachusetts,  1737-1805."  By  Reuben  A.  Guild.  12mo.  Phila., 
Amer.  Bap.  Pub.  Soc,  1885. 


1756-1763.  AND    MANNING.  29 

ially  as  they  formed  the  basis  for  the   government  and  discipline  of 
Rhode  Island  College  :  — 

Laws  of  the  College  of  New  Jersey. 

None  may  expect  to  be  admitted  into  the  College  but  such  as  having  been  examined 
by  the  President  and  Tutors,  shall  be  found  able  to  render  Virgil  and  Tully's  Orations 
into  English ;  to  turn  English  into  true  and  grammatical  Latin ;  and  so  well  acquainted 
with  the  Greek  as  to  render  any  part  of  the  four  Evangelists  in  that  language  into  Latin 
or  English,  and  give  the  grammatical  construction  of  the  words. 

Such  as  are  candidates  for  the  degree  of  Bachelors,  shall  at  some  convenient  time, 
before  the  public  Commencement,  submit  to  a  strict  and  critical  examination,  before  the 
President  and  as  many  of  the  Trustees  as  can  conveniently  attend,  and  any  other  gen- 
tleman of  liberal  education  as  shall  see  cause  to  be  present ;  and  upon  their  approbation, 
may  expect  to  be  admitted  to  the  honors  of  the  College. 

Those  who  have  prosecuted  their  studies  for  three  years,  after  obtaining  their  first 
degree,  if  they  have  not  been  scandalous  in  their  lives  and  conversation,  shall  be 
admitted  to  the  degree  of  Master  of  Arts. 

The  President,  or  in  his  absence  one  of  the  Tutors,  shall,  morning  and  evening,  read 
a  portion  of  the  Holy  Scriptures,  and  pray  with  the  students. 

Every  student  shall  be  obliged  to  give  his  attendance  at  all  such  religious  exercises, 
and  those  that  absent  themselves,  for  every  offense  shall  be  punished  in  a  fine  of  two 
pence,  proc.,1  and  those  who  do  not  timely  attend,  one  penny,  unless  detained  by  sick- 
ness, or  some  other  excuse  as  shall  be  deemed  sufficient. 

The  students  on  every  Lord's  Day  shall  attend  Divine  Service  in  some  place  of  public 
worship ;  which,  if  they  without  sufficient  excuse  omit,  shall  be  punished  in  a  fine  of 
four  pence,  proc.  j1  and  shall  pay  a  religious  regard  to  the  Lord's  Day  by  keeping  in 
their  rooms  and  not  visiting,  or  admitting  others  into  their  company.  And  it  is  judged 
expedient  and  hereby  ordered,  that  no  student  be  out  of  his  room  on  the  evening  next 
after  Saturday,  or  next  after  Lord's  Day,  except  for  religious  purposes,  or  some  neces- 
sary occasion,  under  penalty  of  four  pence  for  every  offense. 

None  of  the  students  shall  frequent  taverns,  or  places  of  public  entertainment,  or 
keep  company  with  persons  of  known  scandalous  lives,  who  will  be  likely  to  vitiate 
their  morals.  Those  that  practise  contrary  to  this  law,  shall  first  be  admonished,  and 
if  they  still  persist  in  such  dangerous  company,  shall  be  expelled  the  College. 

None  of  the  students  shall  play  at  cards,  or  dice,  or  any  other  unlawful  game,  upon 
the  penalty  of  a  fine  not  exceeding  five  shillings  proc.  for  the  first  offense ;  for  the  sec- 
ond public  admonition ;  for  the  third  expulsion. 


1  Proclamation  money,  six  shillings  to  the  dollar. 


30  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  I. 

None  of  the  students  shall  he  ahsent  from  their  chamhers  without  leave  first  obtained 
from  the  President  or  one  of  the  Tutors,  unless  half  an  hour  after  morning  prayer  and 
recitations,  an  hour  and  a  half  after  dinners,  and  from  evening  prayer  until  seven 
o'clock,  on  the  penalty  of  four  pence  proc.  for  each  offense. 

If  any  scholar  shall  persist  in  the  careless  neglect  of  his  studies,  and  shall  not  make 
suitable  preparation  for  the  stated  recitations  and  other  scholastic  exercises  appointed 
for  his  instruction,  after  due  admonition  he  shall  be  expelled. 

Every  student  shall  be  obliged  to  pay  for  his  tuition  in  the  College  the  sum  of  fifteen 
shillings  proc.  every  quarter.1 

Every  one  that  is  admitted  to  the  honor  of  a  degree  shall  pay  thirty  shillings  proc.  to 
the  President  of  the  College. 

The  Tutors  shall  frequently  visit  their  pupils  in  their  chambers,  to  direct  and 
encourage  tbem  in  their  studies,  and  see  that  they  are  diligently  employed  about  their 
proper  business. 

No  scholar  shall  be  allowed  to  make  any  treat  or  entertainment  in  his  chamber  on 
any  account,  or  have  any  private  meals,  without  having  first  obtained  leave  of  the 
President  or  Tutors. 

No  jumping  or  hallooing  or  boisterous  noise  shall  be  suffered  in  the  College  at  any 
time,  or  walking  in  the  gallery  in  the  time  of  study. 

No  scholar  shall  spread  abroad  anything  transacted  in  this  house,  which  being  pub- 
licly known  may  tend  to  injure  the  credit  of  this  Institution  or  disturb  the  peace  of  the 
members. 

Every  student  shall  pay  four  pence  per  quarter  for  study,  rent,  sweeping  their  room, 
and  making  their  beds.  And  such  as  smoke  or  chew  tobacco,  five  pence ;  and  one 
shilling  for  incidental  charges. 

Customs. 

Every  member  of  the  College  shall  treat  the  authority  of  the  same,  and  all  superiors, 
in  a  becoming  manner,  paying  that  respect  that  is  due  to  every  one  considered  in  his 
proper  place. 

Every  scholar  shall  keep  his  hat  off  about  ten  rods  to  the  President  and  five  to  the 
Tutors. 

Every  Freshman  sent  on  an  errand  shall  go  and  do  it  faithfully  and  make  quick 
return. 

Every  scholar  shall  rise  up  and  make  obeisance  when  the  President  goes  in  or  out  of 
the  hall,  or  enters  the  pulpit  on  days  of  religious  worship. 

When  he  first  comes  into  the  company  of  a  superior,  or  in  speaking  to  him,  he  shall 
show  him  respect  by  pulling  off  his  hat. 


1  The  yearly  dues  for  tuition  at  Brown  are  now  one  hundred  and  five  dollars,  which  is  more  than 
ten  times  the  amount  required  at  Princeton  in  the  days  of  Manning. 


1756-176;?.  AND    MANNING.  31 

If  called  or  spoken  to  by  a  superior,  if  within  hearing,  he  shall  give  a  direct  and 
pertinent  answer,  with  the  word,  Sir,  at  the  end  thereof. 

If  overtaking  a  superior,  or  met  by  him  going  up  or  down  a  pair  of  stairs,  he  shall 
stop,  giving  him  the  banister  side. 
.  No  Freshman  shall  ever  wear  a  gown. 

No  member  of  College  may  appear  abroad  dressed  in  an  indecent  or  slovenly  man- 
ner, but  must  be  entire  and  complete. 

No  member  of  the  College  shall  wear  his  hat  in  the  College  at  any  time,  or  appear  in 
the  dining  room  at  meal  time,  in  the  hall  at  any  public  exercises,  or  knowingly  in  the 
presence  of  any  of  the  authorities  of  the  College,  without  an  upper  garment,  and  having 
shoes  and  stockings  tight. 

The  reader  of  these  Laws  and  Customs  will  not  fail  to  observe  that 
college  students  in  colonial  days  were  accustomed  to  habits  of  obedi- 
ence, and  of  strict  subjection  to  authority.  While  at  Princeton,  Man- 
ning occasionally  returned  to  Hopewell  and  assisted  Mr.  Eaton  in  the 
instruction  of  the  pupils  under  his  care.  Concerning  his  student  life 
our  information  is  very  limited.  He  was  remarkable  for  diligence  and 
attention  to  his  studies,  — habits  which  gained  for  him  a  reputation  for 
superior  scholarship.  In  Rhetoric,  Eloquence,  Moral  Philosophy,  and 
the  Classics,  he  especially  excelled.  He  was  fond  of  athletic  exercise, 
and  devoted  many  of  his  hours  for  recreation  to  manly  and  invigorating 
sports.1  "Sana  mens  in  sano  corpore,"  may  have  been  his  motto.  In 
his  conduct  we  may  well  believe  that  he  was  uniformly  regular,  thus 
maintaining  a  good  standing  with  the  officers  of  the  college,  and 
securing  the  friendship  and  esteem  of  his  fellow  students. 

He  was  graduated  on  the  29th  of  September,  1762,  with  the  second 
honors  of  his  class.  This  class  consisted  of  twenty-one,  and  included 
some  excellent  scholars,  who  afterwards  distinguished  themselves  in 


1  In  his  youth,  says  Judge  Howell,  who  knew  him  well,  he  was  remarkable  for  his  dexterity  in 
athletic  exercises,  for  the  symmetry  of  his  body,  and  gracefulness  of  his  person.  Had  he  lived  in 
our  day  he  could  easily  have  been  captain  of  a  base-ball  nine  or  of  a  foot-ball  club.  In  his  maturer 
years  he  weighed  upwards  of  three  hundred  pounds.  Concerning  his  bulk  the  Hon.  Wm.  Hunter, 
one  of  his  pupils,  thus  writes  : —  "  His  motions  and  gestures  were  so  easy  and  graceful,  that  ordi- 
nary observers  thought  not  of  his  immense  volume  of  flesh,  and  those  who  criticised,  admired  the 
manner  in  which  it  was  spontaneously  wielded.  I  do  not  know  that  he  had  ever  read  Hogarth's 
Analysis  of  Beauty,  but  he  moved  in  his  line  of  grace." 


32  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  I. 

their  several  professions  and  walks  of  life.  Among  them  may  be  men- 
tioned the  Rev.  Hezekiah  Smith,  his  life-long  intimate  friend,  known 
as  "the  great  man  of  Haverhill,"  and  a  distinguished  chaplain  in  the 
War  of  the  Revolution ;  Ebenezer  Hazard,  who  was  the  first  Postmaster- 
General  of  the  United  States,  after  the  adoption  of  the  Federal  Consti- 
tution, and  published  in  two  large  quarto  volumes  a  valuable  collection 
of  documents  relating  to  American  history;  Jonathan  Dickinson  Ser- 
geant, a  member  of  the  Continental  Congress,  and  the  first  Attorney- 
General  of  Pennsylvania ;  Rev.  Joseph  Periam,  for  several  years  a 
Tutor  in  the  college,  distinguished  for  his  attainments  in  Mathe- 
matics and  Metaphysics;  Hugh  Alison,  a  Presbyterian  minister;  and 
Hon.  Isaac  Allen  who  was  the  Valedictorian.  An  account  of  the  Com- 
mencement is  given  in  the  Pennsylvania  Gazette,  and  published  in 
full  in  Maclean's  Historj^.  The  exercises  were  introduced  by  "an 
elegant  salutatory  oration,"  in  Latin,  by  Manning.  A  copy  of  this 
oration,  in  the  well  known  hand-writing  of  the  author,  is  in  our  posses- 
sion. But  for  its  length  it  would  have  been  published,  not  as  light  or 
interesting  reading,  but  as  an  illustration  of  the  scholarship  of  the  man, 
and  the  customs  of-  the  college.  The  parchment  for  his  Bachelor's 
degree  reads  as  follows :  — 

Praeses  et  Curatores  Collegii  Neo-Csesariensis  omnibus  et  singulis  has  literas  lec- 
turis  Salutem  in  Domino.  Notum  sit  quod  nobis  placet  auctoritate  Regio  Diplomate 
commissa  Jacobum  Manning  candidatum  primum  in  Artibus  gradurn  constitutum 
examine  sufficiente  praevio  approbatum  titulo  graduque  artium  liberalium  Baccalaurei 
adonare  cujus  sigillum  comminus  Collegii  Neo-Csesariensis  huic  membranse  affixum 
nominaque  nostra  subscripta  testimonium  sint. 

Datum  Aulse  Nassonicae  in  Nova  Csesaria  Samuel  Finley,  Prseses. 

tertio    Calendas    Octobris    Anno   JErse  Richard  Treat,         \ 

Christi  Millesimo  Septingentesimo  Israel  Read,  i 

Sexagessimo  secundo.  Caleb  Smith,  \    „ 

Samuel  Woodruff,  ( 
William  C.  Smith,  I 
R.  Harris,  / 


1756-1763.  AND   MANNING.  33 

Reference  has  already  been  made  to  Manning's  conversion  at  the 
Hopewell  Academy,  the  special  object  of  which  institution  was  "  the 
education  of  youth  for  the  ministry."  The  influence  of  principal  Eaton, 
and  the  example  of  such  preachers  as  presidents  Davies  and  Finley, 
combined  with  his  own  natural  talents  and  inclinations,  could  hardly 
fail  to  turn  his  thoughts  towards  the  ministry  as  his  own  profession  and 
calling.  Soon  after  graduation  he  was  regularly  "  licensed ' '  by  the 
church  of  which  he  was  a  member.  The  following  documents,  mostly 
found  among  the  Gano  papers  in  the  possession  of  the  late  Mrs.  Eliza 
B.  Rogers,  will  repay  careful  perusal :  — 

The  Church  of  Jesus  Christ,  meeting  together  at  the  Scotch  Plains,  in  the  County 
of  Essex,  and  Province  of  New  Jersey,  professing  Believer's  Baptism,  Laying  on  of 
Hands,  Eternal  Election,  Final  Perseverance,  etc. 

And  heing  met  this  first  day  of  December,  Anno  Domini,  1762,  have  unanimously 
agreed  to  call  James  Manning,  A.  B.,  a  member  in  full  communion  with  us,  to  the  trial 
of  his  ministerial  gifts  in  this  church,  at  our  next  meeting  of  business,  or  on  the  first 
convenient  opportunity  next  following. 

Signed  by  us  at  our  meeting  of  business,  Benjamin  Miller,  Pastor. 

December  1, 1762.  Recompense  Stanburg,  Elder. 

Samuel  Drake,  Elder. 
Samuel  Doty,  Elder. 
William  Darby,  Deacon. 

The  "trial  "  was  satisfactory,  and  a  license  to  preach  was  cordially 
voted  him  two  months  later,  as  appears  from  the  following  carefully 
prepared  document :  — 

The  Church  of  Jesus  Christ  at  the  Scotch  Plains,  maintaining  the  doctrine  of 
Believer's  Baptism,  Laying  on  of  Hands,  Eternal  Election,  Special  Vocation,  and  Final 
Perseverance,  having  called  our  loving  brother,  James  Manning,  A.  B.,  to  the  trial  of 
his  ministerial  gifts ;  and  finding  upon  his  improvement  in  preaching  full  satisfac- 
tion;—  we  do  hereby  call  and  license  him  to  preach  publicly  amongst  us  as  often  as 
opportunity  shall  present; —  And  also  we  recommend  him  as  one  sound,  regular,  and 
qualified  to  preach  the  Gospel  wherever  he  may  have  a  legal  call,  either  in  our  sister 
6 


34 


BROWN    UNIVERSITY 


Chap.  I. 


churches  or  associations,  praying  that  the  Divine  blessing  may  be  with  him,  and  accom- 
pany his  labors,  to  the  glory  of  God,  and  the  spiritual  good  of  immortal  souls. 


Signed  at  our  meeting  of  business, 
February  6,  1763. 


Benjamin  Miller,  Pastor. 
Recompense  Stanburg,  Elder. 
Samuel  Drake,  Elder. 
Samuel  Doty,  Elder. 
William  Darby,  Deacon. 


On  the  23d  of  March  following,  he  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Margaret  Stites,  daughter  of  John  Stites,  Esq.,  of  Elizabethtown.  He 
had  corresponded  with  her  while  a  student  in  college.  Under  date  of 
Aug.  23,  1759,  he  writes,  urging  upon  her  attention  the  subject  of 
personal  religion.  This  letter,  which  has  recently  come  to  light,  we 
here  present  in  part,  as  an  illustration  of  the  author's  fervent  piety  and 
zeal,  and  as  a  part  of  his  early  life  :  — 

Affectionate  Friend. 

Amongst  the  various  pursuits  of  mankind,  religion  is  the  most  noble,  the  most 
exalted,  and  the  most  worthy  of  our  highest  regard  in  efforts  to  obtain ;  notwithstand- 
ing all  the  scoffs  and  jeers  of  an  ungodly  world.  Seeing  then,  my  dear  Friend,  that 
there  is  no  greater  happiness  in  this  world,  and  no  other  way  to  arrive  at  happiness  in 
the  world  to  come,  than  by  believing  the  record  which  God  gave  of  his  Son,  and  giving 
up  ourselves  to  God  wholly  and  unreservedly  through  a  glorious  Mediator,  how  watch- 
ful should  we  be,  how  earnestly  should  we  cry  day  and  night,  that  God  would  pardon 
all  our  sins,  and  receive  us  as  righteous  in  his  sight,  through  the  imputed  righteousness 
of  Jesus  Christ. 


The  writer  goes  on  to  describe  the  nature  of  conversion,  and  the 
danger  of  those  who  neglect  salvation,  closing  with  an  urgent,  personal 
appeal.  "Whether  his  friend  responded  to  this  appeal  is  nowhere  stated ; 
she  certainly  did  not  make  a  profession  of  religion  until  some  twelve 
years  after  her  marriage. 

The  father  of  Miss  Stites  was  a  prominent  and  wealthy  lay  member 
of  the  Baptist  Church,  and  for  several  years  Mayor  or  Chief  Magistrate 
of  Elizabethtown.     His  place  of  residence  was  Connecticut  Farms,  a 


1756-1763.  AND    MANNING.  35 

delightful  agricultural  village  four  miles  from  Elizabethtown,  and  in 
his  day  a  part  of  that  borough.  Some  time  previous  to  1749,  a  num- 
ber of  families  from  Connecticut  had  purchased  a  large  tract  of  land 
and  divided  it  into  farms  of  a  convenient  size,  giving  this  village  its 
present  name.  Washington,  it  is  said,  when  passing  through  this  sec- 
tion, pronounced  it  the  "garden  of  New  Jersey,"  on  account  of  its 
beauty  and  fertility.  Here  was  the  Stites  home,  which,  before  the  dis- 
asters of  the  war,  and  while  the  owner  was  in  affluent  circumstances, 
was  the  centre  of  an  abundant  hospitality.  Here  Manning  and  his  wife 
were  always  welcome  guests. 

Concerning  the  ancestry  of  the  Stites  family  but  little  can  be  ascer- 
tained. William,  the  father  of  John,  moved  from  Hampstead,  Long 
Island,  to  Springfield,  a  small  village  in  Essex  County,  six  miles  from 
Elizabethtown.  This  was  in  1727,  as  appears  from  a  date  on  his  tomb- 
stone in  the  old  burying  ground.  He  had  a  son  named  William  who 
resided  in  Elizabethtown,  to  whom  Manning  refers  as  his  M  uncle  "  under 
date  of  1779. !  John  was  the  oldest  son.  From  the  few  facts  at  hand 
concerning  him,  it  is  evident  that  he  was  a  man  of  ability  and  of  widely 
extended  influence.  In  the  minutes  of  the  Philadelphia  Association, 
under  date  of  1769,  it  is  recorded  that  he  was  appointed  by  that  body 
to  receive  donations  in  the  Jerseys  for  Rhode  Island  College.  His  three 
sons  were  all  educated  at  the  Hopewell  Academy.  Furthermore  he 
was  the  father-in-law  of  two  of  the  most  prominent  men  in  the  Baptist 
denomination.  He  died  in  1782,  as  appears  from  a  letter  to  Judge 
Howell,  dated  November  19th,  in  which  Manning  speaks  of  Dr.  Dayton 
as  "the  acting  Executor  of  his  father-in-law's  estate."2  The  mother's 
maiden  name  does  not  appear.  She  died  in  1784,  two  years  after  her 
husband's  decease.  In  a  letter  to  Dr.  Smith,  dated  July  3d,  Manning 
speaks  of  his  wife  as  having  sailed  on  the  27th  ultimo,  "  to  enjoy  the  last 
interview  with  her  dear  Mamma,  just  about  to  leave  us  by  a  consump- 
tion."3 


1  Manning  and  Brown  University,  page  280. 

2  Ibid,  page  292. 
» Ibid,  page  336. 


36  BROWN    UNIVERSITY  Chap.  I. 

Seven  children  constituted  the  Stites  household,  viz.,  Mary;  Heze- 
kiah,  a  physician  who  resided  at  Cranberry,  and  died  in  1797 ;  Sarah, 
who  married  the  Rev.  John  Gano ;  Margaret,  who  married  Manning ; 
John,  a  physician,  and  afterwards  a  merchant,  to  whom  Manning 
in  his  correspondence  refers  as  a  resident  of  New  York  ;l  and  Richard, 
the  youngest,  who  was  one  of  the  first  graduates  of  Rhode  Island  Col- 
lege ;  he  was  killed  in  battle  at  Long  Island,  being  captain  of  a  com- 
pany under  Gen.  Nathanael  Greene. 

Manning's  marriage  proved  a  source  of  great  domestic  felicity.  The 
wife  possessed  those  elegant  accomplishments  and  superior  qualities 
which  well  accorded  with  her  husband's  character,  and  happily  fitted 
her  for  the  discharge  of  duties  inseparable  from  public  positions  of  honor 
and  usefulness.  She  was  also  lovely  and  attractive  in  person,  if  one 
may  judge  from  her  portrait,  which  hangs  beside  that  of  her  husband  in 
Sayles  Memorial  Hall.2  The  blessings  of  offspring  were,  however,  denied 
them.  She  survived  her  beloved  companion  many  years,  and  after  a 
long  and  retired  widowhood,  died  in  Providence,  Nov.  9,  1815,  at  the 
advanced  age  of  seventy-five.  At  the  time  of  their  marriage  she  was 
not,  as  has  already  been  stated,  a  professor  of  religion.  During  a  pow- 
erful revival  under  her  husband's  preaching,  in  1775,  she  became  a 
hopeful  convert,  and  was  received  into  the  fellowship  of  the  Baptist 
Church.  The  joys  and  consolations  of  a  well-grounded  hope  in  Christ 
thus  comforted  her  in  her  bereavement,  soothed  her  declining  years, 
and  cheered  her  djdng  hours. 

On  the  19th  of  April,  a  few  weeks  after  his  marriage,  Manning  was 
publicly  ordained  and  set  apart  for  his  chosen  work,  as  a  preacher  and 
an  evangelist.  The  sermon  on  the  occasion  was  preached  by  his 
brother-in-law,  the  Rev.  John  Gano,  who  had  but  recently  been  settled 
over  the  newly-constituted  Baptist  Church  in  New  York.  His  teacher 
and  spiritual  guide  at  the  Academy,  the  Rev.  Isaac  Eaton,  gave  the 


1  Manning  and  Brown  University,  page  355. 

1  This  portrait  was  bequeathed  to  Brown  University  by  Miss  Maria  Benedict,  a  daughter  of  Rev. 
Dr.  David  Benedict,  and  a  niece  of  Mrs.  Eliza  B.  Rogers,  whose  property  she  inherited.  Dr.  Man- 
ning's portrait  was  bequeathed  by  Mrs.  Manning,  in  her  will,  recorded  November,  1815. 


1756-1763.  AND   MANNING.  37 

charge,  and  his  beloved   friend,  the  Rev.  Isaac  Stelle,1  of  Piscataway, 

made  the  ordaining  prayer. 

By  the  following  letter  from  the  Rev.  Oliver  Hart,  it  appears  that  he 

was  invited  about  this  time  to  settle  in  Charleston,  South  Carolina,  as 

assistant  pastor  of  the  Baptist  Church.     This  invitation,  fortunately  for 

the  interests  of  learning  and  religion  in  New  England,  he  felt  obliged 

to  decline,  having  already  entered  upon  the  great  educational  work,  to 

which  his  future  was  to  be  consecrated :  — 

Charleston,  June  20, 1763. 
Dear  Mr.  Manning: 

A  few  days  ago  I  had  the  pleasure  to  forward  a  call  to  you,  from  this  church,  to 
come  over  and  assist  me  in  breaking  the  bread  of  life  to  the  dear  people  of  my  charge. 
I  hope  enough  has  been  said  to  induce  you  to  come  over  to  this  "  delightful  region,"  if  1 
may  use  your  own  words.  Since  I  wrote  you  last,  I  have  received  letters  from  Mr. 
Gano,  who  informs  me  that  you  are  married,  ordained,  and  not  settled;  and  that  you 
intend  a  journey  to  the  eastward  before  you  settle  anywhere.  I  assure  you  that  this 
gives  me  hope  that  you  will  settle  to  the  southward,  seeing  you  are  not  yet  engaged. 

I  congratulate  you  on  your  having  entered  into  a  new  state  of  life,  and  hope  you  will 
enjoy  all  the  comforts  which  the  married  state  can  afford.  I  welcome  you  into  the  vine- 
yard of  the  Lord  as  one  of  his  laborers.  You  are  now  an  ambassador  for  the  King  of 
Kings.  I  doubt  not  but  that  a  sense  of  the  importance  of  the  work  lies  with  weight 
upon  your  mind.  Well,  he  who  is  the  Lord  our  righteousness  is  also  the  Lord  our 
strength.  I  have  only  to  say,  I  hope  God  will  send  you  upon  an  embassy  to  this  place, 
where  you  will  be  welcomed  to  my  heart,  to  my  house,  and  to  my  people,  and  where  you 
will  have  a  hopeful  prospect  of  doing  much  good. 

Remember  me  in  kind  love  to  your  other  self.  Tell  her  I  wish  her  joy  in  her  new 
state,  and  hope  for  the  pleasure  of  saluting  her  in  Charleston,  where  many  who3e  ambi- 
tion will  be  to  make  her  happy  will  rejoice  to  see  her.  If  the  call  should  happen  by  any 
means  to  miscarry,  pray  look  upon  this  as  one,  and  do  not  engage  until  you  receive  a 
duplicate  of  that  already  sent.    I  wish  you  great  grace,  and  am 

Yours  in  Jesus, 

Oliver  Hart. 


1  Mr.  Stelle  was  the  son  of  Benjamin  Stelle,  a  worthy  magistrate,  who  for  many  years  was  pastor 
of  the  Piscataway  Church.  Upon  the  death  of  his  father  in  1759,  Isaac  succeeded  to  the  pastoral 
office,  continuing  in  it  until  his  death  in  1781.  His  son  Benjamin  was  educated  at  the  Hopewell 
Academy,  and  graduated  at  the  College  of  New  Jersey  in  1766.  He  came  to  Providence  soon  after- 
wards and  established  a  Latin  School,  as  is  learned  from  a  letter  of  President  Manning  to  David 
Howell.  The  late  Hon.  Nicholas  Brown,  as  has  been  previously  noted,  married  a  daughter  of  Mr. 
Stelle  for  his  second  wife. 


38  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  I. 

An  account  of  the  Rev.  John  Gano,  to  whom  Mr.  Hart  here  alludes, 
and  whose  name  so  frequently  recurs  throughout  these  pages,  who  was 
so  intimately  associated  with  Manning  in  his  efforts  to  promote  the 
cause  of  sound  learning  and  ministerial  education,  may  fitly  close  this 
chapter.  He  was  regarded  by  Baptists  in  his  day  as  a  "  star  of  the 
first  magnitude,"  a  "prince  among  the  hosts  of  Israel."  Possessed  of 
superior  natural  talents  and  a  great  knowledge  of  human  nature,  he 
adapted  himself  with  singular  readiness  to  the  varied  circumstances  of 
his  eventful  life.  His  ancestors  were  Huguenots.  Francis  Gerneaux, 
as  the  name  was  originally  spelled,  was  his  great-grandfather.  He 
escaped  from  the  island  of  Guernsey  during  the  bloody  persecution  that 
arose  in  consequence  of  the  revocation  of  the  Edict  of  Nantes,  and, 
arriving  in  this  country,  settled  at  New  Rochelle,  where  he  died  at  the 
extraordinary  age  of  one  hundred  and  three  years.  John  was  born  at 
Hopewell,  New  Jersey,  July  22,  1727.  He  was  therefore  Manning's 
senior  by  eleven  years  and  upwards.  His  parents  were  eminently  pious, 
and  from  his  earliest  years  he  was  faithfully  instructed  in  the  great 
principles  of  religion.  At  the  age  of  twenty-eight  he  was  united  in 
marriage  to  Miss  Sarah  Stites,  who  proved  to  be  a  most  agreeable  com- 
panion, and  an  efficient  auxiliary  to  his  usefulness.  Eleven  children  — 
seven  sons  and  four  daughters  —  were  the  fruits  of  this  union;  one  of 
whom,  Dr.  Stephen  Gano,  was  for  a  period  of  thirty-six  years  (1792- 
1828),  the  honored  and  efficient  pastor  of  the  First  Baptist  Church  in 
Providence.  In  June,  1762,  the  First  Baptist  Church  in  New  York, 
consisting  of  twenty-seven  members  dismissed  for  this  purpose  from  the 
Scotch  Plains  Church,  was  organized,  and  Mr.  Gano  became  its  pastor. 
Here  he  continued  for  a  quarter  of  a  century,  excepting  the  time  he  was 
absent  from  the  city  in  consequence  of  the  war.  During  his  ministry 
the  church  was  greatly  prospered,  receiving  by  baptism  upwards  of  three 
hundred  members. 

Mr.  Gano  early  espoused  the  cause  of  his  country  in  the  contest  with 
Great  Britain.  At  the  commencement  of  the  war  he  joined  the  standard 
of  freedom  in  the  capacity  of  Chaplain  to  General  Clinton's  New  York 
brigade,  and  by  his  preaching  and  example  contributed  not  a  little  to 


1756-1763.  AND    MANNING.  39 

impart  a  determined  spirit  to  the  soldiers.  Though  his  duties  were 
peaceful  he  did  not  shun  scenes  of  danger.  Headley,  in  his  "  Chaplains 
and  Clergy  of  the  Revolution,"  says :  — "  In  the  fierce  conflict  on  Chatter- 
ton's  Hill,  Mr.  Gano  was  continually  under  fire,  and  his  cool  and  quiet 
courage  in  thus  fearlessly  exposing  himself,  was  afterwards  commented  on 
in  the  most  glowing  terms  by  the  officers  who  stood  near  him. "  In  speak- 
ing of  his  conduct  on  this  occasion  he  himself  modestly  says  :  — "  My  sta- 
tion in  time  of  action  I  knew  to  be  among  the  surgeons,  but  in  this  battle 
I  somehow  got  in  the  front  of  the  regiment,  yet  I  durst  not  quit  my 
place  for  fear  of  dampening  the  spirits  of  the  soldiers,  or  of  bringing  on 
myself  an  imputation  of  cowardice."  Headley  further  states  that  when 
he  "  saw  more  than  half  the  army  flying  from  the  sound  of  cannon,  others 
abandoning  their  pieces  without  firing  a  shot,  and  a  brave  band  of  six 
hundred  maintaining  a  conflict  with  the  whole  British  army,  filled  with 
chivalrous  and  patriotic  sympathy  for  the  valiant  men  that  refused  to 
run,  he  could  not  resist  the  strong  desire  to  share  their  perils,  and  he 
eagerly  pushed  forward  to  the  front."  Mr.  Gano  continued  in  the  army 
till  the  conclusion  of  the  war.  On  the  19th  of  April,  1783,  Washington 
proclaimed  peace  from  the  "New  Building"  at  Newburg,  and  the  patri- 
otic Chaplain,  in  the  presence  of  the  Commander-in-Chief,  offered  up  a 
prayer  of  thanksgiving  and  praise  to  the  Almighty  Ruler  of  the 
Universe. 

In  1788  Mr.  Gano  left  his  Society  in  New  York,  and  removed  to 
Kentucky.  He  died  at  Frankfort,  in  1804,  in  the  seventy-eighth  year  of 
his  age.  Hon.  Charles  S.  Todd,  formerly  Ambassador  from  the  United 
States  to  Russia,  in  a  communication  to  the  Rev.  Dr.  Sprague,  says :  — 
"Well  do  I  remember  the  venerable  and  imposing  appearance  which  he 
used  to  make,  as  he  walked  the  streets,  and  how  everybody  respected 
him,  both  as  a  Christian  gentleman  and  a  minister  of  the  Gospel."  "He 
was  in  person,"  says  the  Rev.  Dr.  Furman,  "  below  the  middle  stature, 
and,  when  young,  of  a  slender  form ;  but  of  a  vigorous  constitution, 
well  fitted  for  performing  active  services  with  ease,  and  for  suffering 
labors  and  privations  with  constancy.  In  the  more  advanced  stages  of 
life  his   body  tended  to  corpulency.     His  presence  was  manly,  open, 


40  BROWN   UNIVERSITY.  Chap.  I. 

and  engaging.  His  voice  was  strong  and  commanding,  yet  agreeable, 
and  capable  of  all  those  inflections  which  are  suited  to  express  either  the 
strong  or  tender  emotions  of  an  intelligent,  feeling  mind. ' ' 

Memoirs  of  Mr.  Gano,  written  principally  by  himself,  were  published 
in  a  small  duodecimo  form  in  1806.  This  is  now  a  very  rare  book,  and 
much  sought  after.  He  was  one  of  the  first  trustees  of  Rhode  Island 
College,  and  as  such  rendered  good  and  efficient  service.  Cathcart  has 
a  fine  likeness  of  him  in  his  "Baptist  Encyclopaedia,"  from  which  the 
accompanying  portrait  is  taken. 


John  Gano. 


CHAPTER  II. 


1763-1769. 

Manning's  first  appearance  in  Rhode  Island  in  behalf  of  the  College  —  Stopped  at  New- 
port while  on  a  voyage  to  Halifax  —  Accompanied  by  Rev.  John  Sutton,  afterwards 
an  assistant  to  the  Rev.  Samuel  Winsor  of  Providence  —  Motion  for  the  College  made 
to  prominent  Baptists,  and  a  meeting  to  discuss  the  subject  held  at  Col.  John  Gard- 
ner's house —Account  of  Colonel  Gardner  —  Sketch  of  the  proposed  College  pre- 
sented by  Manning  at  an  adjourned  meeting,  and  the  Hon.  Josias  Lyndon  and  Col. 
Job  Bennet  appointed  to  draw  a  Charter  to  be  laid  before  the  next  General  Assem- 
bly  —  Designs  of  the  friends  of  the  College  nearly  frustrated  by  "secret  contri- 
vances " —  After  three  sessions  of  the  General  Assembly,  Charter  finally  granted  at 
an  adjourned  session,  held  in  East  Greenwich,  on  the  last  Monday  in  February, 
1764  —  Manning  and  Edwards  present  at  these  sessions  —  Charter  now  the  Constitu- 
tion of  Brown  University  —  Remarkably  liberal  in  its  provisions  —  Necessary  to 
locate  the  College  in  the  beginning  where  the  President  could  receive  a  support  as 
the  Pastor  of  a  Church  —  Warren  the  place  selected  —  Members  of  the  church  in 
Swansea  about  to  form  a  separate  church  in  Warren  —  Preparations  made  to  build  a 
meeting-house  —  Manning  received  a  call  dated  Feb.  17, 1764,  "  to  come  over  from  New 
Jersey  and  settle  amongst  them  "  —  Arrival  in  Warren  —  Formation  of  the  Baptist 
Church,  Nov.  15,  1764  —  Covenant  —  Imposition  of  Hands  —  Call  of  the  Church  to 
Manning — Latin  School  commenced — First  meeting  of  the  Corporation  held  in  New- 
port in  1764 — Second  meeting  held  in  1765 — Manning  elected  President  —  Brief 
account  of  the  members  —  Extracts  from  the  records  —  First  student,  William  Rogers, 
of  Newport,  matriculated  —  Sketch  of  his  character  and  life  —  Letter  from  Isaac 
Backus  to  the  Rev.  Dr.  Gill,  of  London,  commending  Manning  as  a  teacher  of  youth 
and  the  President  of  the  College — Extract  from  Backus's  history  —  Letter  from 
Manning  to  David  Howell  about  to  graduate  at  Princeton,  inviting  him  to  come  to 
Warren  —  Sketch  of  the  life  and  character  of  Howell,  the  first  Tutor  and  Professor  of 
the  College  — Morgan  Edwards  requested  by  the  Corporation  to  go  to  England  and 
solicit  funds  for  the  College  —  Account  of  his  mission  —  Subscription  book  preserved 
among  the  Library  archives  —  Parsonage-house  built  by  a  lottery — Formation  of  the 
Warren  Association  in  1767  —  Plan  drawn  by  Manning  —  Records  of  the  early  meet- 
ings—  Noah  Alden — Efforts  put  forth  in  behalf  of  religious  freedom  —  Standing 
Committee  on  Grievances  —  Manning's  prominence  both  in  the  Warren  and  the  Phil- 
adelphia Associations  —  Circular  Letter  by  Manning  —  Meeting  of  the  Corporation 
for  1769  held  in  Warren— First  Commencement— Red-letter  day  in  the  history  of  the 
College  —  Candidates  dressed  in  American  manufactures  —  Stamp  Act  —  Discussion 
of  American  Independence  a  prominent  feature  of  the  Commencement  exercises  — 
Description  of  the  first  Latin  sheet  or  broadside — Alphabetical  arrangement  of  the 
6 


42  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  II. 

names  of  the  candidates  in  contrast  with  that  of  Harvard — Brief  biographies  of 
members  of  the  graduating  class — Oration  of  William  Rogers  —  Sketches  of  Richard 
Stites,  James  M.  Varnum,  William  Williams,  and  Charles  Thompson  —  Thompson's 
Valedictory  Address. 

During  the  year  that  elapsed  after  his  ordination  and  marriage, 
Manning  traveled  through  the  Colonies,  in  order  to  ascertain  from  per- 
sonal observation  the  real  state  of  religion,  and  to  prepare  himself  for 
the  great  work  upon  which  he  had  now  entered.  No  record  is  left  to 
indicate  the  extent  or  to  exhibit  the  incidents  of  his  journeyings.  From 
his  "Narrative,"  which  we  shall  give  in  full  in  connection  with  the  his- 
tory of  the  charter,  and  from  subsequent  events,  it  appears  that  he 
sailed  to  Halifax,  and  from  thence  returned  through  the  New  England 
Colonies,  attending  the  several  sessions  of  the  Rhode  Island  Legislature 
during  the  discussions  upon  the  charter,  visiting  Providence,  his  future 
home,  and  also  Warren,  where  he  was  soon  to  be  settled  as  a  pastor. 
He  was  accompanied,  it  is  stated,  by  the  Rev.  John  Sutton,  a  member  of 
the  Scotch  Plains  Church,  and  an  early  graduate  of  the  Hopewell 
Academy.1  Several  years  previous  to  this  time  Mr.  Sutton  had  preached 
and  baptized  converts  in  Newport,  Nova  Scotia.  He  was  afterwards, 
says  Edwards,  settled  in  Nova  Scotia  from  1766  until  1770.  On  his 
return  to  the  Jerseys,  after  his  settlement,  he  stopped  at  Providence, 
where  he  was  an  assistant  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Winsor  six  months,  preach- 
ing for  the  church  "  to  good  acceptance."  This  we  learn  from  the 
records,  and  also  from  Knight's  "History  of  the  Six  Principle  Bap- 
tists." 


1  This  statement  was  made  to  the  author  many  years  ago,  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Benedict,  and  other 
members  of  the  Gano  family.  It  probably  came  from  Mrs.  Manning,  who  resided  with  her  nephew, 
Dr.  Gano,  after  the  death  of  her  husband.  She  died  in  1815.  It  is  more  than  probable  that  she  also 
accompanied  her  husband  on  this  voyage  to  Halifax.  In  the  sketch  of  the  College  found  among  the 
papers  of  Judge  Howell,  and  given  in  Appendix  B  to  President  Sears's  Centennial  Discourse,  it  is 
stated  that  John  Sutton  accompanied  Manning  on  his  voyage  to  Halifax,  touching  at  Newport,  in 
the  summer  of  1763.  (See  Centennial  Discourse,  pages  63-64.)  Among  the  Manning  papers  is  a  let- 
ter from  the  Rev.  Oliver  Hart,  of  South  Carolina,  Nov.  14, 1764,  in  which  he  refers  to  a  letter  from 
Rev.  Mr.  Simpson,  in  answer  to  a  call  from  the  people  at  Halifax.  This  letter  Mr.  Hart  sent  to 
Manning,  with  a  request  that  he  would  forward  it  in  the  "  best  and  speediest  manner  you  can."  It 
is  evident  that  Manning's  visit  to  Halifax  in  the  summer  of  1763  had  reference  in  some  way  to  the 
Baptist  interest  in  that  place. 


1763-1769.  AND   MANNING.  43 

In  the  month  of  July,  1763,  the  vessel  in  which  they  had  embarked 
for  Halifax  stopped  at  Newport,  Rhode  Island.  It  was  at  this  time, 
says  Manning,  using  his  own  words,  that  he  "  made  a  motion  to  several 
gentlemen  of  the  Baptist  denomination,  whereof  Col.  John  Gardner, 
the  Deputy  Governor  was  one,  relative  to  a  Seminary  of  Polite  Litera- 
ture, subject  to  the  government  of  the  Baptists.  The  motion  was  prop- 
erly attended  to  which  brought  together  about  fifteen  gentlemen  of  the 
same  denomination  to  the  Deputy's  house." 

Who  these  " fifteen  gentlemen  of  the  same  denomination"  were  we 
have  no  means  of  positively  knowing.  Among  them  without  doubt  were 
the  three  pastors  of  the  Baptist  Churches,  Edward  Upham,  Gardner 
Thurston,  and  John  Maxson.  Colonel  Gardner  was  surely  present,  for 
the  meeting  was  at  his  house.  So  also  the  Hon.  Josias  Lyndon  and 
Col.  Job  Bennet,  for  they  were  appointed  a  committee  to  draw  up  a 
charter  and  present  it  to  the  Legislature.  Governor  Samuel  Ward,  so 
his  biographer  states,  was  present.  So  doubtless  were  Doct.  Thomas 
Eyres,  a  graduate  of  Yale,  and  the  first  Secretary  of  the  Corporation, 
Simon  Pease,  Peleg  Barker,  John  Tanner,  John  Warren,  and  John 
Tillinghast.  These  were  all  Baptist  Trustees  and  Fellows,  and  were 
present  at  the  first  meeting  of  the  Corporation  in  1764.  Colonel  Gardner, 
beneath  whose  hospitable  roof  was  held  this  first  meeting  in  Rhode  Island 
relative  to  the  College,  was  a  man  venerable  in  years  and  prominent  in 
society,  being  not  only  Colonel  and  Deputy  Governor,  but  also  Chief 
Judge  of  the  Superior  Court  of  Judicature,  now  called  the  Supreme 
Judicial  Court.  He  was  a  son  of  Joseph  and  Catherine  (Holmes) 
Gardner,  and  a  descendant  of  the  celebrated  Rev.  Obadiah  Holmes,  who 
was  publicly  whipped  for  his  religious  opinions  by  the  authorities  at 
Boston.  He  died  in  1764.  The  inscription  on  his  tomb  in  the  New- 
port graveyard  reads  as  follows  :  — 

To  the  memory  of  the  Honorable  John  Gardner,  Esq.,  this  tomb  is  dedicated.  He 
changed  this  life  for  one  more  glorious,  on  the  29th  day  of  January,  1764,  in  the  69th  year 
of  his  age.  His  death  was  to  the  community  the  loss  of  a  useful  and  worthy  member; 
to  his  disconsolate  wife  and  numerous  offspring  a  loss  irreparable.  He  was  a  loving 
and  indulgent  husband,  as  well  as  a  tender  and  affectionate  parent,  and  remarkable  for 


44  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  II. 

his  affable  and  courteous  deportment  to  all  men.  While  young  he  devoted  himself  to 
the  service  of  his  country,  in  which  he  was  advanced  to  many  posts  of  the  greatest  trust, 
which  he  discharged  with  honor  and  fidelity.  He  was  early  received  into  the  Baptist 
Church,  in  the  communion  of  which  he  remained  a  worthy  member  till  his  death.  His 
life  was  exemplary,  and  few  men  had  a  more  extensive  charity  for  Christians  of  every 
denomination.  In  his  last  hours  he  bore  his  sickness  with  patience  and  resignation,  a 
glorious  presage  of  his  future  happiness.  And  we  trust  that  he  is  now  at  rest  in  the 
mansions  of  bliss,  with  his  Redeemer  and  the  spirits  of  just  men  made  perfect. 

In  accordance  with  the  suggestion  of  Colonel  Gardner,  Mr.  Man- 
ning was  requested  to  draw  a  sketch  of  the  design,  and  the  meeting 
was  adjourned  until  the  day  following.  "That  day  came,"  says  Man- 
ning, "and  the  said  gentlemen,  with  other  Baptists,  met  in  the  same 
place,  when  a  rough  draft  was  produced  and  read,  the  tenor  of  which 
was,  that  the  Institution  was  to  be  a  Baptist  one,  but  that  as  many  of 
other  denominations  should  be  taken  in  as  was  consistent  with  the  said 
design."  This  appears  to  have  met  the  approval  of  the  brethren 
present,  "and  accordingly,"  Manning  continues,  "the  Hon.  Josias  Lyn- 
don and  Col.  Job  Bennet  were  appointed  to  draw  a  charter  to  be  laid 
before  the  next  General  Assembly,  with  a  request  that  they  would  pass 
it  into  a  law."  The  "  next  General  Assembly"  met  by  adjournment  in 
Newport  on  the  first  Monday  in  August.  The  manner  in  which  the 
designs  of  the  friends  of  the  College  were  nearly  frustrated  by  what 
Backus  terms  "secret  contrivances  and  some  other  attempts  against  it," 
will  be  shown  in  detail  in  a  succeeding  chapter.  After  two  sessions  of 
the  General  Assembly  held  in  South  Kingstown,  one  in  October,  1763, 
and  one  in  January,  1764,  and  after  much  opposition  on  the  part  of  cer- 
tain Congregationalists  and  their  friends,  a  charter  reflecting  the  liberal 
sentiments  of  the  Colony,  and  of  the  Baptist  denomination  at  large, 
was  finally  granted,  at  an  adjourned  session  held  in  East  Greenwich,  on 
the  last  Monday  in  February,  1764.  "After  much  and  warm  debate," 
says  Judge  Jenckes,  "  the  question  was  put  and  carried  in  favor  of  the 
charter  by  a  great  majority."  The  final  result  was  largely  due  doubt- 
less to  the  personal  influence  of  Manning  and  Edwards,  who  it  appears 
were  present  at  these  several  sessions.     Manning,  the  future  President, 


1763-1769.  AND   MANNING.  45 

was  now  twenty-five  years  of  age,  of  a  fine,  commanding  appearance,  and 
polished  address.  He  was  known  as  a  superior  scholar,  having  recently 
been  graduated  from  Princeton  with  the  second  honors  of  his  class. 
His  physique  was  large  and  imposing,  his  person  was  graceful,  and  his 
countenance  handsome  and  remarkably  expressive  of  sensibility,  dignity, 
and  cheerfulness.  He  possessed,  moreover,  a  voice  of  extraordinary 
compass  and  harmony,  to  which,  in  no  small  degree,  may  be  ascribed 
the  vivid  impression  which  he  made  upon  other  minds.  His  manners, 
too,  were  those  of  a  refined  gentleman,  combining  ease  without  negli- 
gence, dignity,  grace,  and  politeness  without  affectation.  Mr.  Edwards, 
the  "first  mover"  in  the  enterprise,  is  described  by  all  his  biographers 
as  a  man  of  wonderful  magnetic  influence,  inspiring  with  enthusiasm  all 
with  whom  he  came  in  contact.  Such  were  our  leaders  at  this  crisis  in 
the  history  of  the  College.  How  much  influence  Bishop  Berkeley, 
whose  name  has  been  mentioned  by  prominent  writers  in  this  connec- 
tion, had  in  the  matter,  does  not  to  the  writer's  mind  yet  appear.  He 
had  resided  in  Newport  thirty-two  years  previous  to  this  time,  from  Feb- 
ruary, 1729,  until  September,  1731,  with  the  pious  intention  of  convert- 
ing the  American  Indians  to  Christianity  by  means  of  an  Episcopal 
college  to  be  established  in  one  of  the  Bermuda  islands. 

This  charter,  which  gives  to  the  Baptists,  or  as  they  are  further  desig- 
nated, "Anti-Pedopaptists,"  the  control,  or  in  the  words  of  Manning, 
"  the  lead  in  the  Institution,"  is  now  regarded  as  the  "unalterable  consti- 
tution of  Brown  University."  However  severely  it  may  be  criticised  by 
the  Baptists  of  to-day  for  its  remarkable,  and  in  the  minds  of  some, 
excessive  liberality,  it  is  very  evident  that  no  other  charter  could  have 
been  obtained  one  hundred  and  thirty-two  years  ago  ;  and  furthermore, 
that  no  strictly  sectarian  college  could  have  succeeded,  at  least  for  the 
time  being,  under  the  exclusive  patronage  of  a  despised  and  oppressed 
denomination,  having  only  seventy  regularly  organized  churches  in  all 
the  thirteen  colonies,  with  a  membership  of  perhaps  five  thousand.  Our 
fathers  were  wise  in  their  day  and  generation  ;  and  they  well  deserve 
our  gratitude  and  praise,  for  their  wise  and  persistent  efforts  to  found 
an  institution  of  learning. 


46  BKOWN   UNIVEKSITY  Chap.  II. 

But  though  the  Colony  of  Rhode  Island  had  been  selected  for  the 
College,  and  a  charter  reflecting  her  liberal  and  well  known  sentiments 
in  religious  concernments  had  been  secured,  no  town  stood  at  first  pre- 
pared to  welcome  it  in  its  infant  state,  without  students,  without  funds, 
and  with  no  certain  means  of  support.  To  the  projectors  and  friends 
of  the  enterprise  it  seemed  necessary  and  desirable  that  it  should  be 
located  where  the  President,  like  the  revered  principal  of  the  Hopewell 
Academy,  should  be  the  pastor  of  a  church,  in  order  that  he  might  thus 
be  the  better  able  to  rally  around  him  the  friends  of  the  College,  and 
by  preaching  obtain  for  himself  and  family  a  support.  The  three 
churches  in  Newport  were  already  provided  with  competent  pastors, 
viz.,  the  Rev.  John  Maxson,  who  was  a  Seventh-day  Baptist,  the  Rev. 
Edward  Upham,  who  was  a  graduate  of  Harvard  College,  and  the  Rev. 
Gardner  Thurston,  whose  meeting-house  and  congregation,  according 
to  Edwards,  were  the  largest  of  any  connected  with  the  denomination 
in  New  England.  The  church  at  Providence,  although  founded  by 
Roger  Williams,  and  the  oldest  Baptist  church  in  America,1  had  never 
been  accustomed  to  contribute  liberally  toward  the  support  of  a  pastor. 
In  point  of  fact  it  did  not  believe  in  paying  for  preaching.  With 
only  one  hundred  and  eighteen  members,  living  widely  apart,  with  a 
small  and  uncomfortable  meeting-house,  opposed  to  singing  in  public 
worship,  and  clinging  to  many  prejudices  and  customs,  which  it  after- 
wards threw  off  under  the  enlightened  teachings  of  Manning,  it  offered 
but  feeble  encouragement  in  the  outset  to  a  seat  of  learning.  Moreover, 
it  was  already  provided  with  a  pastor,  the  Rev.  Samuel  Winsor,  son  of 
a  former  pastor  of  the  same  name  who  had  been  ordained  in  1733. 
Together  they  two,  father  and  son,  had  the  oversight  of  the  church 
for  thirty-seven  years. 

1  This  has  been  the  claim  of  the  church  and  society  from  the  beginning.  In  the  words  of  a  com- 
mittee appointed  to  review  the  claims  of  the  Newport  Church  to  priority  of  date :  "  The  priority, 
in  age,  of  the  First  Church,  in  Providence,  has  been  asserted  by  the  unanimous  voice  of  Baptists 
and  others.  The  story  has  been  told  by  father  to  son,  and  handed  down  through  thousands  of  the 
families  of  this  State  and  land,  without  change.  The  earliest  chronicles  have  recorded  it.  It  has 
been  woven  into  every  history  which  was  ever  written  of  the  State,  or  of  the  denomination."  Cal- 
lender,  Hopkins,  Edwards,  Stiles,  Backus,  Arnold,  Staples,  the  records  of  the  church  and  the 
records  of  the  society,  all  are  at  one  on  this  point  in  our  ecclesiastical  history. 


1763-1769.  AND   MANNING.  47 

Warren,  a  thriving  town  on  an  arm  of  the  Narragansett  Bay,  ten 
miles  from  Providence,  seemed  to  meet  all  the  requirements  in  the*  case. 
Here  were  nearly  sixty  Baptist  communicants,  the  majority  of  whom 
were  members  of  the  venerable  church  in  Swansea,  three  miles  away.1 
With  this  church  they  and  their  forefathers  had  in  former  years  found 
association  and  comfort.  Under  the  care  of  the  Rev.  Jabez  Wood,  it 
was  now,  according  to  Backus,  in  a  declining  state.  The  population  of 
Warren  was  moreover  rapidly  increasing,  and  it  became  obvious  that  the 
time  had  arrived  when  these  communicants  could  best  secure  their 
religious  welfare  by  forming  themselves  into  a  separate  and  independent 
body,  instead  of  continuing  as  a  branch  of  the  mother  church.  *'  Papers,' ' 
says  Spalding  in  his  centennial  discourse,2  "  have  recently  come  to  light 
which  make  it  clear,  that  as  early  as  1762,  before  the  College  was  pro- 
jected at  Philadelphia,  the  purpose  had  been  formed  to  build  a  meeting- 
house in  Warren."  One  of  these  papers,  dated  Feb.  14,  1763,  is  a  bill 
against  "  the  meeting-house  "  for  dragging  a  stick  of  timber  "through 
the  great  swamp."  The  house,  says  Morgan  Edwards,  writing  in  1771, 
"was  erected  in  1763,  on  a  lot  fifty  rods  square,  purchased  by  the  con- 
gregation." 

Ministers,  according  to  Edwards,  occasionally  visited  the  place  and 
baptized,  particularly  Rev.  Gardner  Thurston,  who  may  have  communi- 
cated these  facts  to  Manning  on  his  visit  to  Newport  in  the  summer  of 
1763.  There  are  no  records  to  show  when  Manning  first  visited  Warren. 
Perhaps  he  made  it  his  home  during  the  several  sessions  of  the  Leg- 
islature, when  the  charter  was  under  discussion,  preaching  as  opportu- 
nities offered.  The  members  of  the  Legislature  from  Warren,  it  may 
be  added,  were  prominent  members  of  the  Baptist  congregation.  It  is 
certain  that  he  received  his  call  to  Warren  just  previous  to  the  final 
vote  at  the  session  in  East  Greenwich.  The  records  state  that  "the 
congregation  at  Warren  gave  the  Rev.  James  Manning  a  call  to  come 


1  The  oldest  Baptist  Church  in  Massachusetts.    Founded  in  1663  by  the  celebrated  John  Miles, 
who,  in  1662,  was  ejected  from  the  living  in  Ilston,  in  Wales,  by  the  Act  of  Uniformity. 

2  Centennial  Discourse  on  the  One  Hundredth  Anniversary  of  the  First  Baptist  Church  in  War- 
ren, R.  I.,  Nov.  15, 1864.    By  A.  F.  Spalding,  A.  M.,  Pastor  of  the  Church.    8vo.    Providence,  1865. 


48  BKOWN   UNIVEKSITY  Chap.  II. 

over  from  New  Jersey  and  settle  amongst  them."  This  was  dated  Feb. 
17,  1764,  and  signed  by  their  Committee,  Sylvester  Child,  Ebenezer 
Cole,  and  John  Wheaton.  This  call  Manning  accepted:  Accordingly 
we  read  in  Hezekiah  Smith's  diary,1  under  date  of  Wednesday,  April 
11, 1764:  — "With  Mr.  Manning  and  his  wife  embarked  for  Newport,  in 
Rhode  Island,  with  Captain  Stephen  Wanton.  Arrived  on  Friday." 
Mr.  Manning  proceeded  at  once  to  Warren,  leaving  Mrs.  Manning  for 
the  time  in  Newport.  Again  we  read  in  the  diary,  under  date  of  Sat- 
urday, April  21st:  —  "Went  to  Warren  with  Mrs.  Manning,  Esquire 
Coles,  Captain  Wheaton,  and  Mr.  Lillibridge."  A  parsonage  house 
was  built  for  the  pastor  later  on.  His  zeal  and  eloquence  soon  attracted 
a  large  and  flourishing  congregation.  The  fruits  of  his  ministry  were 
apparent,  and  believers  in  Christ  were  publicly  baptized.  In  a  few 
months  it  was  unanimously  agreed  by  all  who  desired  to  come  into  fel- 
lowship as  a  church  in  Warren,  to  have  a  covenant  or  plan  of  union, 
the  church  in  Swansea,  says  Spalding,  dismissing  twenty-five  members 
for  this  purpose.  On  the  fifteenth  day  of  November,  1764,  a  church  of 
fifty-eight  members  was  duly  organized  and  constituted.  By  previous 
appointment,  they  had  engaged  the  Rev.  John  Gano,  of  New  York,  the 
Rev.  Gardner  Thurston,  of  Newport,  and  the  Rev.  Ebenezer  Hinds,  of 
Middleborough,  to  assist  in  the  proposed  undertaking.  The  day  was 
kept  in  the  solemn  exercise  of  fasting  and  prayer.  "In  the  forenoon," 
says  the  record,  "Mr.  Thurston  preached  a  sermon,  and  after  a  short 
intermission  of  service,  the  people  returned,  and  Messrs.  Gano,  Man- 
ning, and  Hinds,  each  made  a  prayer  suitable  to  the  occasion,  after 
which  the  church  covenant,  previously  prepared  by  Mr.  Manning,  was 
presented  and  read." 

This  covenant,  the  original  of  which,  in  Manning's  handwriting,  was 
in  the  possession  of  the  Rev.  J.  P.  Tustin,  at  the  time  of  the  dedication 
of  the  new  church  edifice,  we  copy  from  an  appendix  to  Mr.  Tustin's 
discourse :  — 2 


1  Chaplain  Smith  and  the  Baptists,  page  42. 

3  Discourse  delivered  at  the  Dedication  of  the  new  Church  Edifice  of  the  Baptist  Church  and 
Society  in  Warren,  May  8, 1845.  By  Josiah  P.  Tustin,  Pastor.  18mo.  Providence.  H.  H.  Brown, 
1845. 


1763-1769.  AND    MANNING.  49 

Whereas  we,  unworthy  sinners,  through  the  infinite  riches  of  free  grace,  as  we  trust, 
Drought  out  of  darkness  into  the  marvellous  light  of  the  gospel,  and  the  grace  of  it, 
transformed  into  the  kingdom  of  God's  dear  Son  Jesus  Christ  our  only  Lord  and 
Saviour,  and  made  partakers  of  all  those  privileges  which  Christ  purchased  with  his 
precious  blood,  think  it  our  duty,  and  the  greatest  privilege  we  can  enjoy  here  on  earth 
ho  walk  in  all  the  commandments  and  ordinances,  not  only  for  our  own  comfort  and 
peace,  but  for  the  manifestation  of  the  glory  of  God  and  for  the  mutual  help  and  society 
of  each  other ;  and  as  it  hath  pleased  God  to  appoint  a  visible  church  relation,  to  be  the 
way  and  manner  whereby  he  is  pleased  to  communicate  to  his  people  the  blessings  of 
his  presence,  a  growth  in  grace,  and  furtherance  in  the  knowledge  of  our  Lord  God  — 

We,  therefore,  this  day,  after  solemn  fasting  and  prayer  for  help  and  direction,  in  the 
fear  of  his  Holy  name,  and  with  hearts  lifted  up  to  the  most  high  God,  humbly  and 
freely  offer  up  ourselves  a  living  sacrifice  unto  him  who  is  our  God;  in  covenant, 
through  Jesus  Christ,  to  walk  together  according  to  his  revealed  Word,  in  visible  gospel 
relation,  both  to  Christ  our  only  head  and  to  each  other  as  fellow-members  and  brethren 
of  the  same  household  of  faith. 

And  we  do  humbly  engage,  that,  through  his  strength,  we  will  endeavor  to  perform 
all  our  respective  duties  toward  God  and  each  other,  and  to  practise  all  the  ordinances 
of  Christ,  according  to  what  is  and  shall  be  made  known  to  us  in  our  respective  places  ; 
to  exercise,  practise,  and  submit  to  the  government  of  Christ  in  this  church. 

And  we  declare  that  it  is  our  mind  that  none  are  properly  qualified  members  of  this 
Christ's  visible  church,  but  such  as  have  been  wrought  upon  by  the  grace  of  God,  deliv- 
ered from  their  sins  by  the  justifying  righteousness  of  Christ,  and  have  the  evidence 
of  it  in  their  souls,  have  made  profession  thereof,  that  is,  of  a  living  faith  in  Christ,  and 
have  been  baptized  by  immersion,  in  the  name  of  the  Holy  Trinity. 

Further,  it  is  our  mind,  that  the  Imposition  or  Non-Imposition  of  Hands  upon 
believers,  after  baptism,  is  not  essential  to  church  communion,  and  that  where  the 
image  of  Christ  is  discerned,  according  to  the  rules  of  God's  word,  and  those  previous 
duties  but  now  mentioned  are  submitted  to  according  to  gospel  rules,  we  are  ready  to 
hold  communion  with  all  such  walking  orderly  in  the  church  of  Christ. 

And  now  we  humbly  hope,  that  although  of  ourselves  we  are  altogether  unworthy 
and  unfit  thus  to  offer  up  ourselves  to  God,  or  to  do  him  any  service,  or  to  expect  any 
favor  or  mercy  from  him,  yet  that  he  will  graciously  accept  of  this  our  free-will  offering, 
in  and  through  the  merits  and  mediation  of  our  dear  Redeemer,  and  that  he  will  employ 
and  improve  us  in  his  service  to  his  own  praise,  to  whom  be  all  the  glory  both  now  and 
forever.    Amen. 

This  covenant  may  be  regarded   as  the  creed  or  constitution  of  the 

7 


50  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  II. 

church.  The  paragraph  relating  to  the  Imposition  or  Non-Imposition  of 
Hands  upon  believers  after  baptism,  deserves  consideration.  The  doc- 
trine of  "Laying  on  of  Hands,"  referred  to  in  Hebrews  vi.  2,  was  prac- 
tised, it  appears,  by  the  Scotch  Plains  Church,  and  by  all  the  churches 
in  Rhode  Island  at  this  time,  they  being  called  Six  Principle  Baptist 
churches.  When  in  1652  some  of  the  members  of  the  Providence  church 
withdrew  from  the  parent  body,  under  the  leadership  of  Thomas  Olney, 
they  were  called  Five  Principle  Baptists,  because  they  rejected  the  doc- 
trine. Manning  did  not  believe  in  the  rite,  and  yet,  with  a  large 
Christian  charity,  he  yielded  to  its  practice  as  a  non-essential  when 
requested.  "This  rite,"  says  Spalding,1  "  which  so  troubled  the  Rhode 
Island  churches,  now  generally  conceded  to  have  been  connected  with 
the  supernatural  gifts  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  was  quietly  laid  aside,  and 
has  never  disturbed  our  church.  At  a  meeting  one  month  after  its 
formation,  the  records  say,  'Mrs.  Sarah  Throop  came  under  the  Imposi- 
tion of  Hands,  being  conscious  of  duty.'  Few,  if  any  other  instances 
of  the  rite  are  on  record." 

After  the  members  had  signed  the  foregoing  covenant,  "  they  were 
asked  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Manning, ' '  continues  the  record,  "  whether  they, 
in  the  presence  of  that  assembly,  viewed  that  as  their  covenant- and  plan 
of  union  in  a  church  relation,  which  question  was  answered  by  them  all 
in  the  affirmative,  standing  up "  ;  after  which  three  of  the  brethren, 
Samuel  Hix,  Amos  Haile,  and  John  Coomer,  in  behalf  of  the  church, 
presented  to  Mr.  Manning  a  call  to  become  their  pastor.  The  call  was 
read  publicly  by  Mr.  Gano,  and  formally  accepted  by  the  pastor  elect. 
The  solemnities  of  the  day  were  closed  by  a  sermon  from  Mr.  Gano,  who 
reminded  both  pastor  and  people  of  their  respective  duties,  and  urged 
the  mutual  performance  of  both,  from  those  important  motives  which 
the  nature  of  the  relation  requires. 

Manning's  first  call,  it  will  be  observed,  was  from  the  congregation, 
"to  come  over  from  New  Jersey  and  settle  amongst  them."  His  second 
call  was  from  the  church.  We  present  it  in  full  as  an  interesting  part 
of  our  narrative :  — 


1  Centennial  Discourse,  page  15. 


1768-1769.  AND    MANNING.  51 

The  Church  of  Christ  in  Warren,  in  the  Colony  of  Rhode-Island,  haptized  upon  a 
personal  profession  of  faith,  holding  the  doctrines  of  regeneration,  perseverance  in 
grace,  etc.,  heing  constituted  and  organized  a  church  this  15th  day  of  Novemher,  17G4, 
present  to  the  Rev.  James  Manning,  late  of  Nassau  Hall,  in  New  Jersey,  their  Christian 
salutation : 

Reverend  and  Dear  Sir: 

Inasmuch  as  God  in  his  Providence  hath  seen  fit  to  give  us  an  opportunity  of  being 
constituted  a  church  of  Christ,  that  we  may  according  to  the  pattern  showed  us  in  the 
Gospel,  partake  of  the  ordinances  which  Christ  hath  left  in  his  church,  and  walk 
together  as  brethren  in  Christ,  and  his  Apostles  having  instructed  us  that  ordained  pas- 
tors are  those  that  are  to  feed  his  people  with  knowledge,  and  administer  ordinances 
amongst  them,  we  do  this  day  unanimously  request  that  you  would  accept  this  our  call 
to  the  work  of  a  pastor  over  and  amongst  us,  having  been  fully  satisfied  heretofore  of 
your  call  and  ordination  in  the  work  of  the  ministry  in  a  regular  church  of  Christ  in 
Elizabethtown,  East  Jersey,  under  the  pastoral  care  of  the  Rev.  Benjamin  Miller.  And 
as  we  are  of  the  opinion  that  they  who  preach  the  Gospel  should  live  of  the  Gospel,  we 
do  here  declare  our  intention  to  render  your  life  as  happy  as  possible  by  our  brotherly 
conduct  towards  you,  and  communicating  our  temporal  things  to  your  necessities  so 
long  as  God  in  his  Providence  shall  continue  us  together ;  your  acceptance  hereof  we 
humbly  hope  will  be  a  means  under  the  Divine  blessing  of  our  mutual  furtherance  and 
growth  in  grace.    Thus  we  prefer  our  request  and  subscribe  your  brethren, 

John  Eastobrook,  \ 

Benjamin  Cole,  ] 

Sylvester  Child,  t    ,   ,    ., 

\     In  behalf 
John  Child,  \ 

Ebenezer  Cole,  /of  the  whole  > 

John  West,  \ 

William  Eastobrooke.  / 


The  first  step  taken  by  Manning  in  reference  to  the  College  was  to 
open  a  Latin  School,  with  an  ultimate  view  to  college  instruction.  This 
School,  which  soon  became  flourishing,  he  continued  to  teach  personally 


1  See  Tustin's  Dedication  Discourse,  pp.  171-173. 


52  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  II. 

or  superintend  for  many  years,  in  connection  with  his  professional 
duties  as  pastor  of  the  church  and  President  of  the  College.  It  was 
removed  to  Providence  in  1770,  and,  upon  the  completion  of  the  build- 
ing now  called  University  Hall,  to  rooms  in  that  building.  In  1810  a 
brick  house  for  its  accommodation  was  erected  by  friends  of  the  Col- 
lege, under  the  direction  of  a  committee  of  the  Corporation  consisting  of 
Thomas  P.  Ives,  Moses  Lippitt,  and  Thomas  L.  Halsey.  It  is  now 
called  the  University  Grammar  School,  and  is  taught  by  the  principals, 
Emory  Lyon  and  Edward  A.  Swain,  they  having  the  entire  control  and 
responsibility  of  its  management.  This  School  has  been  from  the  begin- 
ning an  efficient  auxiliary  to  the  College  or  University.  In  a  manu- 
script volume  belonging  to  Manning,  which  has  recently  come  into  our 
possession,  are  the  following  entries,  which  are  of  special  interest  in  this 
connection :  —  "  William  and  Daniel  Rogers  returned  to  School  Novem- 
ber 17,  1765.  Samuel  Ward  returned  November  28,  1765.  John  Den- 
nis, John  Coomer,  and  Joseph  Rogers  began  School  the  1st  day  of  May, 
1766.  Reuben  Mason  began  May  5,  1766.  William  Bradford  and 
Samuel  Miller,  May  12,  1766.  Richard  Stites  began  the  20th  of  June, 
1766.  August  11,  1766,  received  of  Dr.  William  Bradford  three 
Spanish  milled  dollars,  it  being  for  one  quarter's  schooling  for  his  son 
William,  Jr.     James  Manning." 

The  first  meeting  of  the  "  Corporation  for  founding  and  endowing  a 
College  or  University  within  the  Colony  of  Rhode  Island  and  Provi- 
dence Plantations  in  New  England  in  America,"  was  held  at  Newport, 
on  the  first  Wednesday  in  September,  1764.  At  this  meeting  the  fol- 
lowing gentlemen,  twenty-four  in  number,  as  appears  from  the  records, 
were  present,  and  qualified  themselves  by  taking  the  oath  prescribed  by 
the  charter;  namely,  Hon.  Stephen  Hopkins,  Hon.  Joseph  Wanton, 
Hon.  Samuel  Ward,  John  Tillinghast,  Simon  Pease,  James  Honeyman, 
Nicholas  Easton,  Nicholas  Tillinghast,  Daniel  Jenckes,  Nicholas  Brown, 
Joshua  Babcock,  John  G.  Wanton,  Rev.  Edward  Upham,  Rev.  Jere- 
miah Condy,  Rev.  Gardner  Thurston,  Rev.  John  Maxson,  Rev.  Samuel 
Winsor,  Rev.  James  Manning,  Josias  Lyndon,  Job  Bennet,  Jr.,  Eph- 
raim  Bowen,  Edward  Thurston,  Jr.,  Thomas  Eyres,  and  Peleg  Barker. 


1763-1769.  AND    MANNING.  53 

The  Hon.  Stephen  Hopkins,  Esq.,  was  chosen  Chancellor,  John  Tilling- 
hast,  Esq.,  Treasurer,  and  Doct.  Thomas  Eyres,  Secretary.  The  form  of 
a  certificate,  authorizing  persons  to  receive  donations  for  the  College,  was 
adopted,  and  also  the  form  of  a  receipt  therefor.  A  "Preamble"  was 
adopted,  setting  forth  the  nature  and  design  of  the  Institution,  and  its 
need  of  funds.  Committees  to  receive  subscriptions  for  the  College 
were  appointed  throughout  Rhode  Island,  in  the  Southern  and  Western 
parts  of  the  continent,  and  in  the  states  of  Massachusetts  and  Connecti- 
cut. Committees  were  also  appointed  to  provide  a  seal  for  the  use  of 
the  Corporation,  and  to  assist  in  digesting  and  recording  the  proceed- 
ings of  the  meeting. 

The  second  annual  meeting  of  the  Corporation  was  held  in  the 
Colony  House  at  Newport,  on  the  first  Wednesday  in  September,  1765. 
At  this  meeting  Manning,  in  the  quaint  language  of  the  records,  was 
formally  appointed  "  President  of  the  College,  Professor  of  Languages 
and  other  Branches  of  Learning,  with  full  power  to  act  immediately  in 
these  capacities  at  Warren,  or  elsewhere."  It  would  seem  from  the 
phraseology  of  this  vote,  that  there  was  in  the  minds  of  the  Corporation 
an  uncertainty  in  regard  to  the  permanent  location  of  the  College. 
This  appears  prominent  in  the  records  of  all  future  meetings,  until  the 
removal  to  Providence.  Manning's  friend  and  classmate  from  Haverhill 
was  present  at  this  meeting,  and  was  elected  a  member  of  the  Board  of 
Fellows.  He  was  now  on  his  way  to  New  Jersey,  in  company  with  one 
of  his  parishioners,  Capt.  John  White.  His  journal  reads  as  follows  :  — 
"Tuesday,  September  3d,  1765.  We  went  to  Newport  and  stayed  at 
Col.  Bennet's  till  Saturday.  Wednesday  and  Thursday  I  was  with  the 
Corporation,  which  sat  upon  the  College  business,  and  on  Thursday  I 
was  elected  one  of  the  Fellows.  Mr.  Manning  was  chosen  President 
the  same  day.  We,  although  but  a  part  of  the  Corporation,  subscribed 
for  the  building  and  the  endowing  of  the  College,  nineteen  hundred  and 
ninety-two  dollars."1  Whatever  else  may  have  been  lacking  in  these 
early  days,  there  was  evidently  no  lack  of  faith  on  the  part  of  the 
guardians  and  friends  of  the  College. 

1  Chaplain  Smith  and  the  Baptists,  page  97. 


54  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  II. 

It  is  interesting  to  observe  the  character  and  standing  of  the  men, 
who,  at  this  second  and  most  important  meeting  of  the  Corporation, 
formally  elected  Manning  President  of  the  Institution  which,  under  the 
auspices  of  the  Philadelphia  Association,  he  had  happily  succeeded  in 
founding.  Of  the  four  religious  denominations  recognized  in  the  char- 
ter, the  Congregational] sts  alone  were  unrepresented.  The  reason  for 
this  will  be  apparent  in  the  progress  of  our  narrative.  The  Episcopa- 
lians were  represented  by  Governor  Joseph  Wanton  and  the  Hon.  James 
Honeyman,  both  residents  of  Newport,  and  gentlemen  of  culture,  wealth, 
and  high  social  position.  The  former  was  elected  Governor  in  the  year 
1769.  Previous  to  this  he  had  been  Deputy  Governor.  He  continued 
to  fill  the  office  from  year  to  year,  with  great  acceptance,  until  1775, 
when  he  was  suspended  by  the  General  Assembly  for  disloyalty.  Mr. 
Honeyman  was  the  son  of  the  Rev.  James  Honeyman,  Rector  of 
Trinity  Church,  Newport.  He  was  an  able  lawyer  and  a  prominent 
politician,  filling  many  high  offices.  In  1742  he  was  appointed  "  King's 
Attorney."  For  many  years  he  was  Advocate  General  of  the  Court  of 
Vice  Admiralty  for  the  Colony,  having  been  appointed  to  this  office  by  the 
British  Government.  The  Quakers  or  Friends  were  represented  by  the 
Hon.  Stephen  Hopkins,  Nicholas  Easton,  John  G.  Wanton,  and  Edward 
Thurston,  Jr.  No  name  is  more  prominent  in  the  history  of  this  period 
than  that  of  Hopkins,  and  few  men  of  any  period  have  exerted  so  wide 
an  influence  upon  the  destinies  of  the  country.  For  nearly  forty-five 
years,  as  Speaker  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  Associate  and  Chief 
Judge  of  the  Superior  Court  of  Judicature,  Governor  of  the  State,  and 
Representative  to  Congress,  he  was  engaged  in  some  kind  of  public 
official  duty.  His  name  appears  among  the  signers  of  the  Declaration 
of  Independence.1  The  office  of  Chancellor,  to  which  he  was  elected  at 
the  first  meeting  of  the  Corporation,  he  held  until  his  death,  in  1785,  a 
period  of  twenty-one  years.  He  was  a  warm  personal  friend  of  Manning, 
and  by  his  unwearied  zeal,  extensive  learning,  and  genuine  love  of  litera- 

>  "  Stephen  Hopkins,  a  Rhode  Island  Statesman,"  by  William  E.  Foster,  is  a  noble  contribution 
to  our  biographical  literature.  It  forms  a  part  of  the  series  of  "  Historical  Tracts  "  published  by 
Sidney  S.  Rider. 


1763-1769.  AND    MANNING.  55 

ture,  proved  a  most  efficient  coadjutor  in  all  the  plans  and  efforts  of  the 
latter  for  the  advancement  of  the  interests  of  the  College.  We  shall 
have  frequent  mention  of  him  in  succeeding  chapters.  In  a  letter  to 
Dr.  Rippon,  of  London,  Manning,  referring  to  his  decease,  describes  him 
as  ' '  for  many  years  Governor  of  the  Colony,  and  one  of  those  distin- 
guished worthies  who  composed  the  First  Congress.  He  was  one  of  the 
greatest  men  our  country  has  reared."  Mr.  Wanton  was  an  opulent 
merchant  of  Newport,  and  related  by  blood  and  marriage  to  the  wealthi- 
est and  most  |>opular  families  in  the  Colony.  The  name  of  Nicholas 
Easton  appears  in  Arnold's  History  of  Rhode  Island,  as  a  member  of  the 
General  Assembly  from  Middletown,  in  the  year  1776.  He  was  a 
physician,  and  a  direct  descendant  of  Governor  Nicholas  Easton,  one  of 
the  pioneer  settlers  of  Newport.  Mr.  Thurston,  who  also  represented 
the  Quakers,  continued  a  Trustee  eighteen  years,  and  served  on  impor- 
tant committees.  He  was  a  descendant  of  Edward  Thurston,  of  New- 
port, who  was  treasurer  of  the  Colony  from  1709  until  1714.  The  latter 
had  two  sons,  Edward,  who  died  Nov.  14, 1735,  and  Gardner  (born  Nov. 
14,  1721,  died  May  23,  1802,)  who  was  pastor  of  the  Third  Baptist 
Church.  Edward,  who  died  in  1735,  had  a  son  named  Edward,  who  was 
born  about  the  year  1732.  This  must  be  the  one  whose  name  appears 
in  the  early  records  of  the  Corporation  as  Mr.  Edward  Thurston,  Jr. 

The  remaining  twenty-one  members  of  the  Corporation  who  were 
present  at  this  meeting  were  Baptists,  seven  of  them  being  Fellows. 
They  were  from  the  towns  of  Newport,  Providence,  Warren,  and  West- 
erly in  Rhode  Island,  and  from  Boston,  Haverhill,  Middleborough,  New 
York  and  Philadelphia.  Manning,  as  the  elected  President,  was  chair- 
man of  the  Board  of  Fellows,  and  guided,  we  may  suppose,  the  delibera- 
tions of  the  body.  The  duties  of  a  Fellow  which  Hezekiah  Smith  now 
assumed,  he  conscientiously  discharged  with  rare  ability  and  zeal.  For 
a  period  of  forty  years,  or  until  his  decease,  he  attended  the  annual  meet- 
ings of  the  Corporation,  and  also  the  Commencements,  having  been 
absent,  as  appears  from  his  diary  as  well  as  from  the  College  records,  but 
twice  in  all  that  time.  And  this,  too,  although  he  lived  seventy  miles 
away,  and  was  obliged  in  every  case  to  come  and  go,  either  on  horseback 


56  BROWN    UNIVERSITY  Chap.  II. 

or  in  his  own  chaise.  In  the  year  1769,  by  special  vote  of  the  Corpora- 
tion, he  left  his  home  in  Haverhill  and  travelled  eight  months  in  South 
Carolina  and  Georgia,  soliciting  funds  for  the  Institution.  During  the 
war,  when  the  College  was  closed,  he  was  with  the  American  army  as  a 
Brigade  Chaplain,  and  was  present  in  important  battles.  Washington 
corresponded  with  him  and  gave  him  his  confidence  and  respect.  His 
diary1  from  1762  when  he  was  graduated,  until  1805,  when  he  died,  is  a 
most  important  record  of  the  times  in  which  he  lived,  and  invaluable  for 
historical  illustration  and  research.  He  was  an  acknowledged  leader 
among  the  Baptists,  and  a  prominent  man  in  the  community. 

The  Rev.  Samuel  Stillman,  who  at  first  had  been  a  Trustee,  was  at 
this  meeting  elected  a  Fellow.  This  office  he  also  held  until  his  death, 
a  period  of  forty  years.  He,  too,  was  punctual  in  his  attendance  upon 
all  the  meetings  of  the  Corporation,  cheerfully  exerting  his  great 
influence  in  aid  of  the  various  interests  of  the  College.  In  January  of 
this  year  he  had  been  installed  as  pastor  of  the  First  Baptist  Church  in 
Boston.  He  was  a  man  of  learning  and  culture,  and  as  a  preacher 
exceedingly  popular,  having,  it  is  asserted,  no  superior  in  New  England. 
Among  his  admirers  were  President  Adams,  General  Knox,  and  John 
Hancock,  the  latter  of  whom  was  for  a  time  a  member  of  his  congrega- 
tion. No  clergyman  of  the  day,  it  is  said,  was  so  much  sought  after  by 
distinguished  strangers  who  visited  the  New  England  metropolis.  In 
the  early  times  there  was  a  "Commencement  sermon"  at  the  close  of 
the  day,  and  crowds  of  people  were  wont  to  flock  to  the  spacious  Bap- 
tist meeting-house  to  hear  "the  great  man  of  Haverhill,"  or  the  "elo- 
quent Stillman  of  Boston."  Doct.  Thomas  Eyres,  the  first  Secretary  of 
the  Corporation,  was  the  son  of  Rev.  Nicholas  Eyres,  and  a  graduate  of  Yale 
College.  He  was  a  practising  physician,  and  a  member  of  Mr.  Thurs- 
ton's church.  The  Rev.  Edward  Upham,  pastor  of  the  First  Church 
in  Newport,  was  a  graduate  of  Harvard  College,  in  the  class  of  1721. 
Doct.  Joshua  Babcock  was  a  leading  man  in  Westerly,  and  had  held 
various  public  offices  of  responsibility  and  trust,  including  that  of  Judge 


1  See  "  Chaplain  Smith  and  the  Baptists." 


1763-1769.  AND   MANNING.  57 

of  the  Superior  Court  of  Judicature.  In  1775  he  was  appointed  Major- 
General  of  the  Rhode  Island  militia.  Morgan  Edwards  was  also  present 
as  a  member  of  the  Board  of  Fellows. 

Of  the  twenty-two  Baptist  Trustees,  as  the  charter  provides,  fourteen, 
according  to  the  record,  were  present  at  this  meeting,  viz. :  The  Hon. 
Samuel  Ward,  Nicholas  Brown,  Col.  JobBennet,  Judge  Daniel  Jenckes, 
the  Rev.  Gardner  Thurston,  the  Rev.  John  Maxson,  the  Rev.  Samuel 
Winsor,  the  Rev.  John  Gano,  the  Hon.  Josias  Lyndon,  John  Tillinghast, 
Peleg  Barker,  Simon  Pease,  Nicholas  Tillinghast,  and  the  Rev.  Isaac 
Backus.  Ward,  the  political  opponent  of  Hopkins,  and  the  popular  Gov- 
ernor of  Rhode  Island  during  the  years  1762,  1765,  and  1766,  was  one 
of  the  most  influential  members  of  the  famous  Congress  of  1774.  His 
life,  written  by  Professor  Gammell,  is  published  in  Sparks's  American 
Biography;  Brown  was  the  oldest  of  the  "  Four  Brothers,"  whose  names 
are  so  prominent  in  connection  with  the  early  history  of  the  College,  and 
the  growth  and  development  of  the  town  of  Providence  ; '  Lyndon  was 
a  resident  of  Newport,  and  a  man  of  influence.  In  1768  he  was  elected 
Governor  by  an  overwhelming  majority  of  nearly  fifteen  hundred ;  Ben- 
net  was  the  intimate  friend  of  Manning  and  Smith,  frequently  enter- 
taining them  beneath  his  hospitable  roof.  In  the  list  of  Judges  his 
name  frequently  appears  as  Associate  Judge  of  the  Superior  Court. 
He  was  now  a  prosperous  merchant,  doing  business,  according  to  adver- 
tisements in  the  Newport  Mercury,  on  Thames  street,  and  having  the 
military  title  of  Colonel ;  Jenckes  was  one  of  the  most  influential  men 
of  Providence.  A  sketch  of  him  will  be  found  in  a  subsequent  chapter 
on  the  charter ;  Thurston  has  already  been  mentioned  as  the  pastor  of 
the  Second  Baptist  Church,  having,  according  to  Edwards,  the  largest 
Baptist  congregation  in  New  England.  He  was,  it  is  stated,  an  inti- 
mate friend  and  associate  of  the  learned  Dr.  Stiles  ;  John  Tillinghast 
was  the  first  Treasurer  of  the  College,  serving  three  years  until  1767, 
when  he  was  succeeded  by  Colonel  Bennet ;  Gano  has  already  been 


1  For  a  biographical  sketch  of  these  brothers,  including  the  inscriptions  on  their  several  tomb- 
stones, see  "  Manning  and  Brown  University,"  pp.  143-176. 


58  BROWN    UNIVERSITY  Chap.  II. 

mentioned  as  Manning's  brother-in-law,  and  one  of  the  great  "lights" 
in  the  Baptist  denomination ;  Backus,  who  was  soon  to  be  prominent 
as  the  historian  of  New  England,  and  the  agent  of  the  Baptist  churches, 
in  connection  with  the  "  Committee  on  Grievances  "  of  the  Warren  Asso- 
ciation, was  now  the  popular  and  useful  pastor  of  a  church  in  Middle- 
borough.  We  shall  frequently  have  occasion  to  refer  to  him  in  the 
progress  of  our  narrative.  The  following  are  extracts  from  the  records 
of  this  meeting :  — 

Resolved,  That  a  seal  for  the  College  he  procured  immediately  by  the  Rev.  Samuel 
Stillman,  at  Boston,  with  this  device :  — Busts  of  the  King  and  Queen  in  profile  face  to 
face;  underneath,  George  III.,  Charlotte;  round  the  border,  the  seal  of  the  Colony  of 
Rhode  Island  and  Providence  Plantations  in  America. 

At  the  next  annual  meeting  Mr.  Stillman's  account  was  presented 
and  allowed,  and  the  sum  of  ten  pounds  and  thirteen  shillings  was 
ordered  to  be  paid  him  by  the  Treasurer.  The  seal  was  of  silver.  Con- 
tinuing our  extracts :  — 

Resolved,  That  Nicholas  Brown  be  appointed  to  receive  subscriptions  for  the  College 
in  Providence. 

Resolved,  And  the  Secretary  is  hereby  directed  to  preserve  the  seniority  of  the 
respective  members  in  both  branches  of  this  Corporation,  by  inserting  those  re-elected 
immediately  after  those  who  have  legally  qualified  themselves  within  the  time  limited, 
and  afterwards  those  chosen  at  this  meeting,  and  so  from  time  to  time. 

Resolved,  That  Rev.  John  Gano  be  requested  and  duly  authorized  to  receive  sub- 
scriptions in  any  part  of  America. 

Resolved,  That  Rev.  Hezekiah  Smith  be  appointed  to  receive  subscriptions  at  Haver- 
hill, and  Mr.  Solomon  Southwick  at  Dartmouth. 

Resolved,  That  Honorable  Samuel  Ward,  Honorable  Joseph  Wanton,  Jr.,  James 
Honeyman,  Esq.,  Rev.  Edward  Upham,  Rev.  Gardner  Thurston,  Mr.  Edward  Thurs- 
ton, Jr.,  and  the  Secretary  (Doct.  Eyres)  be  a  committee  to  transact  the  necessary  affairs 
during  the  recess  of  this  Corporation. 

Here  we  have  the  beginnings  of  the  Executive  Committee,  which  has 
always  been  a  prominent  feature  of  the  Corporation. 


1763-1769.  AND    MANNING.  59 

• 

The  day  previous  to  the  annual  meeting  which  we  have  here  described, 
Tuesday,  September  3d,  Manning  matriculated  his  first  college  student, 
William  Rogers,  a  lad  of  fourteen,  from  Newport.  This  we  learn  from 
an  interesting  paper  in  his  hand-writing  preserved  on  file,  entitled,  "A 
Matriculation  Roll  of  the  number  of  students  in  Rhode  Island  College, 
with  the  time  of  their  admission,  up  to  1769."  The  second  student 
matriculated  according  to  this  document  was  Manning's  brother-in-law, 
Richard  Stites.  The  entry  reads,  "Richard  Stites,  entered  June  20, 1766, 
from  Elizabethtown,  N.  J."  From  Sept.  3,  1765,  until  June  20,  1766, 
a  period  of  nine  months  and  seventeen  days,  young  Rogers  was  therefore 
the  only  student  in  College,  constituting  the  entire  Freshman  class.  He 
was  graduated  with  honor  in  1769,  and  afterwards  attained  to  distinc- 
tion as  a  preacher,  a  chaplain  in  the  army,  and  a  man  of  letters.  If, 
among  her  "first  fruits,"  Trinity  College,  of  Dublin,  may  boast  of  her 
Archbishop  Usher,  and  Harvard  College  of  her  Dr.  Woodbridge,  Rhode 
Island  College  may  also  boast  of  her  Dr.  Rogers,  as  the  first  student  who 
enrolled  his  name  upon  her  records,  and  as  one  whose  character  and  life 
reflect  the  highest  honor  upon  his  revered  instructor  and  the  Institu- 
tion over  which  he  presided.  A  brief  biographical  sketch  may  not  be 
regarded  as  inappropriate  in  this  connection :  — 


William  Rogers. 

William,  the  second  son  of  Capt.  William  and  Sarah  Rogers,  was 
born  in  Newport,  Rhode  Island,  on  the  22d  of  July,  1751.  Having 
finished  a  preparatory  course  of  study  under  the  care  of  the  Rev.  Aaron 
Hutchinson,  a  Congregational  minister  of  Grafton,  Massachusetts,  he 
entered  Rhode  Island  College  at  the  early  age  of  fourteen,  one  day 
previous  to  the  meeting  of  the  Corporation  when  Manning  was  elected 
President.  He  was  graduated  in  1769,  having  for  his  subject  an 
oration  on  benevolence,  in  which,  says  the  reporter,  "among  other 
pertinent  observations,  he  particularly  noticed  the  necessity  which  that 
Infant   Seminary  stands    in    for   the    salutary   effects    of    that   truly 


60  BROWN"   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  II. 

Christian  virtue."1  After  graduating  he  engaged  for  awhile  in  teach- 
ing in  the  place  of  his  birth.  While  thus  employed,  during  the  year 
1770,  he  became  a  subject  of  renewing  grace,  and  was  baptized  by 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Thurston,  being  received  as  a  member  of  the  church,  his 
biographer  states,  "by  prayer,  and  the  Imposition  of  Hands."  This  fact 
is  mentioned  as  an  illustration  of  the  views  and  usages  that  then  pre- 
vailed in  the  Baptist  churches  of  Rhode  Island.  Very  soon  he  gave 
evidence  of  talents  that  would  qualify  him  for  enlarged  usefulness. 
President  Manning,  in  referring  to  the  first  graduates  of  the  College, 
in  a  letter  to  Dr.  Stennett,  of  London,  under  date  of  June  5,  1771,  thus 
writes  respecting  Rogers  :  —  "  One  of  the  youth,  graduated  at  our  first 
Commencement,  who  is  thought  to  be  savingly  brought  home  by  grace, 
has  joined  Mr.  Thurston's  church  in  Newport,  and  appears  eminently 
pious.  As  soon  as  his  age  will  admit,  for  he  is  quite  a  youth,  he  will  be 
called  to  the  work  of  the  ministry,  with  hopes  of  his  making  a  distin- 
guished figure  in  the  pulpit.  He  bears  the  greatest  resemblance  to  Mr. 
Hezekiah  Smith  of  any  person  I  know,  and  I  hope  he  will  make  such 
another  son  of  thunder." 

His  reading  from  this  time  on  was  chiefly  on  theological  subjects, 
though  he  still  indulged,  to  some  extent,  his  taste  for  scientific  studies. 
In  August,  1771,  he  was  called  and  licensed  to  preach,  by  the  church  of 
which  he  was  a  member ;  and  in  December  following,  in  consequence  of 
earnest  solicitations  from  Morgan  Edwards,  and  others,  he  relinquished 
his  charge  as  principal  of  the  academy  in  Newport,  and  removed  to 
Philadelphia.  Here  he  continued  preaching  on  probation  until  March, 
1772,  when  he  received  a  unanimous  call  to  succeed  Mr.  Edwards  as 
pastor  of  the  Baptist  Church.  He  accepted  the  call,  and  was  ordained 
on  the  31st  of  May  following,  not  yet  having  attained  his  majority. 
The  sermon  on  the  occasion  was  preached  by  the  Rev.  Isaac  Eaton,  of 
Hopewell,  from  the  words  :  —  "And  who  is  sufficient  for  these  things  ?  " 
It  proved  to  be  the  last  sermon  that  Mr.  Eaton  ever  preached,  while  the 
text  was  the  first  upon  which  Mr.  Rogers  preached.     It  pleased  the 


i  The  orations  of  this  graduating  class  are  preserved  in  manuscript,  and  are  in  the  possession 
of  the  writer.  Mr.  Rogers's  Oration,  and  the  Valedictory  Address  are  given  at  the  close  of  the 
present  chapter. 


1763-1769.  AND    MANNING.  61 

Lord  graciously  to  bless  his  labors  among  this  people,  and  before  the 
close  of  the  year  he  baptized  upwards  of  thirty,  mostly  young  persons, 
including  Miss  Hannah  Gardner,  a  highly  accomplished  young  lady  of 
eighteen,  whom  he  afterwards  married.  He  continued  his  labors  as  a 
pastor  until  the  breaking  out  of  the  Revolutionary  War,  when  patriot- 
ism led  him  to  engage  in  the  service  of  his  country. 

The  General  Assembly  of  Pennsylvania,  having  in  March,  1776, 
voted  three  battalions  of  foot  for  the  defence  of  their  Province,  appointed 
Mr.  Rogers  their  Chaplain.  In  June,  1778,  he  was  promoted  to  a 
Brigade  Chaplaincy  in  the  Continental  army,  which  office  he  continued 
to  hold  until  June,  1781,  when  he  retired  from  military  service  alto- 
gether.1 He  was  in  intimate  relations  with  the  prominent  actors  of  the 
Revolution,  and  enjoyed  the  confidence  and  esteem  of  the  Command- 
ing General.  He  was  an  honored  member  of  the  Masonic  Fraternity, 
and  frequently  addressed  them  on  public  occasions.2  In  March,  1789, 
he  was  appointed  Professor  of  Oratory  and  Belles-Lettres  in  the  College 
and  Academy  of  Philadelphia ;  and  in  April,  1792,  he  was  elected  to 
the  same  professorship  in  the  University  of  Pennsylvania.  He  received 
the  degree  of  Master  of  Arts  in  1780,  from  Yale  College,  and  also  from 
the  College  of  New  Jersey  six  years  later.  From  the  University  of 
Pennsylvania  he  received,  in  1790,  the  honorary  degree  of  Doctor  in 
Divinity.  The  following  pleasant  account  of  Dr.  Rogers,  as  given  by 
an  English  gentlemen,  in  a  letter  dated  New  York,  June  25,  1793,  we 
take  from  Evans's  Life  of  Richards.3  The  writer  was  travelling  through 
the  country  with  a  view  to  final  settlement.  The  extract  serves  to  illus- 
trate Rogers's  social  character,  and  also  gives  an  agreeable  view  of  Gen- 
eral Washington  in  his  private  relations  :  — 


1  His  "  Journal  of  a  Brigade  Chaplain  in  the  Expedition  against  the  Six  Indians,  under  command 
of  Major-General  John  Sullivan,"  with  notes  by  the  publisher,  Sidney  S.  Rider,  constitutes  No.  7of 
Rhode  Island  Historical  Tracts.    Small  4to.    Providence,  1879,  pp.  136. 

s  He  delivered  a  Fourth  of  July  Address  before  the  Pennsylvania  Society  of  the  Cincinnati,  of 
which  he  was  a  member,  in  1789 ;  which  address  was  printed  in  full  in  the  Providence  Gazette, 
January  2  and  9, 1790.  A  prayer  before  the  same  Society,  delivered  Feb.  22, 1800,  was  published  by 
particular  request.    It  is  advertised  in  Rippon's  Baptist  Register,  Vol.  3,  page  202. 

3  Memoirs  of  the  Life  and  Writings  of  Rev.  William  Richards,  LL.  D.,  by  John  Evans,  LL.  D.,  of 
Islington.    12mo.    Chiswick,  1819. 


62  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  II. 

After  travelling  through  an  extreme  pleasant  country,  we  arrived  at  Philadelphia, 
and  waited  on  Dr,  Rogers.  Dr.  Rogers  is  a  most  entertaining  and  agreeahle  man,  and 
received  your  letter  with  much  pleasure.  We  were  with  him  a  great  part  of  the  time 
we  remained  in  the  city,  and  were  introduced  by  him  to  General  Washington.  The 
General  was  not  at  home  when  we  called,  but,  while  we  were  talking  with  his  private 
secretary  in  the  hall,  he  came  in,  and  spoke  to  Dr.  Rogers  with  the  greatest  ease  and 
familiarity.  He  immediately  asked  us  up  into  the  drawing-room,  where  was  Lady 
Washington  and  his  two  nieces.  When  we  were  seated,  the  General  called  for  wine  and 
cake,  of  which  we  partook,  he  drinking  our  "health,  and  wishing  us  success  in  all  our 
undertakings."  The  General  asked  us  a  number  of  questions  respecting  the  situation  of 
things  in  Europe,  to  all  which  we  answered,  you  may  be  sure,  in  our  best  manner.  It 
is  his  general  custom  to  say  little ;  but  on  this  occasion  we  understood  he  was  more  than 
usually  talkative.  He  made  one  remark,  which,  under  the  circumstances  in  which  it 
was  delivered,  has  a  peculiar  energy  —  "that  we  had  chosen  a  happy  country ,  and  one  large 
enough!"  After  sitting  about  half  an  hour,  we  retired,  highly  gratified  with  having 
conversed  with  the  first  character  of  the  age. 

The  last  years  of  Dr.  Rogers  were  spent  in  dignified  retirement,  and 
in  the  diligent  cultivation  of  pious  and  devout  feelings.  He  was  con- 
nected with  various  benevolent  organizations,  and  during  the  years 
1816  and  1817  was  a  member  of  the  General  Assembly  of  Pennsylvania. 
He  died  in  Philadelphia,  April  7, 1824,  at  the  age  of  seventy-three.  The 
First  Baptist  Church,  as  a  testimony  of  its  veneration  and  regard, 
erected  a  handsome  monument  to  his  memory.  As  a  preacher,  says  the 
late  Dr.  Sharp,1  he  was  highly  evangelical,  advocating  and  ably  defend- 
ing the  doctrines  of  the  Reformation  as  held  by  a  Watts,  a  Doddridge, 
and  multitudes  of  others.  Notwithstanding  his  attachment  to  evangeli- 
cal principles,  he  was  remarkably  liberal  in  his  feelings,  for  he  truly 
loved  all  good  men.  In  illustration  of  this,  it  may  be  stated,  that  during 
one  year,  soon  after  the  close  of  the  war,  he  received  invitations  from 
three  very  important  churches,  and  of  as  many  different  denominations, 
in  the  states  of  Maryland,  Connecticut,  and  Rhode  Island,  either  to  sup- 
ply the  pulpit  steadily,  or  to  settle  as  pastor.  One  of  these  invitations 
was  from  the  Episcopal  Church  of  St.  John's,  in  Providence.     The  invi- 


1  Sprague's  Annals  of  the  American  Pulpit,  Vol.  VI. 


1763-1769.  AND    MANNING.  63 

tation  was  given,  of  course,  with  a  proviso,  as  will  be  seen  by  a  refer- 
ence to  Updike's  History  of  the  Narragansett  Church. 

Dr.  Rogers  was  of  the  middle  size,  and  in  his  habits  and  manners 
was  more  than  ordinarily  refined.  In  seasons  of  relaxation  he  was 
agreeably  facetious.  He  was  very  active,  and  walked  with  the  agility 
of  youth,  until  within  a  few  weeks  of  his  decease.  In  the  circle  of  his 
family  he  was  almost  worshipped.  A  fine  picture  of  him,  executed 
by  his  daughter,  Miss  Eliza  J.  Rogers,  from  an  original  portrait  by 
Rembrandt  Peale,  graces  the  collection  in  Sayles  Memorial  Hall.  He 
was  twice  married.  His  first  wife,  a  daughter  of  William  Gardner, 
died  of  the  yellow  fever,  in  1793.  His  second  wife,  who  survived 
him,  was  a  daughter  of  Joseph  Marsh,  of  Philadelphia.  A  younger 
brother,  Daniel,  a  pupil  of  Manning's  Latin  School  in  Warren,  was  a 
successful  merchant  in  Newport.  He  died  in  August,  1792,  in  the 
fortieth  year  of  his  age.  An  obituary  notice,  copied  from  the  Provi- 
dence Gazette,  is  published  in  Rippon's  Register.  Another  brother, 
Robert,  was  graduated  from  the  College  in  1775.  He  was  an  officer  in 
a  Rhode  Island  regiment  during  the  war,  and  afterwards  was  principal 
of  a  classical  school  in  Newport.  Washington  Allston  was  one  of  his 
pupils.  For  twenty  years  he  was  secretary,  treasurer,  and  librarian  of 
the  Redwood  Library,  and  from  1788  until  his  death  in  1835,  a  period  of 
forty-seven  years,  he  was  a  Fellow  of  Rhode  Island  College,  afterwards 
Brown  University.  A  son  of  his,  William  Sanford  Rogers,  of  Boston, 
founded  in  1870  a  scholarship,  and  dying  two  years  later,  bequeathed  to 
Brown  University  the  sum  of  fifty  thousand  dollars  to  found  the  "  New- 
port-Rogers Professorship  of  Chemistry. ' '  This  he  did,  as  he  expressed 
it  in  his  will,  in  memory  of  his  father  and  his  uncle  who  had  both  been 
graduated  from  the  College.  Thus  the  memory  of  the  first  student  will 
forever  be  perpetuated  in  the  annals  of  science. 

The  following  advertisement,  which  we  take  from  the  Newport  Mer- 
cury of  June  20,  1768,  may  fitly  close  this  sketch.  It  shows  the  posi- 
tion of  the  father  of  the  first  student  of  the  College,  and  contains  an 
allusion  to  Judge  Gardner's  house,  where  the  first  meeting  for  the 
founding  of  the  College  was  held :  — 


64  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  II, 

William  Rogers,  of  Newport,  on  the  north  side  of  the  Parade,  opposite  the  Town 
School  House,  takes  this  method  to  acquaint  his  customers  and  others,  that  he  has 
newly  supplied  his  shop  with  a  very  large  and  general  assortment  of  English  and  India 
goods,  directly  from  London,  via  Boston;  which  he  will  sell  as  cheap  as  can  he  had  at 
any  shop  in  the  Government,  for  cash :  —  And  he  will  take  in  pay  for  any  of  said  goods 
tryed  tallow,  hayherry-wax,  striped  flannel,  and  tow  cloth,  at  cash  price. 

N.  B.  Said  Bogers  has  to  sell,  a  large  double  house  and  lot,  situated  on  the  north 
side  of  the  Parade,  opposite  to  Governor  Lyndon's,  forty  feet  front  and  forty-five  feet 
deep,  on  a  cross  street,  next  to  the  late  Deputy  Governor  Gardner's ;  with  another  house 
on  said  lot  sixteen  feet  front  on  said  cross  street,  and  forty  feet  long,  which  he  will  dis- 
pose of  at  very  reasonable  terms  on  good  security.  For  further  particulars  inquire  of 
said  Bogers. 

The  accompanying  portrait  of  Dr.  Rogers  is  taken  from  an  engraving 
in  Rippon's  Baptist  Register,  and  is  dated  April,  1797.  In  the  super- 
scription he  is  styled  "Professor  of  English,  and  the  Belles-Lettres,  in 
the  University  of  Pennsylvania." 

A  letter  addressed  by  Backus  to  the  Rev.  Dr.  Gill,  of  London,  an 
extract  from  which  we  here  present,  illustrates  Manning's  position  at 
this  time,  as  a  pioneer  in  introducing  polite  literature  or  learning  among 
the  Baptists  of  New  England.  The  writer  was  already  known  as  an 
author,  having  commenced  publishing  his  discourses  and  controversial 
tracts  as  early  as  1754.  Gill  was  the  acknowledged  leader  among  his 
brethren  throughout  Great  Britain.  As  a  learned  commentator  on  the 
Old  and  New  Testaments  his  reputation  was  world-wide :  — 

One  grand  objection  made  use  of  against  Believer's  Baptism,  has  been  that  none  but 
ignorant  and  illiterate  men  have  embraced  the  Baptist  sentiments.  And  there  was  so 
much  color  for  it  as  this,  namely,  that  ten  years  ago  there  were  but  two  Baptist  minis- 
ters (Jeremiah  Condy,  of  Boston,  and  Edward  Upham,  of  Newport,)  in  all  New  England 
who  had  what  is  called  a  liberal  education ;  and  they  were  not  clear  in  the  doctrines  of 
grace.  But  three  others  have  lately  come  from  the  Southern  governments ;  namely, 
Mr.  Samuel  Stillman,  who  is  settled  in  Boston ;  Mr.  Hezekiah  Smith,  who  has  had 
remarkable  success  in  Haverhill,  where  he  has  gathered  a  large  society;  and  Mr.  James 
Manning,  who  is  settled  at  Warren,  R.  I.  And  as  the  Baptists  have  met  with  a  great 
deal  of  abuse  from  those  who  are  called  learned  men  in  our  land,  they  have  been  not  a 
little  prejudiced  against  learning  itself;  but,  latterly,  there  has  been  considerable  alter- 


William  Rogers, 


1763-1769.  AND    MANNING.  .         65 

ation  in  this  respect.  A  charter  was  obtained  from  the  General  Assembly  of  Rhode 
Island  in  February,  1764,  incorporating  a  number  of  Trustees  and  Fellows,  for  founding 
and  endowing  a  College  for  the  education  of  youth  (of  which  you  will  be  likely  to  hear 
more  in  due  time) ;  and  this  Corporation,  at  their  annual  meeting,  last  September,  chose 
the  aforesaid  Mr.  Manning  President.  He  has  commenced  a  school,  which  appears  in  a 
likely  way  to  increase  fast.  But  as  there  are  scarce  any  books  suitable  for  such  busi- 
ness to  be  sold  in  that  Colony,  he  has  thought  of  sending  to  London  for  a  quantity ;  and 
as  he  is  unknown  there,  he  requested  that  I  would  write  a  few  lines  in  his  favor. 
Therefore,  my  dear  sir,  if  my  poor  testimony  may  be  thought  worthy  of  any  notice,  I 
desire  that  you  would  mention  to  Mr.  Keith,  to  whom  he  has  thoughts  of  sending,  that, 
from  near  two  years'  acquaintance  with  him,  I  am  well  satisfied  that  he  is  a  man  of 
piety,  integrity,  and  ability,  who  will  make  conscience  of  fulfilling  his  engagements. 

I  remain,  sir,  your  humble  servant, 

Isaac  Backus. 

Another  extract  from  Backus  may  not  be  regarded  as  inappropriate  in 
this  connection,  as  it  throws  light  on  the  early  history  of  the  College. 
In  his  examination  of  nine  sermons  preached  by  Joseph  Fish,  of  Ston- 
ington,  against  Baptists  and  Separatists,  he  shows  the  difference  between 
true  and  false  learning.1  In  answer  to  the  charge  made  by  Mr.  Fish, 
that  a  learned  and  able  ministry  was  held  by  them  in  light  esteem,  he 
replies :  — 

Several  who  have  formerly  sent  their  sons  to  college  have  been  disappointed,  as  the 
clergy  have  found  means  to  draw  them  over  to  their  party ;  which  has  discouraged 
others  from  sending  their  sons.  And  the  Baptists  in  general  have  been  so  much  abused, 
by  those  who  boast  of  their  Learning,  that  it  is  not  strange  if  many  were  prejudiced 
against  such  men ;  yet  they  have  had  some  that  the  world  calls  learned  men,  from  the 
beginning;  and  lately  have  begun  a  College  of  their  own  which  bids  fair  to  increase. 
(The  charter  for  it  was  granted  in  February,  1764,  by  the  General  Assembly  of  Rhode 
Island  Colony ;  and  Mr.  James  Manning,  of  Warren,  is  now  President  thereof.)  But  I 
hope  they  may  never  imagine  to  confine  Christ  or  his  church,  to  that,  or  any  other 
human  school  for  ministers. 


1  "A  Fish  caught  in  his  own  Net.  An  Examination  of  Nine  Sermons,  from  Matt.xvi.  18.  Pub- 
lished last  year  by  Mr.  Joseph  Fish,  of  Stonington,  wherein  he  labors  to  prove,  that  those  called 
Standing  Churches  in  New  England,  are  built  upon  the  Rock,  and  upon  the  same  principles  with 
the  first  fathers  of  this  country;  —  And  that  Separates  and  Baptists  are  joining  with  the  Gates 
of  Hell  against  them.  By  Isaac  Backus.  Pastor  of  a  Church  of  Christ  in  Middleborough."  12mo. 
Boston.  Printed  by  Ecles  &  Gill,  1768,  pp.  129. 
9 


66  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  II. 

The  first  of  the  letters  from  Manning's  pen  that  have  been  pre- 
served was  written  to  Miss  Stites  while  he  was  a  student  in  College, 
a  brief  extract  from  which  is  given  in  our  first  chapter.  The  second  is 
specially  interesting,  as  indicating  the  way  in  which  the  Honorable 
David  Howell  came  to  be  so  intimately  connected  with  the  College. 
We  give  it  entire.  He  was  now  a  member  of  the  Senior  class  at 
Princeton,  and  about  to  graduate  from  that  institution :  — 

Sir: —  I  some  time  ago  received  a  line  from  you  by  Mr.  Stelle,  in  which  you 
requested  my  advice  relative  to  your  destination  when  you  have  done  with  college. 
I  was  glad  to  find  that  you  had  not  yet  determined  upon  any  place  or  employment, 
because  I  was  desirous  that  you  should  make  a  visit  to  these  parts  before  your  settle- 
ment. But  to  give  advice,  without  having  some  prospect  of  advantage,  I  should  think 
imprudent ;  and  indeed  the  matter  is  important,  for  if  it  should  not  succeed  according 
to  your  wishes,  you  might  entertain  hard  thoughts  of  me.  However,  at  present  it 
appears  to  me  that  you  cannot  do  better  than  to  visit  Rhode  Island.  The  success 
Mr.  Stelle  has  met  with  encourages  me.  He  has  a  Latin  school  in  the  town  of  Provi- 
dence of  nearly  twenty  scholars,  and  may  have  more  if  he  finds  himself  able  to  manage 
them.  I  believe  he  gives  good  satisfaction,  and  is  much  esteemed  by  the  gentlemen 
of  the  town.  I  thought  when  he  came  here  that  he  would  much  more  readily  have 
found  employ  in  Newport;  and  although  the  people  there  were  for  making  the  attempt, 
yet  he  chose  first  to  see  Providence,  whither  I  accompanied  him.  They  would  not, 
however,  consent  that  he  should  go  back,  but  immediately  employed  him ;  so  that  if  you 
are  disposed  to  keep  a  school,  I  imagine  one  may  easily  be  obtained  in  Newport.  I 
would  gladly  invite  you  to  come  and  live  in  my  family,  if  the  infant  state  of  our  College 
could  promise  you  proper  encouragement ;  but  at  present  it  is  hardly  to  be  expected, 
although  in  the  revolution  of  a  year  it  will  doubtless  need  more  help.  Upon  the  whole, 
I  think  if  I  were  in  your  circumstances,  as  near  as  I  can  judge,  I  should  come ;  and  I 
would  advise  you  to  see  me  before  you  engage  anywhere.  A  taste  for  learning  is 
greatly  upon  the  increase  in  this  Colony.  Mr.  Stelle  can  give  you  a  more  particular 
account  of  matters  in  these  parts,  as  he  will  be  with  you  at  Commencement ;  and  if  you 
can  get  your  affairs  in  readiness,  he  will  be  your  company  over.  After  telling  you  my 
family  is  well,  as  also  your  friend  Stites,  etc.,  I  bid  you  farewell,  wishing  you  the  best 
blessings  of  heaven,  and  that  I  may  have  the  pleasure  of  waiting  upon  Mr.  Howell  at 
the  house  of 

Sir,  your  humble  servant, 

James  Manning. 
Warren,  July  14,  1766. 


1763-1769.  AND    MANNING.  67 

Agreeably  to  President  Manning's  advice,  Mr.  Howell  came  to  War- 
ren, and  was  at  once  associated  with  him  as  Tutor  in  the  College.  In 
1769  he  was  appointed  Professor  of  Mathematics  and  Natural  Philoso- 
phy, which  position  he  occupied  until  the  breaking  up  of  the  College 
in  consequence  of  the  Revolutionary  War.  In  addition  to  the  regular 
studies  of  his  professorship,  he  taught  the  French,  German,  and  Hebrew 
languages.  For  thirty-four  years  he  was  Professor  of  Law,  although 
he  never  delivered  any  lectures  in  connection  with  this  department  of 
instruction.  He  was  fifty-two  years  a  member  of  the  Board  of  Fellows, 
and  for  many  years  was  Secretary  of  the  Corporation.  He  was  thus 
intimately  connected  with  the  College  during  a  large  portion  of  his 
protracted  life.  On  several  occasions,  after  President  Manning's 
decease,  he  presided  at  the  College  Commencements,  and  delivered  to 
the  graduating  classes  Baccalaureate  addresses,  which  were  greatly 
admired.  He  practised  law  in  Providence  for  many  years,  and  was 
regarded  as  the  leading  member  of  the  Rhode  Island  bar.  Under  the 
Confederation  he  was  a  member  of  Congress,  and  he  subsequently 
filled,  with  great  ability,  several  high  offices,  civil  and  judicial.  In 
1812  he  was  appointed  United  States  Judge  for  the  District  of  Rhode 
Island,  and  this  office  he  sustained  until  his  death,  in  1824.  "  Judge 
Howell,"  says  Professor  Goddard,  "was  endowed  with  extraordinary 
talents,  and  he  superadded  to  his  endowments  extensive  and  accurate 
learning.  As  an  able  jurist,  he  established  for  himself  a  solid  reputa- 
tion. He  was,  however,  yet  more  distinguished  as  a  keen  and  brilliant 
wit,  and  as  a  scholar  extensively  acquainted  not  only  with  the  ancient, 
but  with  several  of  the  modern  languages.  As  a  pungent  and  effective 
political  writer,  he  was  almost  unrivalled ;  and  in  conversation,  what- 
ever chanced  to  be  the  theme,  whether  politics  or  law,  literature  or 
theology,  grammar  or  criticism,  a  Greek  tragedy  or  a  difficult  problem 
in  mathematics,  he  was  never  found  wanting.  Upon  all  occasions 
which  made  any  demands  upon  him,  he  gave  the  most  convincing  evi- 
dence of  the  vigor  of  his  powers,  and  of  the  variety  and  extent  of  his 
erudition."1     To  all  this  may  be  added  extraordinary  physical  powers, 

1  Memoir  of  Rev.  James  Manning,  page  6. 


68  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  II. 

and  a  majestic,  dignified  presence.     Such  was  the  intimate  friend  and 
early  academical  associate  of  Manning. 

The  following  are  in  brief  his  various  titles  and  positions,  as  given 
in  the  recently  published  "Historical  Catalogue  "  of  the  University:  — 
He  received  the  degree  of  A.  B.  from  the  College  of  New  Jersey  in 
1766 ;  the  degree  ai  A.  M.  from  Rhode  Island  College  in  1769,  and 
from  Yale  University  in  1772 ;  the  degree  of  LL.  D.  from  Rhode  Island 
College  in  1793  ;  he  was  Tutor,  1766-69 ;  Professor  of  Natural  Philos- 
ophy, 1769-79 ;  Professor  of  Jurisprudence,  1790-1824  ;  Acting  Presi- 
dent, 1791-92 ;  practising  Lawyer  in  Providence  ;  Member  of  the 
Congress  of  Confederation,  1782-85  ;  Associate  Justice  of  the  Supreme 
Court  of  Rhode  Island,  1786-87 ;  Attorney  General,  1789 ;  Commis- 
sioner for  settling  the  boundaries  of  the  United  States ;  District  Attor- 
ney ;  United  States  Judge  of  Rhode  Island  District,  1812-24 ;  Member 
of  the  Board  of  Fellows,  1773-1824 ;  Secretary  of  the  Corporation, 
1780-1806.  He  was  born  in  New  Jersey,  January  1,  1747  ;  died  in 
Providence,  July  21,  1824. 

Mr.  Howell  married  Mary,  only  daughter  of  Jeremiah  and  Waitstill 
(Rhodes)  Brown.  One  of  his  daughters,  Waitstill,  was  married  to 
Ebenezer  Knight  Dexter,  who,  dying  without  issue,  left  his  large  estate 
to  his  native  town.  The  Dexter  Asylum,  Dexter  Training  Ground, 
Dexter  Lots,  and  the  Dexter  Donation  Fund,  are  the  enduring  memo- 
rials of  his  munificence.  The  city  erected  a  monument  to  his  memory 
in  the  North  Burial  Ground,  on  the  spot  where  his  remains  are  interred. 
Through  the  generosity  of  a  private  citizen,  the  Hon.  Henry  C.  Clark, 
a  statue  of  Ebenezer  Knight  Dexter  has  recently  been  erected  on  the 
Dexter  Training  Ground. 

The  following  in  reference  to  Tutor  Howell  appears  in  the  records 
of  the  annual  meeting  of  the  Corporation  for  September,  1767  :  — 

The  Reverend  President's  conduct  for  the  year  past,  and  his  engaging  Mr.  David 
Howell  as  a  Tutor,  is  approved  of,  and  the  amount  of  his  account  for  engaging  him 
was  allowed,  heing  twenty-five  pounds,  lawful  money,  which  was  ordered  to  be  paid. 


David  Howell. 


1763-1769.  AND    MANNING.  69 

The  following  appears  as  a  part  of  the  record  for  September,  1768  :  — 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  David  Howell  be  a  Tutor  of  the  College. 

Voted,  That  the  salary  of  Mr.  Howell  as  Tutor  be  £72  lawful  money,  and  that  he 
collect  the  tuition  money  as  it  becomes  due  as  part  of  said  salary. 

Voted,  That  the  sum  of  £23  lawful  money  be  paid  by  the  Treasurer  to  President 
Manning  for  the  board  of  his  Assistant. 

At  the  annual  meeting  of  the  Corporation  held  in  Warren,  Sept.  8, 
1769,  as  appears  from  the  records,  "  Mr.  David  Howell  was  elected  Pro- 
fessor of  Philosophy  in  this  College."  The  accompanying  likeness  is 
from  a  portrait  in  Sayles  Memorial  Hall.  This  portrait  was  copied  by 
J.  S.  Lincoln  from  one  by  Col.  John  Trumbull  in  the  picture  of 
"Washington  resigning  his  Commission  to  Congress,"  in  the  Rotunda 
of  the  Capitol  at  Washington.  Trumbull  painted  from  a  sketch  from 
life  taken  in  1793. 

The  Latin  School  was  now  flourishing,  and  already  there  were  six 
members  of  the  college  class.  These  facts,  and  the  coming  of  Mr. 
Howell  to  Warren  to  identify  himself  with  the  infant  Institution, 
inspired  Morgan  Edwards  with  renewed  confidence,  and  led  him  to 
leave  his  family  and  church  for  a  time,  and  devote  himself  to  the 
raising  of  funds  in  the  land  of  his  birth  and  education,  for  the  payment 
of  the  President's  salary.  In  accordance  with  an  offer  to  this  effect,  a 
special  meeting  of  the  Corporation  was  held  in  Newport,  Nov.  20, 
1766,  when  it  was  voted :  —  "  That  the  Reverend  Morgan  Edwards  be 
requested  and  duly  authorized  to  go  to  Europe  and  solicit  benefactions 
for  tins  Institution,  and  that  the  thanks  of  this  Corporation  be  returned 
him  for  his  generous  offers."  It  was  also  voted  at  this  meeting,  "That 
the  President  return  the  thanks  of  this  Corporation  to  Dr.  Thos. 
Llewelyn  (of  London)  for  his  donation  of  a  pair  of  Globes  for  this 
Institution.  The  following  "authorization"  for  Mr.  Edwards  we 
copy  from  the  records  :  — 

By  the  Honorable  Samuel  Ward,  Esquire,  Vice-Chancellor,  and  the  Reverend 
James  Manning,  President  ©f  the  College  or  University  in  the  English  Colony  of 
Rhode  Island  and  Providence  Plantations,  in    New  England,  in  America.    To  the 


70  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  II. 

Reverend  Morgan  Edwards,  A.  M.,  of  the  City  of  Philadelphia,  in  the  Province  of 
Pennsylvania,  Greeting:  — 

"Whereas,  The  General  Assembly  of  the  Colony  aforesaid,  did,  by  an  act  passed  at 
their  session  held  on  the  last  Monday  in  February,  1764,  incorporate  certain  persons 
therein  named  into  one  body  corporate  and  politic;  and  granted  them  a  charter, 
authorizing  and  empowering  them  and  their  successors  to  found,  endow,  order,  and 
govern  a  College  or  University  within  said  Colony,  as  in  and  by  the  said  charter,  refer- 
ence thereto  being  made  will  fully  and  clearly  at  large  appear:  And  whereas,  the  Cor- 
poration of  said  College  or  University,  reposing  special  trust  and  confidence  in  your 
abilities  and  integrity,  and  convinced  of  your  disinterested  zeal  and  ardor  for  promoting 
and  completing  the  design  of  the  General  Assembly,  did,  at  their  meeting  held  by 
authority  of,  and  agreeable  to  their  charter,  at  Newport,  in  the  said  Colony,  on  the 
day  of  the  date  hereof  (Nov.  20, 1766,)  unanimously  resolve,  that  you,  the  aforesaid 
Morgan  Edwards,  should  be  requested  and  empowered  to  proceed  to  Europe  to  solicit 
and  receive  donations  for  the  aforesaid  purpose :  These  are  therefore  to  authorize  and 
empower  you  to  proceed  with  all  convenient  speed  to  Europe,  and  in  any  part  of  his 
Majesty's  dominions,  or  elsewhere,  to  urge,  solicit,  and  receive  from  the  friends  of  use- 
ful literature,  and  other  well  disposed  persons,  donations  and  benefactions  for  the 
founding  and  endowing  the  College  or  University  aforesaid :  For  all  which  donations 
and  benefactions  you  are  to  be  accountable  to  the  Treasurer  of  said  Corporation  for  the 
time  being ;  your  reasonable  charges  and  expenses  in  soliciting  the  same  being  first 
deducted.    In  testimony  whereof,  etc. 

With  this  authorization  duly  signed,  and  the  seal  of  the  Corporation 
affixed,  Mr.  Edwards  set  out  on  his  mission  in  the  month  of  February 
following.  .He  returned  during  the  latter  part  of  1768,  having  been 
absent  from  home  nearly  two  years.  From  his  account  which  he  pre- 
sented to  the  Corporation,  it  appears  that  he  obtained  for  the  College 
the  sum  of  X888  10s.  2d.  sterling,  or  about  five  thousand  dollars  ; 
which,  he  remarks  in  his  narrative,  was  succeeding  "pretty  well,  con- 
sidering how  angry  the  mother  country  then  was  with  the  colonies  for 
opposing  the  Stamp  Act."  On  this  point  he  thus  writes  to  Manning, 
under  date  of  London,  April  26,  1768: — "Your  newspapers,  and 
letters  from  your  Government,  published  in  other  papers,  have  hurt 
me  much.  You  boast  of  the  many  yards  of  cloth  you  manufacture,  etc. 
This  raises  the  indignation  of  the  merchants  and  manufacturers.     I 


1763-1769.  AND    MANNING.  71 

have  been  not  only  denied  by  hundreds,  but  also  abused  on  that  score. 
My  patience,  my  feet,  and  my  assurance  are  much  impaired.  I  took  a 
cold  in  November,  which  stuck  to  me  all  winter,  owing  to  my  tram- 
poosing  the  streets  in  all  weathers." 

An  account  of  these  subscriptions  forms  an  interesting  chapter  in 
the  "Documentary  History  of  Brown  University,"  (pages  148-171). 
The  original  subscription  book  is  preserved  among  the  archives  of  the 
Library.  It  was  presented  to  the  Library  in  the  year  1849  by  Joshua 
Edwards,  a  son  of  Morgan,  through  his  pastor,  the  Rev.  Richard  Webster, 
of  Mauch  Chunk,  Pennsylvania.  The  donor  was  then  living,  though 
upwards  of  eighty  years  of  age.  The  signatures,  it  may  be  remarked, 
are  genuine.  Among  them  we  notice  the  subscriptions  of  the  Hon. 
Thomas  Penn,  of  London,  £20;  Thomas  Llewelyn,  Esq.,  £31  10s.  ; 
Samuel  Roffey,  Esq.,  £21;  Benjamin  Franklin,  £10  10s. ;  Benjamin 
West,  <£10  10s.  ;  the  Rev.  Doctors  Gill,  Stennett,  Gifford,  and  Gibbons  ; 
Thomas  Hollis  and  Timothy  Hollis ;  Hugh  and  Caleb  Evans  of  Bristol, 
etc.  It  is  an  interesting  fact  that  Mr.  Edwards's  first  subscriptions 
were  obtained  in  Ireland,  in  the  towns  and  cities  of  Cork,  Waterford, 
Dublin,  Belfast,  Lisburn,  Antrim,  Ballymony,  Coleraine,  Londonderry, 
Newry,  Westmeath,  and  Ormond.1 

The  meeting-house  to  which  reference  has  been  made,  which  was 
erected  before  Manning's  call  to  Warren,  served  a  most  important  pur- 
pose in  bringing  together  beneath  its  roof  the  friends  of  religion  and 
learning.  And  now  a  parsonage  was  needed,  not  only  for  the  accom- 
modation of  the  pastor  and  his  family,  but  also,  as  in  the  case  of  the 
parsonage  at  Hopewell  (a  cut  of  which  is  given  in  our  previous  chapter), 
for  the  use  of  the  pupils  of  the  Latin  School,  and  the  students  of  the 


*At  the  semi-annual  meeting  of  the  American  Antiquarian  Society,  held  in  Boston,  April  24, 
1895,  Dr.  Samuel  S.  Green  read  an  able  and  instructive  paper  on  "  The  Scotch-Irish  in  America," 
showing  that  after  the  English  Revolution  of  1688,  a  steady  stream  of  Scotch  Presbyterians  had 
poured  into  Ireland,  and  that  large  numbers  of  these  Presbyterians  emigrated  in  the  eighteenth 
century  to  America.  Dr.  Green  showed  that  these  emigrants  constituted  an  important  part  of  our 
population,  and  that  they  had  always  been  on  the  side  of  popular  education  and  religious  liberty. 
In  the  remarks  that  followed  the  reading  of  this  paper,  the  writer  referred  to  the  subscriptions  for 
the  College  obtained  in  Ireland  by  Morgan  Edwards.  See  Proceedings  of  the  Society,  Vol.  10, 
pages  7-8. 


72  BEOWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  II. 

College.  A  popular  method  of  raising  money  for  religious,  charitable, 
and  educational  purposes  in  these  early  times,  not  only  in  Rhode  Island 
but  throughout  all  the  colonies,  as  legislative  records  amply  show,  was 
by  means  of  lotteries,  duly  sanctioned  and  properly  managed.  Grad- 
ually they  came  to  be  managed  by  knaves  and  speculators,  for  private 
ends,  and  eventually,  in  accordance  with  the  changed  sentiment  of  the 
public  respecting  them,  they  were  abolished.  It  is  interesting  to  read 
the  following  notice  which  Mr.  Tolman,  in  his  recent  "History  of 
Higher  Education  in  Rhode  Island,"1  has  copied  from  the  Newport 
Mercury  for  Oct.  5,  1767  :  — 

Scheme  of  a  Lottery  granted  by  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Colony  of  Rhode 
Island,  etc.,  for  raising  one  hundred  and  fifty  pounds  lawful  money  ($500),  to  be  applied 
towards  finishing  the  Parsonage  house  belonging  to  the  Baptist  Church  in  Warren,  and 
rendering  it  commodious  for  the  reception  of  the  pupils  who  are  or  who  shall  be  placed 
there  for  a  liberal  education.  .  .  .  It  is  hoped  that  the  extraordinary  expense  of  that 
infant  society  in  building  a  new  meeting  house  and  parsonage  house,  as  far  as  the  build- 
ing is  advanced,  together  with  the  immediate  necessity  of  room  for  the  pupils  under 
the  care  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Manning,  and  the  great  encouragement  for  the  adventurers, 
there  being  but  little  better  than  two  blanks  to  a  prize,  will  induce  those  who  wish 
well  to  the  design  speedily  to  purchase  the  tickets. 

It  was  about  this  time  that  Manning  conceived  the  plan  of  uniting 
the  Baptist  churches  of  New  England  in  an  association,  in  order  to 
promote  their  harmony  and  growth,  to  resist  more  successfully  acts  of 
oppression  on  the  part  of  the  "Standing  Order"  in  Massachusetts  and 
Connecticut,  and  especially  to  disarm  his  brethren  of  all  existing  preju- 
dices against  human  learning,  to  which  Backus  in  his  letter  to  Dr.  Gill 
refers,  and  thus  to  advance  the  best  interests  of  the  College  over  which 
he  presided.  The  Baptists  of  Rhode  Island  at  this  time,  with  the  excep- 
tion of  the  church  in  Warren,  were  called  "Six  Principle  Baptists," 
and  were  united  in  an  organization  called  the  "  Rhode  Island  Yearly 
Meeting."     Knight  in  his  history2  states  that  this  Meeting,  in  1764,  the 

i  United  States  Bureau  of  Education.    Circular  of  Information.    No.  I.    1894. 

*  History  of  the  General  or  Six  Principle  Baptists  in  Europe  and  America.  Published  under  the 
patronage  of  the  Rhode  Island  Yearly  Meeting.  By  Richard  Knight,  Pastor  of  the  church  in 
Scituate.    8vo,  Providence,  1827. 


1763-1769.  AND    MANNING.  73 

date  of  the  College  Charter,  consisted  of  the  following  churches,  viz. : 
Providence,  Newport,  Swansea,  North  Kingstown,  Richmond,  Tiver- 
ton, Rehoboth,  Groton,  New  London,  Smithfield,  Scituate,  Warwick, 
South  Kingstown,  Cumberland,  East  Greenwich,  Cranston,  Coventry, 
and  perhaps  some  others.  In  the  process  of  time  some  of  these  churches 
have  become  extinct,  while  others  have  ceased  to  maintain  their  peculiar 
organization. 

It  was  Manning's  wish  to  unite  all  the  churches  of  his  faith  and 
order  in  an  association  similar  to  the  one  in  Philadelphia,  of  which  he 
was  a  member,  which  was  simply  advisory  in  its  character,  having 
respect  to  the  advancement  of  the  Redeemer's  kingdom  by  spreading 
through  the  churches  an  account  of  the  welfare  and  prosperity  of  each. 
The  undertaking  was  of  no  ordinary  magnitude.  The  government  of 
Baptist  churches  had  been  from  time  immemorial,  as  now,  of  the  inde- 
pendent form,  each  particular  church  having  an  exclusive  right  of  juris- 
diction over  its  own  members,  electing  and  dismissing  its  own  officers, 
and  transacting  all  its  business  by  final  issue  within  itself,  without 
appeal  to  any  power  on  earth,  either  civil  or  ecclesiastical.  It  had 
always  been  the  belief  of  the  Baptists  that  civil  government,  however 
desirable  and  necessary  for  civil  purposes,  had  nothing  to  do  with 
Christ's  kingdom,  which  is  spiritual,  and  not  of  this  world,  and  nothing 
to  do  with  the  visible  church,  which  is  subject  to  Jesus  Christ  alone  as 
the  head  thereof.  Hence  they  regarded  all  synods,  conventions,  asso- 
ciations, and  councils  to  decide  religious  controversies,  revoke  acts  of 
particular  churches,  inflict  censure,  form  platforms,  and  prepare  articles 
of  faith,  as  useless  and  antagonistic  to  the  independency  of  the 
churches  ;  as  having  more  or  less  respect  to  the  civil  state,  and  so  par- 
taking too  much  of  the  carnal  wisdom  of  this  world.  Outside  of  Rhode 
Island  they  had  suffered  too  much  from  measures  adopted  at  such 
councils  and  conventions  of  the  Congregational  ministers  of  Massachu- 
setts and  Connecticut,  to  be  easily  persuaded  to  meet  in  the  form  of 
a  permanent  organized  body,  lest  perchance  they  might  seem  to  be 
following  the  example  of  their  Congregational  brethren. 

From  the  journal  of  Hezekiah  Smith  it  appears  that  Manning  was 
10 


74  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  II. 

in  Haverhill,  Boston,  Newport,  and  other  places  in  the  spring  of  1766, 
conferring  with  his  brethren  in  the  ministry,  and  that  in  August  fol- 
lowing Smith  spent  a  week  in  Warren.  Naturally  the  matter  was  pre- 
sented to  the  members  of  Manning's  church.  The  first  official  mention 
of  an  association  appears  in  the  records  of  the  church  under  date  of 
Aug.  28,  1766,  when  it  was  voted,  "That  an  association  be  entered 
into  with  sundry  churches  of  the  same  faith  and  order,  as  it  was  judged 
a  likely  method  to  promote  the  peace  of  the  churches."  Doubtless  the 
matter  was  discussed  during  the  meeting  of  the  Corporation  held  in 
Newport  the  month  following.  The  next  meeting  of  the  Corporation 
was  held  in  Newport  Wednesday,  Sept.  2,  1767.  Mr.  Smith  records  in 
his  journal :  — 

Sat  with  the  Corporation  of  the  College  till  Thursday.  Thursday  evening  preached 
in  Mr.  Thurston's  meeting-house,  from  Solomon's  Song,  1:4.  Sat.  Sept.  5.  Preached 
in  Mr.  Maxson's  pulpit,  from  John  31 :  20.  Sabbath,  Sept.  6.  In  the  forenoon  I  preached 
in  Mr.  Upham's  pulpit,  from  Rom.  5: 1,  in  the  afternoon  in  Mr.  Thurston's  pulpit  from 
Solomon's  Song,  5 : 2,  and  in  the  evening  again  for  Mr.  Thurston.  Mon.  Sept.  7.  Went 
to  Warren.  Tues.  8.  Met  with  a  number  to  form  a  regular  association.  Mr.  Gano 
from  New  York  preached  a  sermon  upon  the  occasion  at  the  opening  of  the  meeting. 
Wed.  9.  Mr.  Manning's  church  at  Warren,  Mr.  Hinds's  at  Middleborough,  Mr.  Alden's 
at  Bellingham  and  ours  at  Haverhill,  formed  an  association.  The  same  evening  I 
preached  from  Prov.  3: 17. 

Manning,  Smith,  Noah  Alden1,  and  Ebenezer  Hinds,  four  illustrious 
names,  deserving  for  this  act  alone  to  be  held  by  the  denomination  in 
grateful  and  lasting  remembrance  ! 


i  The  Rev.  Noah  Alden,  whose  name  frequently  occurs  in  connection  with  Smith,  Manning,  and 
Stillman,  was  a  lineal  descendant  from  the  famous  John  Alden  of  Plymouth.  He  was  born  in 
Middleborough,  in  1725.  In  1753  he  became  a  Baptist,  and  shortly  afterwards  he  was  ordained  as 
pastor  of  a  church  in  Stafford,  Conn.  In  1766  he  was  installed  as  pastor  of  a  church  in  Bellingham, 
where  he  remained  until  his  death  in  1797.  "  He  was,"  says  his  biographer,  Dr.  Fisher,  "  for  many 
years  one  of  our  most  distinguished  and  honored  ministers,  and  his  name  deserves  to  be  held  in 
grateful  remembrance."  He  frequently  presided  at  the  meetings  of  the  Warren  Association,  and 
rendered  good  service  in  the  cause  of  religious  freedom.  He  was  a  delegate  to  the  Convention 
which  met  in  September,  1780,  for  the  purpose  of  framing  a  new  State  Constitution,  and  moved  to 
have  the  third  article  of  the  famous  Bill  of  Rights,  which  was  at  first  intended  to  give  rulers 
power  in  religious  matters,  recommitted.  "  The  motion,"  says  Backus,  "  was  concurred  with,  and 
he  was  elected  the  chairman  of  a  committee  of  seven  upon  that  Article."    He  thus  became  in  one 


1763-1769.  AND   MANNING.  75 

Mr.  Backus,  who  was  chosen  Clerk,  thus  commences  the  minutes 
of  the  meeting  :  — 

Whereas  there  hath  of  late  been  a  great  increase  of  Baptist  churches  in  New 
England,  which  yet  have  not  such  an  acquaintance  with  each  other  and  orderly  union 
together  as  ought  to  be,  it  has  been  thought  by  many  that  a  general  meeting  or  associa- 
tion might  be  a  likely  means  to  remove  this  evil,  and  to  promote  the  general  good  of 
the  churches.  Therefore  a  number  of  elders,  being  occasionally  together  last  year,  did 
appoint  a  meeting  at  Warren,  in  Rhode  Island  Colony,  on  Sept.  8,  1767;  and  sent  an 
invitation  to  others  of  their  brethren  to  meet  them  there,  to  confer  upon  these  affairs. 
Accordingly  a  considerable  number  of  elders  and  brethren  met  at  the  time  and  place 
appointed ;  and  Elder  John  Gano,  from  New  York,  opened  the  meeting  with  a  suitable 
sermon,  from  Acts  xv.  9. 

Eleven  churches  were  represented  at  this  meeting  by  pastor  and 
delegates,  as  follows  ;  namely,  Warren  —  Rev.  James  Manning,  and 
brethren  Benjamin  Cole  and  Daniel  Brown ;  Second,  Rehoboth  — 
Rev.  Richard  Round,  and  brethren  Samuel  Bullock  and  Daniel  Bul- 
lock ;  Haverhill  —  Rev.  Hezekiah  Smith,  and  brethren  Jacob  Whittier 
and  Jonathan  Shepard  ;  Norton  —  Rev.  William  Carpenter ;  Belling- 
ham  —  Rev.  Noah  Alden  ;  First,  Middleborough  —  Rev.  Isaac  Backus ; 
Second,  Middleborough  —  Rev.  Ebenezer  Hinds  ;  Cumberland  —  Rev. 
Daniel  Miller ;  First,  Boston  —  Dea.  Josiah  Colburn;  Second,  Boston  — 
Brother  Philip  Freeman  ;  Attleborough  —  Brethren  Abraham  Bloss  and 
Joseph  Guild.  There  were  also  present  from  the  Philadelphia  Associa- 
tion, Rev.  Messrs.  John  Gano,  Abel  Griffith,  and  Noah  Hammond. 
Mr.  Gano  was  chosen  moderator,  and,  after  looking  to  Heaven  for 
guidance  and  direction,  they  proceeded  to  the  business  before  them. 
The  occasion,  as  we  may  well  suppose,  was  one  of  unusual  interest. 

Although  the  delegates  in  attendance  "  generally  manifested,"  says 
the  historian,  "  a  good  will  toward  this  attempt  for  promoting  the  union 


sense  the  author  of  a  provision  in  the  Massachusetts  Constitution,  which  was  greatly  in  advance 
of  the  governments  of  his  time,  and  was  characterized  by  Dr.  Paley  in  his  Political  Philosophy, 
published  in  1785,  as  the  best  arrangement  for  the  legal  maintenance  of  a  clergy  that  had  yet  been 
proposed.  The  Rev.  Dr.  Edward  E.  Hale,  in  an  instructive  discourse  upon  the  Centenary  of  the 
Massachusetts  Constitution,  delivered  in  January,  1880,  has  drawn  especial  attention  to  this  fact. 
Mr.  Alden  was  also  a  prominent  member  of  the  Convention  that  in  1788  adopted  the  Constitution 
of  the  United  States.    The  name  of  Ebenezer  Hinds  frequently  occurs  in  the  pages  of  Backus. 


76  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  II. 

and  welfare  of  the  churches,  most  of  them  thought  they  were  not  pre- 
pared to  join  an  association."  Four  only  of  the  churches  represented 
were  ready  to  make  the  venture.  The  others  hesitated,  through  fear 
perhaps  of  some  usurpation  of  authority,  by  the  associated  body,  over 
the  particular  churches  composing  it.  Moreover,  they  were  not  alto- 
gether satisfied  with  the  sentiments  and  plan  of  organization  adopted 
at  this  time,  which  were  substantially  those  of  the  Philadelphia  Asso- 
ciation. These  were  afterwards  modified  by  President  Manning,  and 
in  1769  were  adopted  as  a  final  basis  for  organization  and  action.  As 
such  they  have  been  continued  with  few  changes  down  to  the  present 
time.     They  read  as  follows  :  — 

Sentiments  Touching  an  Association. 

1.  That  such  a  combination  of  churches  is  not  only  prudent,  but  useful,  as  has 
appeared  even  in  America  by  the  experience  of  upwards  of  sixty  years.  Some  of  the 
uses  of  it  are,  union  and  communion  among  themselves  ;  maintaining  more  effectually 
the  order  and  faith  once  delivered  to  the  saints  ;  having  advice  in  cases  of  doubt,  and 
help  in  distress;  being  more  able  to  promote  the  good  of  the  cause,  and  becoming 
important  in  the  eye  of  the  civil  powers,  as  has  already  appeared  in  many  instances  on 
this  continent.  2.  That  such  an  association  is  consistent  with  the  independency  and 
power  of  particular  churches,  because  it  pretends  to  be  no  other  than  an  advisory  council, 
utterly  disclaiming  superiority,  jurisdiction,  coercive  right,  and  infallibility.  3.  That 
an  association  should  consist  of  men  knowing  and  judicious,  particularly  in  the  Scrip- 
tures. The  reasons  are  obvious :  such  men  are  the  Attest  to  represent  communities 
who  profess  the  Scriptures  to  be  the  only  rule  of  faith  and  practice  in  religious  matters, 
and  who  expect  that  every  advice,  opinion,  or  direction  they  receive  from  an  associa- 
tion be  Scriptural.  They  should  be  skilled  and  expert  in  the  laws  of  their  God,  as 
counsellors  are  in  the  laws  of  the  land ;  for  that  is  the  ground  of  the  church's  applica- 
tion to  them. 

Plan  of  the  Association. 

1.  The  Association  to  consist  only  of  messengers  chosen  and  sent  by  the  churches. 
These  messengers  to  be  their  ministers  (for  a  reason  given  in  sentiment  3),  together 
with  some  judicious  brethren.  Their  expenses  to  be  borne  by  the  churches  which 
send  them. 

2.  With  the  messengers  the  churches  send  letters  addressed  to  the  Association.  In 
these  letters  mention  is  made  of  the  messengers,  and  their  authority  to  act  for  their 


1763-1769.  AND   MANNING.  77 

churches ;  also  of  the  state  of  the  churches  touching  their  peace ;  their  increase  by 
baptism,  and  by  letters  dismissive  and  commendatory  from  other  churches ;  touching 
their  diminution  by  death,  excommunication,  and  dismission  to  other  churches,  and 
the  present  number  of  members.  If  any  questions  are  to  be  put  to  the  Association,  any 
advice  to  ask,  or  business  to  propose,  these  are  to  be  expressed  in  said  letters. 

3.  All  matters  to  be  determined  in  this  Association  by  the  suffrage  of  the  messen- 
gers, except  what  are  determinable  by  Scripture:  such  matters  are  never  put  to  the 
decision  of  votes.  All  that  speak  are  to  address  the  moderator,  who  is  to  take  care  that 
none  be  interrupted  while  speaking,  and  that  no  other  indecorum  take  place. 

4.  Churches  are  to  be  received  into  this  Association  by  petitions  setting  forth  their 
desire  to  be  admitted,  their  faith,  order,  and  willingness  to  be  conformable  to  the  rules 
of  the  associated  body.  "When  a  petition  is  read,  and  the  matter  ripened  for  a  vote,  the 
moderator  states  the  question.  Suffrage  being  given  in  favor  of  the  petition,  the  said 
moderator  declares  that  such  a  church  is  received  into  the  Association,  in  token  of 
which  he  gives  the  messengers  the  right  hand  of  fellowship,  and  bids  thern  take  their 
seats. 

5.  The  Association  to  meet  annually,  at  Warren,  on  Tuesday  next  after  the  first 
"Wednesday  in  September,1  at  two  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  and  to  continue  till  business 
be  finished.  It  is  to  be  opened  with  divine  service :  after  which  a  moderator  and  clerk 
are  chosen ;  the  letters  from  the  churches  are  read;  the  names  of  the  messengers  are 
written,  that  they  may  be  called  over  at  after  meetings ;  then  business  is  attended  to, 
and  minutes  thereof  made ;  a  circular  letter  to  the  churches  is  prepared  and  signed, 
and  a  copy  of  it  sent  to  every  church,  containing  the  minutes  of  the  Association,  the 
state  of  the  churches,  when  and  by  whom  vacancies  are  to  be  supplied,  who  is  to  preach 
the  next  Association  sermon,  and  whatever  else  is  needful  for  the  churches  to  know. 

6.  A  connection  to  be  formed  and  maintained  between  this  Association  and  that  of 
Philadelphia,  by  annual  letter  and  messengers  from  us  to  them  and  from  them  to  us. 

7.  The  faith  and  order  of  this  Association  are  expressed  in  a  confession  put  forth  by 
upwards  of  a  hundred  congregations  in  Great  Britain,  in  the  year  1689,  and  adopted  by 
the  Association  of  Philadelphia  in  1742.  Some  of  the  principles  in  said  Confession  are :  — 
The  imputation  of  Adam's  sin  to  his  posterity ;  the  inability  of  man  to  recover  himself ; 
effectual  calling  by  Sovereign  grace ;  justification  by  imputed  righteousness ;  immersion 
for  baptism,  and  that  on  profession  of  faith  and  repentance;  Congregational  churches 
and  their  independency;  reception  into  them  upon  evidence  of  sound  conversion,  etc. 


1  "And  as  the  annual  Commencement  at  our  college  is  on  the  first  Wednesday  in  September,  and 
some  who  come  to  it  from  a  distance  would  desire  to  attend  the  Association  also,  it  was  appointed 
to  be  on  the  Tuesday  after  the  Commencement."  Backus's  Church  History,  "Vol.  2,  page  409, 
edition  of  1871. 


78  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  II. 

The  meeting  of  the  Association  for  the  year  1769,  coming  after  the 
first  Commencement  of  the  College,  was  rendered  unusually  interesting 
by  the  presence,  as  messengers  from  the  Philadelphia  Association,  of 
Samuel  Jones,  who  had  rendered  essential  service  in  remodeling  and 
preparing  for  the  Legislature  Dr.  Stiles's  first  draft  of  the  charter,  and 
who  was  the  first  choice  of  prominent  members  of  the  Corporation  in 
1791,  to  succeed  Manning  in  the  Presidency;  also  John  Davis  and 
Morgan  Edwards,  who  had  but  recently  returned  from  England. 
"  Many  of  the  letters  from  the  churches,"  says  Backus,  "mentioned 
grievous  oppressions  and  persecutions  from  the  Standing  Order,  espec- 
ially the  one  from  Ashfield,  where  religious  tyranny  had  been  carried 
to  great  lengths."  Whereupon  petitions  to  the  General  Courts  of 
Massachusetts  and  Connecticut  for  redress  were  prepared  by  a  commit- 
tee of  seven,  of  which  the  Rev.  John  Davis  acted  as  chairman.  The 
same  having  been  read  and  approved,  Messrs.  Samuel  Stillman,  Philip 
Freeman,  Philip  Freeman,  Jr.,  John  Proctor,  and  Nathan  Spear,  all  of 
Boston,  were  chosen  a  committee  to  present  them.  Stillman  and  Spear, 
it  may  be  added,  were  members  of  the  Corporation. 

The  following  proposal  and  plan  to  collect  grievances,  which  we 
copy  from  the  manuscript  minutes  of  Backus,  was  also  read  at  this  meet- 
ing and  approved:  — 

Whereas,  complaints  of  oppressions  occasioned  by  a  non-conformity  to  the  religious 
establishment  in  New  England  have  been  brought  to  this  Association ;  and  whereas  the 
laws  obtained  for  preventing  and  redressing  such  oppressions  have,  upon  trial,  been 
found  insufficient  (either  through  defect  in  the  laws  themselves  or  iniquity  in  the  exe- 
cution thereof) ;  and  whereas  humble  remonstrances  and  petitions  have  not  been  duly 
regarded,  but  the  same  oppressive  measures  continue:  This  is  to  inform  all  the 
oppressed  Baptists  in  New  England  that  the  Association  of  Warren  (in  conjunction  with 
the  Western  or  Philadelphia  Association)  is  determined  to  seek  remedy  for  their  breth- 
ren where  a  speedy  and  effectual  one  maybe  had.  In  order  to  pursue  this  resolution  by 
petition  and  memorial,  the  following  gentlemen  are  appointed  to  receive  well-attested 
grievances,  to  be  by  them  transmitted  to  the  Rev.  Samuel  Stillman,  of  Boston ;  namely, 
the  Rev.  Hezekiah  Smith,  of  Haverhill,  the  Rev.  Isaac  Backus,  of  Middleborough,  Mr. 
Richard  Montague,  of  Sunderland,  the  Rev.  Joseph  Meacham,  of  Enfield,  and  the  Rev. 
Timothy  Wightman,  of  Groton,  in  Connecticut. 


1763-1769.  AND   MANNING.  79 

The  efforts  put  forth  by  Manning  and  his  associates  in  behalf  of 
sound  learning  and  civil  and  religious  freedom,  through  the  agency  of 
the  Warren  Association,  will  be  further  illustrated  in  successive  chap- 
ters. Those  who  may  wish  to  consult  fuller  and  more  detailed  accounts 
are  referred  to  Backus's  History,  Hovey's  Memoir  of  Backus,  and 
"Chaplain  Smith  and  the  Baptists,"  the  latter  work  giving  in  full  the 
laws  of  Massachusetts  relating  to  "Anabaptists  "  from  1728  until  Man- 
ning's time. 

Gradually  the  Association  won  the  confidence  of  the  denomination, 
until  in  a  few  years  it  had  extended  over  New  England.  By  its  means 
mutual  acquaintance  and  harmony  were  promoted ;  the  weak  and  the 
oppressed  were  relieved  ;  errors  in  doctrine  and  in  practice  were  exposed 
and  guarded  against ;  warnings  against  false  teachers  in  religion  were 
published ;  feeble  and  destitute  flocks  were  provided  with  preachers ; 
the  College  was  materially  aided  and  strengthened ;  students  were 
encouraged  to  study  for  the  ministry,  and  the  Gospel  was  preached  in 
destitute  places.  During  the  period  of  the  Revolution  it  presented  able 
addresses  in  behalf  of  civil  and  religious  freedom  to  the  Governments  of 
Massachusetts  and  Connecticut,  and  to  the  Continental  Congress. 
Although,  says  Arnold,  in  his  History  of  Rhode  Island,  it  no  longer  has 
that  intimate  connection  with  the  University  which  at  first  existed,  and 
the  growth  of  Baptist  churches  in  New  England  has  given  rise  to 
numerous  other  associations  of  a  similar  character,  the  parent  body  still 
continues  to  exert  a  widespread  and  beneficent  influence  over  the 
objects  of  its  charge. 

The  minutes1  of  the  Association  show  that  Manning,  during  the 
whole  period  of  his  connection  with  it,  was  one  of  its  most  prominent 
and  useful  members.     By  his  counsels  and  personal  influence  he  first 

1  The  manuscript  minutes  of  the  first  four  meetings  of  the  Warren  Association  are  among  the 
Backus  papers,  from  which  they  were  carefully  copied  by  the  late  Rev.  Silas  Hall,  a  graduate  of  the 
College  in  the  class  of  1809.  To  his  kindness  in  placing  them  at  our  disposal  we  are  greatly  indebted. 
The  minutes  were  first  printed  in  the  year  1771,  since  which  time  they  have  been  published  without 
interruption  down  to  the  present  date.  A  set,  including  the  aforesaid  manuscript  minutes,  from 
the  meeting  of  the  Association  in  1767  down  to  the  present  time,  is  in  the  College  Library.  The 
years  1780  and  1783  are  copied  from  a  set  in  the  possession  of  the  late  Mr.  John  Carter  Brown ;  other- 
wise the  set  is  complete. 


80  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  II. 

called  it  into  being.  As  has  already  been  stated,  he  drew  up  the  plan 
of  its  organization.  In  the  years  1776,  1781,  1784,  and  1787,  he  pre- 
sided over  its  deliberations  as  Moderator.  In  1778  and  in  1787  he 
preached  the  introductory  sermon.  In  1785  he  made  the  opening 
prayer.  From  year  to  year  we  find  his  name  on  various  important  com- 
mittees. He  was  likewise  prominent  as  a  member  of  the  Philadelphia 
Association,  rarely  failing,  especially  during  the  latter  part  of  his  life, 
to  attend  its  sessions,  although  thereby  subjected  to  great  trouble, 
expense,  and  loss  of  time.  He  was  once  clerk,  twice  moderator,  and 
three  times  the  preacher  at  its  annual  meetings.  We  close  this  portion 
of  our  narrative  with  the  following  Circular  Letter,  presented  by  him 
to  the  Warren  Association,  and  by  them  adopted  at  its  third  meeting 
in  1769.  It  affords  a  happy  illustration  of  the  author's  temper  and 
spirit,  and  of  his  peculiar  fitness  to  guide  and  instruct  his  brethren. 

Circular  Letter  by  Manning. 

The  Elders  and  Messengers  of  several  churches  belonging  to  the  Association,  met  in 
Warren,  in  the  Colony  of  Rhode  Island,  etc.  To  the  several  churches  they  represent, 
greeting. 

Dear  Brethren:  —  We  have  had  the  pleasure  of  meeting  your  representatives  at 
the  Association,  who  in  general  have  brought  us  good  news  from  the  churches.  We 
rejoice  to  see  that  the  Son  of  man  is  pleased  to  walk  in  the  midst  of  his  golden  candle- 
sticks, the  churches,  to  dispense  his  blessings  to  his  people,  and  to  attend  the  Word  of 
the  kingdom  with  divine  power  to  the  salvation  of  sinners.  Come !  help  us  to  magnify 
the  Lord  for  his  unspeakable  mercy  and  goodness !  Yet  we  find  that  the  enemies  of 
truth  are  busily  employed  in  endeavoring  to  subvert  it,  and  in  vexing  and  oppressing 
those  who  stand  up  for  the  cause  of  God.  Brethren,  we  sympathize  with  you  under 
your  afflictions,  while  we  call  to  mind  the  declaration  of  your  ascended  Head  to  his 
beloved  flock  whom  he  left  behind, — In  the  world  ye  shall  have  tribulation.  Yet  how 
refreshing  is  what  follows, —  But  be  of  good  cheer ,  I  have  overcome  the  world.  Those  who  live 
godly  in  Christ  Jesus  shall  suffer  persecution.  Let  not  the  powers  of  the  world,  who 
set  themselves  to  oppose,  discourage  you.  Search  for  the  mind  of  Christ  in  his  Word ; 
which  being  discovered,  pay  a  sacred  regard  thereto.  Call  no  man  master  on  earth ;  and 
remember  that  the  followers  of  Christ  carry  their  cross  in  imitation  of  their  Divine 
Master.  Brethren,  suffer  us,  however,  to  beseech  you  to  use  all  proper  means  to  obtain 
relief  from  the  burdens  imposed  upon  you,  by  taking  heed  to  the  general  plan  which  we 


1763-1769.  AND    MANNING.  81 

as  a  body  propose  to  pursue.  But  while  you  attend  to  human  means,  let  your  cries  be 
incessant  to  Him  who  hears  and  who  will  redress  the  cries  of  the  oppressed.  Pray  for 
those  who  despitefully  use  you.  Remember  that  love  enters  deeply  into  the  spirit  of 
our  holy  religion ;  and  that  the  glorious  Founder  thereof  has  given  us  the  most  striking 
example  of  it  in  living  and  dying  for  his  enemies.  Walk  soberly  and  inoffensively 
toward  those  without ;  and  let  your  conduct  prove  that  it  is  the  power  of  truth,  the  force 
of  conscience,  that  makes  you  Baptists,  and  not  an  affectation  of  singularity.  And  as 
you  are  persuaded  that  you  have  been  taught  by  the  Spirit  of  God,  so  let  your  light 
shine  before  others  that  you  may  win  them  to  the  truth.  In  the  meantime,  carefully 
guard  against  any  designs  to  ensnare  you,  or  to  engage  you  in  any  combination  with 
them  that  may  eventually  prove  to  the  detriment  of  the  cause. 

Finally,  may  the  Lord  Jesus  afford  you  his  presence,  and  bless  you  with  abundant 
increase  in  all  grace,  to  the  glory  of  his  great  name. 

The  sixth  annual  meeting  of  the  Corporation  was  held  in  Warren, 
Wednesday,  Sept.  6,  1769,  at  which  were  present  twenty-one  Trustees 
and  seven  Fellows.  The  first  vote  recorded  reads  as  follows :  — 
"Voted,  That  the  meeting-house  at  Warren  be  fitted  up  at  the  charge 
of  the  Corporation,  in  the  best  manner  the  shortness  of  the  time  will 
admit,  for  the  reception  of  the  people  to-morrow,  the  day  of  Commence- 
ment." This  is  the  house  which  we  have  already  described,  erected  in 
1763,  a  small  unpainted  building,  forty-four  by  fifty-two  feet,  with  a 
four-sided  hip  roof,  surmounted  at  the  top  and  centre  with  a  belfry,  in 
which  was  placed  a  ship  bell,  the  rope  of  which  hung  directly  down  in 
the  centre  of  the  middle  aisle.  There  was  no  tower  or  porch,  the  front 
door  on  the  east  side  leading  directly  into  the  audience  room.  The 
galleries  at  this  date  were  not  finished.  The  "  fitting  up  "  referred 
probably  to  the  erection  of  a  platform  or  stage  for  the  speakers. 

We  find  in  the  records  of  this  meeting  the  only  allusion  thus  far  to  the 
President's  salary:  —  "Ordered,  That  the  Reverend  President  be  paid 
£50  lawful  money,  by  the  Treasurer,  out  of  the  interest  of  the  moneys 
remitted  from  Europe,  as  an  allowance  in  part  for  his  services." 
This  vote  was  subsequently  explained  more  fully  by  the  report  of  a 
committee  of  five  appointed  to  "examine  into  the  state  of  Mr.  Presi- 
dent Manning's  account  with  the  College,"  They  report,  in  the  lan- 
11 


82  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  II. 

guage  of  the  records,  "  That  the  said  President  hath  served  the  Society 
(College)  for  three  years  past  and  hath  received  no  compensation  for 
the  same ;  and  as  by  a  vote  of  the  Corporation  the  sum  of  <£50  lawful 
money  was  ordered  to  be  paid  the  Reverend  President  out  of  the  inter- 
est money  supposed  to  be  due,  we  do  report  it  as  our  opinion,  that  the 
said  sum  ought  not  to  debar  him  from  being  recompensed  in  a  more 
ample  manner  whenever  it  shall  be  in  the  power  of  the  Corporation  to 
do  the  same."  It  was  understood,  of  course,  in  the  beginning  that  the 
President  would  derive  his  support  from  the  Latin  School,  and  from  the 
church  of  which  he  was  to  be  pastor,  the  infant  College  having  no 
funds. 

The  first  Commencement  was  held  in  the  meeting-house  on  Thurs- 
day, Sept.  7,  1769.  This  has  always  been  regarded  as  a  red-letter 
day  in  the  history  of  the  College.  Four  years  had  now  elapsed  since 
the  President,  with  a  solitary  pupil,  commenced  his  collegiate  duties  as 
an  instructor.  Through  toils,  and  difficulties,  and  opposition  even,  he 
had  quietly  persevered  in  his  work,  until  the  Seminary  under  his  care 
had  won  its  way  to  public  favor.  And  now  his  first  pupils  were  about 
to  take  their  Bachelor's  degree  in  the  Arts,  and  go  forth  to  the  duties 
of  life.  They  were  young  men  of  promise.  Some  of  them  were 
destined  to  fill  conspicuous  places  in  the  approaching  struggle  for  inde- 
pendence ;  others  were  to  be  leaders  in  the  church,  and  distinguished 
educators  of  youth.  Probably  no  class  that  has  gone  forth  from  the 
College  or  University  in  her  palmiest  days  has  exerted  so  widely 
extended  and  beneficial  an  influence,  especially  in  the  Baptist  denom- 
ination, the  times  and  circumstances  taken  into  account,  as  this  first 
graduating  class  of  seven.  The  occasion  drew  together  a  large  con- 
course of  people  from  all  parts  of  the  Colony,  inaugurating  what  proved 
to  be  a  State  holiday  in  the  history  of  Rhode  Island.  "  And  as  each 
recurring  anniversary,"  says  the  historian,  "of  this  time-honored  insti- 
tution of  learning  calls  together  from  distant  places  the  widely-scat- 
tered alumni  of  Brown  University,  we  do  but  renew,  on  a  more  extended 
scale,  the  congratulations  that  crowned  this  earliest  festival."1     The  per- 

1  History  of  Rhode  Island,  1636-1790.    By  Hon.  Samuel  Greene  Arnold,  LL.D.   2  vols.,  8vo.    New 
York,  1859-60.    See  Vol.  2,  p.  299. 


1763-1769.  AND    MANNING.  83 

formances  of  the  day  excited  universal  admiration.  "  We  can  readily 
imagine,"  says  an  early  graduate,1  "how  the  beautiful  and  benevolent 
face  of  President  Manning  was  radiant  with  smiles  on  this  occasion ; 
with  what  joy  he  beheld  the  first  fruits  of  his  anxieties,  and  labors,  and 
prayers ;  with  what  glowing  eloquence  he  pours  forth,  at  the  throne  of 
grace,  the  pious  effusions  of  a  grateful  heart,  invoking  the  blessing  of 
God  upon  the  future  efforts  of  the  friends  of  the  infant  Institution,  and 
filling  every  heart  with  emotion,  if  not  every  eye  with  tears,  as,  with 
the  affection  of  a  friend  and  the  solicitude  of  a  father,  he  commended 
to  the  care  of  Heaven  those  who  were  about  to  depart  from  him,  and, 
at  a  period  of  no  ordinary  moment,  to  enter  a  world  of  temptation  and 
trial." 

The  following  account  of  this  "  first  Commencement,"  taken  from 
The  Providence  Gazette  and  Country  Journal,  needs  no  apology  for  its 
insertion  here.  It  will  be  read  with  special  interest  by  those  who  have 
attended  the  Commencements  of  a  later  day. 

First  Commencement.    1769. 

On  Thursday,  the  seventh  of  this  instant,  was  celebrated  at  Warren  the  first  Com- 
mencement in  the  College  of  this  Colony ;  when  the  following  young  gentlemen  com- 
menced Bachelors  of  Arts ;  namely,  Joseph  Belton,  Joseph  Eaton,  William  Rogers, 
Richard  Stites,  Charles  Thompson,  James  Mitchel  Varnum,  and  William  Williams. 

About  10  o'clock  a.  m.,  the  gentlemen  concerned  in  conducting  the  affairs  of  the  Col- 
lege, together  with  the  candidates,  went  in  procession  to  the  meeting-house. 

After  they  had  taken  their  seats  respectively,  and  the  audience  were  composed,  the 
President  introduced  the  business  of  the  day  with  prayer ;  then  followed  a  salutatory 
oration  in  Latin,  pronounced  with  much  spirit,  by  Mr.  Stites,  which  procured  him  great 
applause  from  the  learned  part  of  the  assembly.  He  spoke  upon  the  advantages  of  lib- 
erty and  learning,  and  their  mutual  dependence  upon  each  other;  concluding  with 
proper  salutations  to  the  Chancellor  of  the  College,  Governor  of  the  Colony,  etc.,  par- 
ticularly expressing  the  gratitude  of  all  the  friends  of  the  College  to  the  Rev.  Morgan 
Edwards,  who  has  encountered  many  difficulties  in  going  to  Europe  to  collect  donations 
for  the  Institution,  and  has  lately  returned. 

To  which  succeeded  a  forensic  dispute,  in  English,  on  the  following  thesis  ;  namely, 
"  The  Americans,  in  their  present  circumstances,  cannot,  consistent  with  good  policy, 


1  Hon.  Judge  Pitman,  class  of  1799.    See  Alumni  Address,  1843. 


84  BROWN  UNIVERSITY  Chap.  II. 

affect  to  become  an  independent  state."  Mr.  Varnum  ingeniously  defended  it,  by- 
cogent  arguments  handsomely  dressed ;  though  he  was  subtly  but  delicately  opposed 
by  Mr.  "Williams ;  both  of  whom  spoke  with  emphasis  and  propriety. 

As  a  conclusion  to  the  exercises  of  the  forenoon,  the  audience  were  agreeably  enter- 
tained with  an  oration  on  benevolence,  by  Mr.  Rogers ;  in  which,  among  many  other 
pertinent  observations,  he  particularly  noticed  the  necessity  which  this  infant  Seminary 
stands  in  of  the  salutary  effects  of  that  truly  Christian  virtue. 

At  three  o'clock  p.  m.,  the  audience  being  convened,  a  syllogistic  dispute  was  intro- 
duced on  this  thesis:  "Materia  cogitare  non  potest," — Mr.  Williams  the  respondent; 
Messieurs  Belton,  Eaton,  Rogers,  and  Varnum  the  opponents,  —  in  the  course  of  which 
dispute,  the  principal  arguments  on  both  sides  were  produced  towards  settling  that  crit- 
ical point. 

The  degree  of  Bachelor  of  Arts  was  then  conferred  on  the  candidates.  Then  the  fol- 
lowing gentlemen  (graduated  in  other  colleges),  at  their  own  request  received  the  hon- 
orary degree  of  Master  in  the  Arts;  namely,  Rev.  Edward  Upham,  Rev.  Morgan 
Edwards,  Rev.  Samuel  Stillman,  Rev.  Hezekiah  Smith,  Hon.  Joseph  Wanton  Jun.  Esq., 
Mr.  Jabez  Bowen,  and  Mr.  David  Howell,  Professor  of  Philosophy  in  said  College. 

The  following  gentlemen,  being  well  recommended  by  the  Faculty  for  literary  merit, 
had  conferred  on  them  the  honorary  degree  of  Master  in  the  Arts ;  namely,  Rev.  Abel 
Morgan,  Rev.  Oliver  Hart,  Rev.  David  Thomas,  ReV.  Samuel  Jones,  Mr.  John  Davis, 
Mr.  Robert  Strettle  Jones,  Mr.  John  Stites,  Rev.  James  Bryson,  Rev.  James  Edwards, 
Rev.  William  Boulton,  Rev.  John  Ryland,  Rev.  William  Clark,  Rev.  Joshua  Toulmin, 
and  Rev.  Caleb  Evans.1 

A  concise,  pertinent,  and  solemn  charge  was  then  given  to  the  Bachelors  by  the 
President,  concluding  with  his  last  paternal  benediction,  which  naturally  introduced 
the  valedictory  orator,  Mr.  Thompson,  who,  after  some  remarks  upon  the  excellences  of 
the  oratorial  art,  and  expressions  of  gratitude  to  the  patrons  and  officers  of  the  Col- 
lege, together  with  a  valediction  to  them,  and  all  present,  took  a  most  affectionate 
leave  of  his  classmates.  The  scene  was  tender,  the  subject  felt,  and  the  audience 
affected. 

The  President  concluded  the  exercises  with  prayer.  The  whole  was  conducted  with 
a  propriety  and  solemnity  suitable  to  the  occasion.    The  audience  (consisting  of  the 

i  The  writer  of  this  account  has  failed  to  give  the  names  of  all  who  received  honorary  degrees  on 
this  occasion.  They  may  be  found  in  the  triennial  catalogues.  Most  of  them  were  prominent  mem- 
bers of  the  Philadelphia  Association.  Samuel  Jones  and  Robert  Strettle  Jones  were  instrumental  in 
securing  the  charter  of  the  College ;  the  former  was  thought  of  as  Manning's  successor  in  the  Presi- 
dency. Stites  was  Manning's  father-in-law.  Ryland  and  Evans  were  prominent  English  Baptists 
who  afterwards  became  benefactors  of  the  College.  The  names  of  Toulmin,  Clark,  Boulton,  James 
Edwards,  and  Bryson,  are  given  in  Morgan  Edwards's  list  of  subscriptions. 


1763-1769.  AND    MANNING.  85 

principal  gentlemen  and  ladies  of  this  Colony,  and  many  from  the  neighboring  govern- 
ments), though  large  and  crowded,  behaved  with  the  utmost  decorum. 

In  the  evening,  the  Kev.  Morgan  Edwards,  by  particular  request,  preached  a  ser- 
mon;1 especially  addressed  to  the  graduates  and  students,  from  Phil.  iii.  8:  "Yea, 
doubtless,  and  I  count  all  things  but  loss  for  the  excellency  of  the  knowledge  of  Christ 
Jesus  my  Lord ;  "  in  which,  after  high  encomiums  on  the  liberal  Arts  and  Sciences,  the 
superior  knowledge  of  Christ,  or  the  Christian  Science,  was  clearly  and  fully  illustrated 
in  several  striking  examples  and  similes;  one  of  which  follows: — "When  the  sun  is 
below  the  horizon,  the  stars  excel  in  glory ;  but  when  his  orb  irradiates  our  hemisphere, 
their  glory  dwindles,  fades  away,  and  disappears." 

Not  only  the  candidates,  but  even  the  President,  were  dressed  in  American  manufac- 
tures. Finally,  be  it  observed,  that  this  class  are  the  first  sons  of  that  College  which 
has  existed  for  more  than  four  years  ;  during  all  which  time  it  has  labored  under  great 
disadvantages,  notwithstanding  the  warm  patronage  and  encouragement  of  many 
worthy  men  of  fortune  and  benevolence ;  and  it  is  hoped,  from  the  disposition  which 
many  discovered  on  that  day,  and  other  favorable  circumstances,  that  these  disadvan- 
tages will  soon,  in  part,  be  happily  removed. 

The  Providence  Gazette  and  Country  Journal,  a  weekly  paper,  in  the 
columns  of  which  appeared  the  foregoing  account  of  Commencement, 
had  been  established  by  William  Goddard,  in  October,  1762,  mainly  it 
is  stated,  through  the  influence  of  Governor  Hopkins,  in  opposition,  per- 
haps, to  the  Newport  Mercury,  established  in  1758,  which  for  some  rea- 
son had  become  the  vehicle  for  the  expression  of  loyalist  sentiments, 
antagonizing  the  positions  taken  by  the  patriotic  leaders  of  Boston  and 
Providence.2  Mr.  Hopkins  was  present  at  this  Commencement  as  Chan- 
cellor of  the  Corporation,  and  undoubtedly  wrote  the  account.  The 
allusion  to  the  fact  that  both  the  President  and  the  candidates  "were 
dressed  in  American  manufactures,"  is  significant.     The  famous  Stamp 


1  The  custom,  thus  inaugurated  by  Morgan  Edwards,  of  having  a  sermon  on  the  Wednesday  even- 
ing of  Commencement,  was  continued  down  to  the  beginning  of  Dr.  Wayland's  administration, 
when  the  "  President's  Levee  "  took  the  place  of  the  Commencement  sermon.  The  usual  preachers 
in  Dr.  Manning's  time  were  Dr.  Stillman,  of  Boston,  and  Dr.  Smith,  of  Haverhill.  In  later  times 
Dr.  Baldwin  frequently  preached. 

"  It  is  not  known,"  says  Foster,  "  how  direct  an  agency  Governor  Hopkins  had  in  securing  Wil- 
liam Goddard  as  its  publisher ;  but  from  the  very  first  issue  of  this  paper,  until  the  very  end  of  the 
■Governor's  career,  under  each  one  of  its  successive  publishers,  his  share  in  it  was  continuous." 
See  Stephen  Hopkins  a  Rhode  Island  Statesman.    Vol.  2,  p.  48. 


86  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  II. 

Act,  everywhere  denounced,  went  into  operation  on  the  1st  of  Novem- 
ber, 1765.  "The  fatal  day,"  says  Arnold,1  "dawned  upon  a  nation 
united  in  their  determination  of  resistance.  Not  a  stamp  was  to  be 
seen.  Everywhere  the  distributors  had  resigned,  some  by  force,  and 
others  of  their  own  free  will.  The  wheels  of  every  government  in 
America  were  stopped  at  once.  Commerce  was  crushed,  law  was 
annulled,  justice  was  delayed,  even  the  usages  of  domestic  life  were  sus- 
pended by  this  anomalous  and  terrible  act.  Not  a  ship  could  sail,  not 
a  statute  could  be  enforced,  not  a  court  could  sit,  not  even  a  marriage 
take  place,  that  was  not  in  itself  illegal,  so  far  as  the  British  Parliament 
could  make  it  so  ;  for  every  one  of  these  acts  required  the  evidence  of 
stamped  paper  to  establish  its  validity."  Non-importation  agreements- 
were  at  once  entered  into  by  the  leading  merchants  in  America ;  and  a 
combination  for  the  support  of  American  manufactures,  and  to  increase 
the  supply  of  wool,  by  ceasing  to  consume  lamb  or  mutton,  was  soon 
afterwards  formed. 

The  "Forensic  Dispute"  between  Varnum  and  Williams,  on  the 
question  of  American  Independence,  was  also  significant.  Nowhere  in 
all  the  colonies  was  patriotism  earlier  developed  and  more  outspoken 
than  in  Rhode  Island.  As  soon  as  it  was  known  that  the  Stamp  Act 
had  passed  both  Houses  of  Parliament  and  received  the  royal  approba- 
tion, the  minds  of  both  the  Governor  and  the  people  were  made  up  to 
disregard  its  provisions.  The  officers  appointed  to  superintend  the  exe- 
cution of  the  law  were  hanged  in  effigy  at  Newport.  The  cruisers  in 
the  bay  became  subjects  of  popular  jealousy  and  hatred,  on  account  of 
their  scrutiny  and  arrogance.  During  the  summer  of  1765  the  Maid- 
stone sloop  of  war  lying  in  the  harbor  of  Newport  impressed  some 
sailors  belonging  to  the  town ;  whereupon  a  mob  seized  a  boat  belong- 
ing to  the  Maidstone  and  burnt  it  in  a  public  square.  Repeated  inci- 
dents like  this  served  to  array  the  feelings  of  the  people  more  decidedly 
against  the  officers  of  the  Crown.  The  day  before  the  Stamp  Act  was 
to  take  effect,  all  the  royal  governors,  says  Arnold,  with  Fitch  of  Con- 


1  History  of  Rhode  Island.    Vol.  2,  p.  '203. 


1763-1769.  AND   MANNING.  87 

necticut,  took  the  oath  to  sustain  it.  Samuel  Ward,  "  the  Governor  of 
Rhode  Island,  stood  alone  in  his  patriotic  refusal."1  Organizations 
under  the  name  of  "The  Sons  of  Liberty,"  and  "The  Daughters  of 
Liberty,"  sprung  up  everywhere,  and  meetings  were  held  in  all  the 
towns.  Thus  the  spirit  of  resistance  to  England  gained  ground  from 
day  to  day,  and  popular  demonstrations  for  freedom  became  frequent. 
On  the  19th  of  July,  less  than  two  months  before  Commencement,  the 
British  armed  sloop  Liberty,  Capt.  William  Reid,  which  had  needlessly 
annoyed  all  the  coasting  craft  in  search  of  contraband  traders,  had  been 
boarded  by  a  mob,  dismantled,  scuttled,  and  her  boats  carried  to  the  upper 
end  of  the  town  and  burnt.  This  has  been  justly  claimed  as  among  the 
earliest,  in  point  of  time,  of  the  acts  of  open  resistance  to  British  power, 
which  terminated  in  the  final  separation  of  the  colonies  from  England. 
It  was  followed,  three  years  later,  by  the  destruction  of  the  schooner 
G-a&pee,  when  the  first  blood  was  shed. 

An  account  of  this  memorable  Commencement,  and  especially  of 
the  discussion  of  American  Independence,  which  constituted  the  promi- 
nent feature  of  the  exercises,  was  given  by  the  writer  in  a  paper  read 
before  the  Rhode  Island  Historical  Society,  Dec.  17,  1883,  and  after- 
wards published  as  a  part  of  Volume  VII.  of  its  Collections.  The 
manuscript  containing  this  discussion,  and  also  the  orations,  in  the  hand- 
writing of  Charles  Thompson,  the  valedictorian,  came  into  the  writer's 
possession  many  years  ago,  soon  after  the  publication  of  "  Manning  and 
Brown  University."  It  is  not  a  little  remarkable  that  what  leading 
statesmen  were  slow  to  perceive  and  cautious  to  advance,  even  so  late 
as  1775,  and  1776,  was  clearly  set  forth  in  almost  the  very  arguments  of 
the  Declaration,  by  a  young  Baptist  pupil  of  President  Manning  and 
Tutor  Howell,  as  early  as  1769,  in  the  little  town  of  Warren,  before  a 
crowded  and  approving  audience. 

Mr.  Varnum  presented  in  an  eloquent  and  attractive  manner  the 
arguments  used  by  the  Royalists,  or  Tories,  as  they  were  afterwards 
termed,  for  the  preservation  of  peace.     The  following  extract  from  the 


i  Bancroft's  History  of  the  United  States. 


88  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  II. 

closing  part  of  Mr.  Williams's  address,  illustrates  the  views  and  patriotic 
feelings  that  prevailed  in  Rhode  Island  at  this  early  period :  — 

Their  menaces  might  terrify  and  suhjugate  servile,  timid  Asiatics,  who  peaceahly 
prostrate  their  necks  to  be  trampled  on  by  every  bold  usurper.  But  my  auditors,  you 
have  not  so  learned  the  principles  of  liberty.  You  know  liberty  is  our  birthright,  and 
if  this  is  taken  away,  we  may  in  part  adopt  the  language  of  Micah,  "  What  have  we 
more?"  Besides,  how  unreasonable  is  it,  that  this  wide  extended  continent,  formed  by 
nature  for  a  kingdom  of  its  own,  should  pay  homage  to  the  diminutive  island  of  Britain, 
but  a  mere  speck  upon  this  huge  globe?  I  have,  as  before  observed,  no  aversion  to  a 
friendly  alliance,  a  close  union  with  Britain,  provided  we  could  enjoy  that  liberty 
wherewith  God  has  made  us  free.  But  to  purchase  their  friendship  at  so  dear  a  rate  as 
owning  them  our  masters,  is  worse  than  madness ;  it  is  patricide.  How  could  we 
answer  it  to  the  manes  of  our  ancestors,  should  those  venerable  shades  meet,  accost,  and 
call  us  to  account  for  such  conduct  ?  How  can  we  answer  it  to  posterity,  who  must  drag 
out  a  painful  life  in  slavery?  Nay,  how  shall  we  answer  it  to  ourselves,  when  the  gall- 
ing yoke  of  slavery  bears  heavy  on  our  necks  ?  On  the  other  hand,  view  the  liberty, 
the  transporting  liberty  of  America.  View  millions  basking  in  its  beams,  and  gratefully 
acknowledging  their  obligations  to  the  venerable  names  that  now  stand  as  pillars  to 
support  our  rights.  View  America,  the  largest  and  happiest  empire  on  earth,  the  land 
of  liberty,  the  seat  of  science,  the  refuge  of  religion.  But  my  point  is  gained ;  your 
countenances  indicate  the  patriotic  feelings  of  your  breasts,  and  with  one  voice  you 
declare  that  America  shall  be  free. 

A  Latin  sheet  or  broadside,  fifteen  by  nineteen  inches,  handsomely 
printed  on  good  stout  paper,  was  circulated  through  the  house.  This 
with  the  Latin  salutatory,  and  a  Latin  syllogistic  dispute,  served  to  give 
the  little  College  a  genuine  academic  flavor,  impressing  the  minds  of  the 
hearers,  doubtless,  with  an  appearance  of  superior  learning.  This  cus- 
tom of  distributing  a  Latin  broadside  at  Commencement,  containing,  in 
addition  to  the  names  of  the  Chancellor,  President,  Faculty,  and  Grad- 
uating class,  theses  in  Latin  on  grammar,  rhetoric,  logic,  mathemat- 
ics, physics,  ontology,  pneumatology,  theology,  ethics,  and  politics, 
was  continued  from  year  to  year,  with  slight  changes  or  variations 
until  1795,  when  an  "Order  of  Exercises,"  in  English,  was  substi- 
tuted for  the  programme.     The  Latin  theses,  however,  were  printed 


1763-1769.  AND    MANNING.  89 

and  circulated  in  octavo  form,  with  the  order  of  exercises,  down  to  nearly 
the  close  of  President  Messer's  administration.  A  complete  set  of  these 
broadsides,  order  of  exercises,  and  theses,  collected  by  the  writer,  is 
among  the  treasures  of  the  Library  of  the  University.  The  following  is 
the  text  of  the  heading  of  this  first  broadside,  which  we  introduce  as  an 
illustration  of  "ye  early  days."  The  size  of  our  page  will  not  admit 
of  an  exact  reproduction  of  the  original :  ' — 

Benevolentissimo 

Ac  eximia  virtute,  doctrinaque  utilissima  praeclito,  viro, 

STEPHANO  HOPKINS,  ARMIGERO, 

Collegii  hujusce,  intra  Coloniae  Insulae  Rhodiensis  Fines,  Cancellario ; 

Admodum  Reverando  aeque  ae  Honorando  Jacobo  Manning,  Praesidi, 

Omnibus  artibus  liberalibus  scientiisque,  et  pietate  praesigni  induto,  cujus 

sub  moderamine  sequentia  philosophemata  sunt  defendenda ; 

Totis  Curatoribus  et  Sociis  eruditissimis,  hujusce  Academiae  Observantissimis  ; 

Doctissimo  pariterque  dignissimo  Davidi  Hoell,  ejusdem  Seminarii  Tutori ; 

Denique,  omnibus  desiderio  scientiae  afflatis,  ubicunque  in  terrarum  orbe,  tarn  Eccles- 

iarum  Pastoribus,  quam  Reipublicae  bene  meritis,  paecipue"  nostro  Collegio  faventibus ; 

Theses  hasce  (Numine  fausto)  Juvenes,  in  artibus  initiati,  defensuri, 
Josephus  Belton,  Gulielmus  Rogers,  Jacobus  Mitchel  Varnum, 

Josephus  Eaton,  Richardus  Stites,  Gulielmus  Williams. 

N.  B.   Nomina  alphabetice  Carolus  Thompson,         Summa  observantia.  D.  D.  D.  C.  Q. 

disposita  sunt. 

Under  the  names  of  the  graduating  class  the  reader  will  notice  the      ^ 
following:  —  "N.  B.     Nomina  alphabetice  disposita  sunt."    In  the  older 
colleges  a  different  practice  had  prevailed.     In  all  the  Harvard  cata- 
logues previous  to  1773,  says  Sibley,2  the  graduates  in  each  class  are 
arranged,  not  in  alphabetical  order,  but  according  to  their  social  posi- 


1 A  photographic  fac-simile  of  the  original  sheet  or  broadside,  which  served  as  a  programme  at 
this  first  Commencement,  was  published  in  the  Mercury  and  Gazette  ( No.  3 )  which  was  the  official 
organ  of  the  "Rhode  Island  Days  of  Auld  Lang  Syne,"  Providence  Opera  House,  April  6th-llth, 
1896,  the  same  being  under  the  auspices  of  the  Colonial  Dames  and  Daughters  of  the  American 
Revolution. 

2  Catalogues  of  Harvard  University.    By  John  Langdon  Sibley.    See  Proceedings  of  the  Massa- 
chusetts Historical  Society,  1864-1865. 
12 


90  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  II. 

tion  or  family  rank.  Judge  Wingate,  writing  to  Librarian  Peirce, 
respecting  the  excitement  which  was  generally  called  up  when  a  class  in 
college  was  "placed,"  says,  "the  scholars  were  often  enraged  beyond 
bounds  for  their  disappointment,  and  it  was  some  time  before  a  class 
could  be  settled  down  to  an  acquiescence  in  the  allotment."  The 
higher  part  of  the  class,  those  whose  names  came  first  in  the  earlier  cat- 
alogues, generally  had  the  most  influential  friends  ;  and  they  commonly 
had  the  best  chambers  in  college  assigned  them.  They  also  had  a  right 
to  help  themselves  first  at  the  table  in  commons.  "I  think,"  Judge 
Wingate  concludes,  "  that  the  government  of  the  college,  in  my  day, 
was  a  complete  aristocracy."  A  practice  similar  to  this  prevailed  when 
families  were  seated  in  church.  Democratic,  liberty-loving  Rhode 
Island,  which  had,  in  face  of  the  ecclesiastical  laws  of  the  Massachu- 
setts Bay  touching  the  erection  of  meeting-houses,  been  without  a  house 
of  worship  for  sixty  years,  would  not  be  likely,  in  the  beginnings  of  its 
first  and  only  College,  to  follow  the  aristocratic  rulings  of  Harvard  and 
Yale.  Hence  the  alphabetical  arrangement  thus  publicly  announced. 
•  The  same  note  appears  in  the  early  Latin  or  triennial  catalogues. 

The  following  brief  biographies  of  the  members  of  this  first  gradua- 
ting class,  may  fitly  close  this  chapter  of  our  history.  Concerning 
Joseph  Belton,  who  heads  the  list  in  the  programme,  we  have  thus 
far  no  definite  information.  Like  many  other  patriotic  young  men  of 
his  time,  he  may  have  enlisted  in  the  service  of  his  country  and  per- 
ished in  battle.  He  was  from  Groton,  Connecticut,  and  was  matricu- 
lated, as  appears  from  the  document  to  which  reference  has  already  been 
made,  on  the  4th  of  November,  1766.  Joseph  Eaton,  the  next  on 
the  list,  was  also  matriculated  in  November,  1766.  He  was  from  Hope- 
well, New  Jersey,  and  was  the  son  of  the  Rev.  Isaac  Eaton,  founder  of 
the  Academy.  In  Edwards's  "Materials  towards  a  History  of  the  Bap- 
tists of  New  Jersey,"  published  in  1792,  we  find  this  paragraph :  —  "  Mr. 
Eaton's  (Rev.  Isaac)  wife  was  Rebecca  Stout,  by  whom  he  had  many 
children  ;  some  died  single  ;  but  Joseph,  David,  and  Pamela,  married 
into  the  families  of  the  Turners,  Potts,  and  Humphreys,  and  have  raised 
him  eight   grandchildren."     In  the  list  which  Edwards  gives  of  the 


1763-1769.  AND   MANNING.  91 

graduates  of  Hopewell  Academy,  he  speaks  of  Joseph  Eaton  as  a 
physician  who  practiced  his  profession,  and  died  some  time  previous  to 
the  year  1790. 

Of  William  Rogers,  the  "first  student,"  we  have  already  given  a 
sketch.  His  "Intermediate  Oration  on  Benevolence"  is  preserved 
among  the  papers  of  the  valedictorian,  Charles  Thompson.  Our  read- 
ers will  thank  us  for  giving  it  a  place  in  the  pages  of  the  present 

work :  — 

Oration  on  Benevolence. 

by  william  rogers. 

When  I  look  around,  and  behold  the  smiling  visage  and  splendid  appearance  of  this 
polite  and  learned  assembly;  when  I  reflect  on  this  auspicious  day,  as  also  on  the  honor, 
the  distinguishing  honor,  you  are  pleased  to  confer  on  this  seat  of  the  Muses,  by  afford- 
ing an  attentive  ear  to  the  broken  accents  of  her  eldest  though  infant  sons ;  gratitude 
excites  me  to  applaud  the  noble  principle  which  inspires  your  generous  minds.  "While 
you  recur  to  the  rapturous  sensations  of  your  own  breasts  to  judge  of  the  genuine  ope- 
rations of  the  subject  contained  in  the  sequel ;  I  flatter  myself  you  will  consider  my 
inexperience  and  youth,  and  make  all  due  allowance  for  these  disadvantages.  Con- 
vinced that  the  wise  and  unprejudiced  will  receive  with  approbation  the  feeble  efforts 
of  an  honest  heart,  I  shall  enter  on  my  agreeable  task,  cheerfully  relying  on  your  can- 
dor and  indulgence.  The  subject  to  which  I  would  solicit  your  attention  is  Benevo- 
lence—  a  subject  which  affords  a  prospect  infinitely  variegated  by  the  tenderest  pro- 
ductions of  a  refined  nature  —  a  prospect  that  courts  the  attention  and  attracts  the 
admiration  of  all  that  are  in  anywise  capable  of  the  tender  feelings  of  humanity. 

Benevolence  is  that  amiable  virtue  which  prompts  us  to  wish  well,  and  perform  kind 
offices  to  others.  Friendship  is  but  the  offspring  of  benevolence,  and  contracts  its 
views  within  a  narrower  sphere.  But  this  disdaining  to  be  circumscribed  by  any 
limits,  diffuses  its  agreeable  influence  to  the  remotest  corners  of  society.  The  source 
from  whence  this  engaging  virtue  is  derived  is  heaven  itself.  It  originally  proceeds 
from  the  grand  parent  of  every  species  of  goodness.  The  exalted  nature  of  seraphic 
beings  is  peculiarly  adapted  to  this  agreeable  flame.  It  there  buds  in  eternal  youth.  It 
there  shines  with  growing  splendor,  in  a  soil  peculiarly  calculated  to  cherish  such  a 
divine  production.  It  filled  the  lofty  emporium  with  ambrosial  fragrance  only,  until 
divine  munificence  sowed  the  seeds,  or  rather  transplanted  Benevolence  in  full  maturity 
into  human  nature.  And  surely  it  was  infinitely  fit  such  a  generous  plant  should  be 
cultivated  in  every  soil  productive  of  rational  beings.  But  Lucifer,  in  whom  malice 
against  the  king  of  heaven  had  totally  extinguished  this  celestial  spark,  envying  man's 


92  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  II. 

superior  felicity,  and  the  possession  of  that  inestimable  inheritance  which  he  could 
never  hope  to  regain,  made  one  dreadful  effort  to  erase  it  forever  from  the  heart  of  man ; 
and  had  succeeded  in  his  foul  design  had  not  the  seasonable  interposition  of  a  superior 
power  defeated  his  infernal  project. 

This  noble  principle  is  composed  of  the  more  rational  feelings  of  an  immortal  mind. 
It  towers  above  the  classes  of  private  connections,  whether  natural  or  acquired ;  and 
considers  man  as  a  social  being,  a  part  of  a  grand  whole,  formed  for  a  reciprocation  of 
interests ;  partaker  of  a  common  nature ;  subject  to  all  the  vicissitudes  of  a  weak, 
defenseless  constitution ;  and  dependent  on  society  for  mutual  assistance.  It  views 
him  as  not  made  for  himself,  not  independent  of  others  ;  and  therefore  prompts  him  to  a 
sensible  regard  for  the  happiness  of  mankind.  When  any  scheme  is  projected  for  public 
utility,  with  what  alacrity  does  it  afford  the  best  assistance !  When  a  friend,  an  acquaint- 
ance, or  even  a  stranger  is  in  distress,  it  listens  with  profound  attention  to  the  melting 
strains  of  calamity.  Sympathy  operating,  it  extends  a  generous  hand  and  grants  a  kind 
relief.  When  liberty,  the  dearest  property  of  man  is  invaded,  when  tyranny  advances 
with  menacing  gigantic  strides,  and  threatens  to  trample  under  foot  the  sacred  rights  of 
the  people,  and  erase  the  very  foundation  of  civil  society ;  regardless  of  private  happi- 
ness, attentive  to  the  prosperity  of  the  whole,  and  the  fate  of  posterity,  with  what  zeal, 
with  what  vehemence  is  this  principle  exerted  and  displayed! 

Before  I  dismiss  this  agreeable  subject  I  must  beg  liberty  to  observe  that  Benevo- 
lence shines  most  conspicuous  when  it  proposes  the  greatest  public  utility.  As  the  pur- 
poses of  education,  therefore,  are  the  most  noble  and  perfective  of  our  rational  nature, 
I  am  constrained  to  mention  the  great  obligation  this  infant  Seminary  is  under,  to  many 
gentlemen  in  this  Assembly,  whose  laudable  zeal  for  the  good  of  society,  has  excited 
them  to  take  it  by  the  hand,  and  conduct  it  through  oppositions  it  must  of  necessity  have 
met  with  in  its  feeble  state.  Under  your  patronage  it  now  shines  in  gentle  glories  ;  and 
we  confidently  trust,  it  will  in  some  future  period,  tower  with  superior  eminence.  Then 
with  what  deep  felt  joys,  with  what  pleasing'  veneration  will  this  Colony,  will  North 
America  recognize  the  memory  of  its  first  benefactors. 

Finally,  my  worthy  auditors,  I  may  recommend  this  principle,  as  absolutely  requisite 
to  constitute  the  gentleman,  the  sage,  and  the  Christian;  as  that  which  fills  the  mind 
with  those  purer  joys,  which  not  only  bear  a  distant  resemblance  to,  but  in  their  nature 
are  the  same  which  glow  in  the  breasts  of  kindred  spirits  above.  Let  us  therefore 
catch,  and  as  we  catch,  increase  the  blaze,  until  it  shall  re-enkindle,  or  rather  burst  out, 
and  mingle  flames  in  the  pure  element  of  love. 


1763-1769.  and  manning.  93 

Richard  Stites. 

Richard  Stites,  as  has  already  been  stated,  was  the  brother-in-law 
of  President  Manning,  being  the  youngest  son  of  John  Stites,  Esq., 
mayor  of  Elizabethtown.  He  was  born  at  Connecticut  Farms  in  1747, 
being  therefore  twenty-two  years  of  age  at  the  time  of  his  graduation. 
He  was  prepared  for  college  at  the  Hopewell  Academy,  and  matricu- 
lated by  President  Manning,  on  the  20th  of  June,  1766,  as  his  second 
student.  A  copy  of  his  Latin  salutatory,  which  the  Gazette  states  was 
pronounced  with  much  spirit,  and  procured  him  great  applause  from 
the  learned  part  of  the  assembly,  is  preserved  with  the  other  orations. 
Immediately  after  graduating,  he  entered  upon  the  study  of  law,  and 
on  the  2d  of  May,  1771,  as  appears  from  the  records,  he  was  admitted 
to  the  bar.  He  practised  in  Elizabethtown.  On  the  12th  of  May, 
1776,  he  married  Sarah,  daughter  of  John  Dennis,  of  New  Bruns- 
wick, at  that  time  state  treasurer.  Several  months  previous  to  this  he 
had  been  commissioned  as  captain  in  Heard's  brigade,  General  Nathan- 
ael  Greene's  division  of  the  Continental  Line.  During  the  disastrous 
battle  on  Long  Island,  August  27,  1776,  he  was  severely  wounded,  and 
taken  to  his  home,  where  he  died  a  few  days  afterward.  In  March  fol- 
lowing a  son  was  born,  Richard  Montgomery  Stites,  who  was  eventually 
placed  in  President  Manning's  care,  and  by  him  htted  for  college.  He 
was  graduated  in  1792,  one  year  after  Manning's  death.  A  grandson 
named  Richard  Montgomery  Stites,  a  civil  engineer  by  profession,  is  now 
living  in  Morristown,  New  Jersey.  To  him  we  are  specially  indebted 
for  these  particulars  respecting  his  ancestor. 

James  Mitchel  Varnum. 

James  Mitchel  Varnum  was  born  in  Dracut,  Massachusetts,  in 
the  year  1749.  He  was  graduated  therefore  at  the  age  of  twenty. 
While  a  student  at  Cambridge,  he  had  developed  a  remarkable  capacity 
for  learning,  and  although,  as  his  biographer  states,  somewhat  dis- 
sipated in  his  habits,  made  liberal  acquisitions  in  general  knowledge 
and  literature.     He  was   especially  attached   to  mathematical  science 


94  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  CiiAr.  11. 

and  delighted  in  its  pursuit.  Why  he  should  have  left  the  venerable 
halls  of  Harvard  to  connect  himself  with  the  infant  Seminary  at 
Warren,  has  always  seemed  to  many  a  mystery.  Perhaps  the  solu- 
tion of  it  may  be  found  in  Quincy's  History  of  the  University.  In 
April,  1768,  the  author  states,  there  were  serious  disturbances  at  Har- 
vard. Tutors's  windows  were  broken,  other  outrages  were  commit- 
ted, and  lives  even  were  endangered.  Three  under- graduates  were 
expelled,  others  were  rusticated,  and  several  ring-leaders  gave  up 
their  chambers  and  left  the  college.  Mr.  Varnum  may  have  been 
one  of  this  number.  The  date  of  his  admission  at  Warren,  May  23, 
1768,  favors  this  view.  Furthermore,  he  may  have  become  dissatis- 
fied with  the  Senior  instruction  at  Harvard.  President  Holyoke,  who 
had  been  in  office  since  1737,  was  now  an  old  man,  in  his  eightieth 
year,  and  in  feeble  health.  Indeed  he  died  the  year  following. 
On  the  other  hand,  he  had  probably  heard  through  Hezekiah  Smith, 
who  was  then  preaching  at  Haverhill  with  wonderful  power  and 
success,  and  was  a  welcome  visitor  at  his  father's  house  in  Dracut, 
of  the  remarkable  gifts  of  President  Manning,  and  of  his  associate 
instructor,  Tutor  Howell. 

After  graduating,  Mr.  Varnum  taught  for  a  while  a  classical  school  ; 
and  to  this  period  of  his  life  he  ever  afterwards  referred  as  a  season  of 
special  benefit.  In  the  year  1771  he  was  admitted  to  the  bar,  having 
studied  law  in  the  office  of  Oliver  Arnold,  Esq.,  then  the  Attorney 
General  of  the  Colony.  Soon  afterwards,  he  established  himself  in  the 
town  of  East  Greenwich,  where  he  rapidly  rose  to  distinction  in  his 
profession,  his  great  talents  securing  for  him  an  extensive  practice. 
Two  years  previous  to  this  time  he  had  married  a  daughter  of  Cromel 
Child  of  Warren,  whose  acquaintance  he  formed  while  a  student.  The 
following  extract  from  the  "Memoirs  of  Elkanah  Watson,  or  Men  and 
Times  of  the  Revolution,"  presents  a  pleasing  description  of  his  powers 
of  eloquence  at  this  period :  — 

Mr.  Varnum  was  one  of  the  most  eminent  lawyers  and  distinguished  orators  in  the 
colonies.    I  first  saw  this  learned  and  amiable  man  in  1774,  when  I  heard  him  deliver 


« 


1763-1769.  AND    MANNING.  95 

a  Masonic  oration.  Until  that  moment  I  had  formed  no  conception  of  the  power  and 
charms  of  oratory.  I  was  so  deeply  impressed,  that  the  effect  of  his  splendid  exhibi- 
tion has  remained  for  forty-eight  years  indelibly  fixed  upon  my  mind.  I  then  com- 
pared his  mind  to  a  beautiful  parterre,  from  which  he  was  enabled  to  pluck  the  most 
gorgeous  and  fanciful  flowers,  in  his  progress,  to  enrich  and  embellish  his  subject. 
Lavater  would  have  pronounced  him  an  orator,  from  the  vivid  flashing  of  his  eye,  and 
the  delicate  beauty  of  his  classic  mouth. 

Mr.  Varnum  had  a  decided  taste  for  military  life,  and  in  1774  was 
commander  of  the  "Kentish  Guards,"  a  company  which,  from  its 
acquirements  in  military  tactics,  became  the  nursery  of  many  distin- 
guished officers  during  the  Revolutionary  War.  Among  them  may  be 
mentioned  Major  Whitmarsh,  Col.  Christopher  Greene,  and  Rhode 
Island's  greatest  general,  Nathanael  Greene,  who  was  second  only  to 
Washington.  The  prominent  part  which  Varnum  had  taken  in  the 
colonial  controversy  induced  him,  upon  the  breaking  out  of  hostilities, 
to  offer  his  services  to  the  Government.  He  was  at  first  a  colonel  in 
the  American  army,  but  in  February,  1777,  Congress  promoted  him  to 
the  rank  of  brigadier-general.  He  continued  in  the  army  several  years, 
and  saw  some  service,  commanding  a  brigade  in  Sullivan's  expedition 
on  Rhode  Island.  He  was  a  good  disciplinarian,  and  invaluable  in 
council.  He  wielded  a  vigorous  pen,  commanding  a  rich  flow  of  elo- 
quence, embellished  by  the  ornaments  and  graces  of  rhetoric. 

While  in  command  at  Taunton,  he  addressed  an  admirable  letter  to 
the  chief  officer  of  the  Hessians  in  Rhode  Island,  and  sent  it  in  by  a 
flag.  The  letter  was  a  transcript  of  his  views  on  the  great  controversy 
with  England,  and  was  considered  an  able  argument  on  the  subject. 
It  was  subsequently  published  in  England,  and  reflected  much  credit 
on  the  author.  In  1779  he  resigned  his  commission,  and  returned  to 
his  former  profession.  The  Legislature,  in  consideration  of  his  national 
services,  and  the  more  effectually  to  secure  them  in  defense  of  the 
State,  elected  him  Major-General  of  the  militia  of  Rhode  Island,  an 
office  to  which  he  was  annually  re-elected  during  the  remainder  of  his 
life.  In  1780  he  was  appointed  a  delegate  to  the  Congress  of  the  Con- 
federation, and  again  in  1786.     As  that  body  sat  with  closed  doors,  his 


96  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  II. 

voice  could  not  be  heard  by  the  public  ;  but  his  name  often  appears  in 
the  published  journals  of  the  proceedings. 

The  great  forensic  effort  of  General  Varnum  was  in  the  celebrated 
case  of  Trevett  against  Weeden,  in  the  fall  of  the  year  1786.  The 
General  Assembly,  at  its  May  session,  with  a  wilful  blindness  unparal- 
leled in  the  annals  of  civilization,  had  emitted  the  enormous  sum  of 
£100,000  in  paper  bills,  making  them  "a  good  and  lawful  tender  for 
the  complete  payment  and  final  discharge  of  all  fines,  forfeitures,  judg- 
ments, and  executions  of  every  kind  and  nature  whatsoever."  It  also 
passed  acts  making  it  criminal  to  refuse  said  bills  in  exchange  for  arti- 
cles of  merchandise,  and  depriving  their  opponents  of  the  sacred  palla- 
dium of  Britons,  the  trial  by  jury,  and  furthermore  rendering  them, 
even  though  freemen,  ineligible  to  any  office.  In  the  case  referred  to, 
John  Trevett,  of  Newport,  had  purchased  meat  of  John  Weeden,  a 
butcher,  and  tendered  to  him  bills  of  the  emission  of  the  May  session 
of  the  Legislature  in  payment ;  which  bills  Weeden  refused.  Where- 
upon a  complaint  was  made  and  filed,  in  accordance  with  the  acts  of  the 
General  Assembly,  before  Paul  Mumford,  Chief  Justice  of  the  Supreme 
Court.  The  court  consisted  of  Paul  Mumford,  Chief  Justice,  and 
Joseph  Hazard,  Thomas  Tillinghast,  and  David  Howell,  associates. 
When  the  case  came  up  for  trial,  the  whole  public  was  in  a  state  of 
feverish  excitement.  The  merchant  closed  his  store,  the  farmer  left 
his  fields,  the  mechanic  his  workshop,  and  all  congregated  in  and 
around  the  Court-house  to  await  the  final  issue.  If  the  complaint  was 
sustained,  then  would  they  be  prostrated  in  utter  ruin,  and  the  com- 
merce and  business  of  the  State  be  effectually  destroyed.  Varnum 
proved  himself  equal  to  this  emergency.  By  his  resistless  eloquence  he 
stemmed  the  tide  of  power  and  misrule,  and  successfully  vindicated  the 
claims  of  equity  and  justice.  The  Court  adjudged  that  the  amended 
acts  of  the  Legislature  were  unconstitutional,  and  so  void.  The  tyranny 
of  the  demagogues  was  thus  overthrown,  and  the  State  was  saved. 

In  the  year  1787  General  Varnum  was  appointed  by  Congress  one 
of  the  judges  of  the  Northwestern  Territory,  and  in  the  following 
spring  entered  upon  his  duties.     But  disease  had  enfeebled  his  body, 


1763-1769. 


AND    MANNING.  97 


and  his  race  was  nearly  run.  He  died  at  Marietta,  Ohio,  on  the  10th 
of  January,  1789,  at  the  early  age  of  forty.  His  funeral  was  conducted 
with  great  solemnity  and  respect.  A  long  procession  of  mourners  — 
private  citizens,  civil  and  military  officers,  gentlemen  of  the  Order  of 
the  Cincinnati,  and  Free  Masons — followed  his  remains  to  the  grave. 
His  memory  is  yet  fragrant  in  the  annals  of  Rhode  Island. 

A  younger  brother,  Joseph  Bradley  Varnum,  we  may  add,  also  served 
as  brigadier-general  in  the  war,  and  was  afterwards  prominent  in 
Massachusetts  politics.  He  was  a  member  of  the  State  Senate,  House 
of  Representatives,  and  Council.  For  sixteen  years  he  was  a  member 
of  Congress,  serving  two  terms  as  Speaker  of  the  House  ;  and  from 
1811  until  1817  he  was  a  member  of  the  United  States  Senate.  He 
was  also  a  prominent  and  useful  member  of  the  Baptist  church  in 
Dracut. 

William    Williams. 

William  Williams  was  born  in  Hilltown,  Bucks  County,  Pennsyl- 
vania, in  the  year  1752.  His  father  emigrated  from  Wales,  and  settled 
in  this  country  as  a  farmer,  accumulating  a  handsome  property.  The 
son  was  fitted  for  college  at  the  Hopewell  Academy.  He  came  to  War- 
ren in  November,  1766,  and  was  the  fourth  student  whom  the  President 
matriculated.  In  the  autumn  following  his  graduation  he  married  a 
daughter  of  Col.  Nathan  Miller,  of  Warren.  Mr.  Miller  was  a 
prominent  citizen,  and  in  1786  was  Dr.  Manning's  colleague  as  a  member 
of  the  Continental  Congress.  For  several  years  Mr.  Williams  remained 
in  Warren  and  engaged  in  teaching,  —  an  employment  for  which  his 
talents  and  inclinations  especially  qualified  him.  During  a  revival  of 
religion  under  the  preaching  of  Mr.  Thompson,  Manning's  successor  in 
the  pastorate,  he  was  converted,  and  in  September,  1771,  was  baptized 
by  his  classmate  and  received  as  a  member  of  the  church.  In  the  year 
1773  he  removed  with  his  family  to  Wrentham,  Massachusetts,  where 
he  opened  an  academy,  which  soon  attained  to  high  distinction  among 
the  literary  institutions  of  that  day.  He  is  supposed  to  have  had  under 
his  care  nearly  two  hundred  youth,  about  eighty  of  whom  he  fitted  for 

13 


98  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  II. 

his  Alma  Mater.  Not  a  few  of  these  became  distinguished  in  profes- 
sional and  political  life ;  among  whom  may  be  mentioned  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Maxcy,  successor  to  Manning ;  the  Hon.  David  R.  Williams,  Governor 
of  South  Carolina  ;  and  the  Hon.  Tristam  Burges,  LL.  D.,  Professor 
of  Oratory  and  Belles-lettres  in  Brown  University,  and  for  many  years 
a  distinguished  Representative  in  Congress.  Mr.  Williams  also  con- 
ducted the  theological  studies  of  young  men  with  a  view  to  their  enter- 
ing the  ministry.1  On  the  3d  of  July,  1776,  he  was  publicly  ordained 
as  pastor  of  the  Baptist  church  in  Wrentham,  —  an  office  which  he  held 
for  nearly  half  a  century.  Though  strictly  evangelical  in  his  doctrines, 
he  was  not  regarded  as  a  popular  preacher.  Quite  a  number  of  his  early 
manuscript  sermons  are  among  the  archives  of  the  College  library.  They 
are  written  in  a  plain,  legible  hand,  and  exhibit  marks  of  careful  prep- 
aration. Mr.  Williams,  says  his  biographer, 2  "  was  not  a  man  greatly 
to  attract  or  impress  the  multitude  in  any  way,  but  by  a  steady  course  of 
enlightened  and  Christian  activity,  he  accomplished  an  amount  of  good 
for  his  denomination,  which  fairly  entitles  him  to  a  place  among  its  more 
distinguished  benefactors.  He  diffused  a  spirit  of  improvement,  a  love 
of  intellectual  culture,  throughout  the  circle  in  which  he  moved,  and  no 
doubt  his  influence  will  continue,  and  find  new  channels  through  which 
to  flow  down  to  posterity,  long  after  the  last  of  his  surviving  contempo- 
raries shall  have  passed  away." 

Mr.  Williams  continued  to  be  engaged  as  teacher  and  preacher  until 
the  close  of  life.  From  1789  until  1818,  a  period  of  twenty-nine  years, 
he  was  an  honored  member  of  the  Board  of  Fellows  of  the  College.  He 
was  present  in  1804,  when  the  name  of  the  College  was  changed  to 
Brown  University.  During  the  war,  when  the  College  building  was 
occupied  as  a  barrack  for  the  militia,  and  afterwards  as  a  hospital  for  the 
French  troops,  the  library  was  removed  to  Wrentham  and  placed  in  his 
keeping.  Messrs.  Smith,  Stillman,  Baldwin,  Gammell,  and  other 
Baptist  ministers  were  frequent  visitors  at  his  hospitable  home  on  their 

*  One  of  his  pupils  in  theology  was  the  lamented  Rev.  William  Gammell,  of  Newport,  father  of 
the  late  Professor  William  Gammell. 

*Rev.  Dr.  Abial  Fisher.    See  Sprague's  Annals  of  the  American  Pulpit,  Vol.  VI. 


1763-1769.  AND    MANNING.  99 

way  to  and  from  Providence.  In  his  diary,  under  date  of  Friday,  July 
10,  1772,  Mr.  Smith  writes  :  —  "  Went  at  Mr.  Williams's  request  to 
Wrentham  to  hear  his  scholars  examined  and  pronounce  their  orations." 
In  1785  the  Warren  Association  held  its  sessions  in  his  meeting-house, 
and  again  in  1802.  He  died  on  the  22d  of  September,  1823,  aged 
about  seventy-one  years. 

A  daughter  of  Mr.  Williams  died  in  Wrentham,  in  1867,  at  the 
advanced  age  of  ninety.  In  her  last  moments  she  enjoined  it  upon  those 
around  her  to  see  that  her  father's  pine  table  was  given  in  charge  to  Samuel 
Warner,  Esq.,  for  Brown  University.  Tins  belonged  to  her  father  when 
he  was  a  student  at  Warren.  Its  capacious  drawer,  he  used  playfully  to 
remark,  contained  all  the  books  that  belonged  to  the  College  during  the 
six  years  that  it  was  located  in  that  town.  The  table  is  now  kept  as  a 
precious  memento  on  the  third  floor  of  the  new  Library  Building.  The 
contrast  between  it  and  its  surroundings  is  striking  and  very  suggestive. 

We  append  to  this  brief  sketch  a  copy  of  Mr.  Williams's  "parchment," 
which  is  carefully  preserved  among  the  archives.  It  differs  from  Presi- 
dent Manning's  "  parchment"  as  given  in  the  previous  chapter:   — 

Omnibus  ad  quos  praesentes  Literae  pervenerint  salutein.  Notum  sit  quod  Collegii 
in  Anglicana  Rhodiorum  Providentiatiumque  Colonia  inter  Nov.  Anglos  in  America  Soci- 
orum  Ordo  Gulielmo  Williams  juveni  probo  et  ingenuo,  in  omnibus  Humanitatis  Litera- 
rumque  Studiis  in  nostra  Academia  instituto,  et  Examine  sufficiente  previo  approbato 
Baccalaurei  Gradum  decrevit,  publicis  in  Comitiis  apud  Warren  in  Colonia  supradicta 
habitis  Die  Septimo  Septembris  Annoque  Domini  Millesimo  Septingentessimo  Sexages- 
simo  Nono.  In  Cujus  Rei  Testimonium  Sigillum  Collegii  huic  Membranae  affixum  Nom- 
inaque  nostra  subscripta  sunt. 

Jacobus  Manning,  Praeses. 

David  Hoell,  Phil,,  Prof. 

Thomas  Eyres,  Secretarius. 

Charles  Thompson. 

Charles  Thompson,  the  valedictorian  of  the  class,  was  born  in 
Amwell,  New  Jersey,  April  14,  1748.     He,  too,  was  fitted  for  college  at 


100  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  II. 

the  Hopewell  Academy,  coming  to  Warren  with  Belton,  Eaton,  and 
Williams,  and  being  matriculated  with  them  in  November,  1766.  Having 
the  ministry  in  view  and  being  of  age,  he  commenced  preaching  while 
a  student.  When  the  College  was  removed  to  Providence,  President 
Manning  was  persuaded  to  remove  also  with  his  undergraduates.  This 
was  in  May,  1770.  In  the  autumn  following,  Mr.  Thompson  was  called 
to  preach  at  Warren  as  a  candidate  for  settlement.  The  year  following 
he  was  ordained  as  pastor  of  the  church.1  About  this  time  he  mar- 
ried a  daughter  of  Sylvester  Child,  one  of  the  leading  citizens  of  the 
town. 

A  great  blessing  attended  the  ministry  of  Mr.  Thompson,  so  that 
during  the  four  years  of  his  pastorate  the  membership  of  the  church 
was  nearly  doubled.  But  when  the  War  of  the  Revolution  broke  out, 
its  sad  effects  were  specially  visible  among  his  people.  He  was  at  once 
appointed  a  chaplain  in  the  American  army,  which  office  he  held  till 

1778,  a  period  of  three  years.  While  at  home  on  a  visit,  the  English 
troops  came  up  to  Warren,  and  on  the  morning  of  May  25, 1778,  burned 
the  meeting-house,  parsonage,  arsenal,  and  several  private  dwellings, 
and  carried  away  Mr.  Thompson  as  a  prisoner.  He  was  confined  at 
Newport;  but  in  about  a  month  was  released,  by  what  means  he 
never  knew.     He  afterwards  preached  at  Ashford,  Connecticut,  until 

1779,  when  he  became  pastor  of  the  church  in  Swansea.  During  his 
ministry  of  twenty-three  years  at  this  latter  place,  there  were  several 
extensive  revivals  of  religion  :  one  immediately  after  his  settlement,  when 


1  The  following  account  of  his  ordination  is  taken  from  the  Providence  Gazette  for  July  6, 1771. 
President  Manning,  it  will  be  observed,  took  no  part  in  the  exercises.  For  some  years  there  was  a 
coolness  on  the  part  of  the  church  toward  him  because  of  his  decision  to  go  with  the  College  to 
Providence : 

"  On  Wednesday  last  (July  3)  was  ordained  to  the  work  of  the  ministry  at  Warren  in  Bristo1 
County,  by  the  unanimous  choice  of  the  Baptist  church  and  congregation  in  that  town,  the  Kev. 
Charles  Thompson,  A.B.,  the  first  son  of  Rhode  Island  College  that  has  yet  engaged  in  the  sacred  office. 
Rev.  Ebenezer  Hinds,  of  Middleborough,  began  the  solemnity  with  prayer,  and  preached  an  excel- 
lent sermon  on  the  occasion  to  a  polite  and  crowded  auditory,  from  2  Tim.,  2 :  15  :  '  Study  to  show 
thyself  approved  unto  God,  a  workman  that  needeth  not  to  be  ashamed,  rightly  dividing  the  word 
of  truth.'  Rev.  Noah  Alden,  of  Bellingham,  delivered  the  charge,  Mr.  Hinds  gave  the  right  hand 
of  fellowship,  and  Mr.  Alden  concluded  with  prayer.  The  whole  was  conducted  with  that  solemnity 
and  order  which  the  importance  of  the  occasion  demanded,  and  afforded  the  highest  satisfaction  to 
every  one  present,  particularly  to  the  patrons  and  friends  of  the  College." 


1763-1769.  AND    MANNING.  101 

seventy-five  persons  were  baptized  and  added  to  the  church ;  one  in  1789, 
when  fifty  persons  were  baptized ;  and  a  third  in  1800,  of  still  greater 
extent,  which  resulted  in  the  admission  to  the  church  of  a  hundred  new 
members.  He  died  in  Charlton,  Worcester  County,  Massachusetts,  on 
the  4th  of  May,  1803,  in  the  full  confidence  of  passing  to  a  better  world. 
In  consequence  of  the  poverty  and  distractions  of  the  times  his  pecuniary 
support  was  small,  so  that  he  was  obliged  to  labor  with  his  own  hands, 
keep  store,  and  instruct  scholars,  in  order  to  obtain  a  living  for  himself 
and  family. 

"Mr.  Thompson,"  says  his  biographer,1  "was  tall,  spare,  and  of  a 
fine  figure.  The  expression  of  his  countenance  was  indicative  at  once  of 
a  vigorous  intellect,  and  an  amiable  disposition.  He  placed  a  high 
value  upon  time,  and  improved  all  his  hours  to  good  purpose.  In  his 
family,  and  in  the  church,  he  was  a  model  both  of  kindness  and  firm- 
ness. As  a  preacher  he  held  a  very  high  rank.  He  had  a  voice  of  great 
compass,  and  its  tones  were  sweet  and  commanding.  He  had  great 
depth  and  tenderness  of  feeling,  and  he  often  wept  with  his  people,  while 
he  occasionally  addressed  them  in  a  voice  of  thunder.  His  sermons 
were  carefully  studied,  and  sometimes  written,  but  his  manuscript  was 
never  seen  in  the  pulpit,  and  his  language  was  generally  such  as  was 
supplied  to  him  at  the  moment.  He  had  a  deep  sense  of  his  responsi- 
bility, and  feared  not  to  proclaim,  in  all  fidelity,  the  whole  counsel  of 
God.  The  church  he  fed  with  the  bread  of  life,  so  that  under  his  minis- 
try they  were  instructed  and  rendered  holy. 

"  He  was  also  very  successful  in  the  instruction  of  youth,  being  fully 
master  of  everything  which  he  attempted  to  teach.  He  may  indeed  be 
regarded  as  having  been  an  accomplished  scholar,  as  well  as  a  devout 
Christian,  and  an  able  and  a  successful  preacher.  Such  talents  as  he 
possessed  could  not  be  hid ;  he  was  often  called  upon  to  preach  on  pub- 
lic occasions,  and  multitudes,  besides  the  people  of  his  own  particular 
church,  were  benefited  by  his  faithful  labors.  At  his  death,  well  might 
it  be  said,  'A  great  man  has  fallen  in  Israel.'" 


1  Rev.  Dr.  Abial  Fisher.    See  Sprague's  Annals  of  the  American  Pulpit,  Vol.  VI.    See  also  Tus- 
tin's  Dedication  Discourse  in  Warren.    12mo.    Providence,  1845. 


102  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  1R 

The  original  of  Mr.  Thompson's  valedictory  address,  in  his  own 
handwriting,  was  presented  to  the  writer  some  thirty  years  ago  by  Miss 
Louisa  H.  Thompson,  daughter  of  Capt.  John  B.  Thompson,  grand- 
daughter of  Doct.  William  Thompson,  and  great-granddaughter  of  Rev. 
Charles  Thompson,  the  author.  They  all  resided  in  Warren,  the  latter, 
as  has  already  been  stated,  having  been  for  four  years  pastor  of  the 
church.  The  subject  of  the  Oration,  it  will  be  observed,  is  "  The 
Oratorial  Art,"  of  which  President  Manning's  entire  professional 
life  was  a  happy  illustration.  Manning  himself  was  a  splendid  pulpit 
orator,  and  taught  oratory  both  in  his  Latin  School  and  in  the  College. 
It  was  in  view  of  this  fact,  doubtless,  that  the  first  Professorship,  founded 
by  the  Hon.  Nicholas  Brown,  when  the  College  received  its  present 
name,  was  a  '*  Professorship  of  Oratory  and  Belles-lettres." 

THOMPSON'S  VALEDICTORY  ADDRESS. 
"  The  Oratorial  Art." 

To  gratify  and  procure  the  favor  of  an  audience,  at  once  so  respectable  and  candid 
as  I  have  the  honor  now  to  address,  will  he  acknowledged  by  all  to  be  the  rational  ambi- 
tion of  a  benevolent  heart.  It  will  therefore  be  unnecessary  to  inform  you,  that  I  feel 
an  increasing  ardor  to  entertain  in  the  most  agreeable  manner  this  assembly,  whose 
characters  demand  veneration  and  esteem,  no  less  than  their  countenances  promise 
that  candor  and  indulgence  which  reason  pleads  for  on  the  present  occasion. 

You  are  not  ignorant,  gentlemen,  that  a  finished  composition  is  the  production  only 
of  a  long  series  of  studies,  joined  to  a  continual  exercise  in  that  branch  of  learning; 
neither  of  which  is  compatible  with  the  short  time  of  our  academic  course,  mostly 
taken  up  as  it  is  in  attention  to  the  languages,  arts,  and  sciences  requisite  to  lay  a 
foundation  for  this.  On  the  other  hand,  the  few  accomplished  speakers  who  have 
graced  the  desk,  the  Senate,  House,  and  bar,  will  naturally  suggest  to  you  the  almost 
unsurmountable  difficulties  that  attend  a  tolerable  degree  of  perfection  therein,  even 
where  the  Parent  of  Nature  has  laid  a  foundation  in  the  gift  of  a  happy  genius.  These 
things  being  duly  weighed,  I  promise  myself  your  benevolent  attention  to  this  my 
immature  and  juvenile  exhibition,  relying  that  the  goodness  of  my  subject  and  well 
meant  effort  will  in  a  great  measure,  if  not  entirely,  atone  for  my  want  of  ability  and 
injudicious  execution.  The  subject  upon  which  I  would  glance,  by  way  of  introduction 
to  the  part  assigned  me  by  the  Rev.  President,  in  the  exercises  of  this  day,  is  of  supe- 


1763-1769.  AND    MANNING.  103 

rior  moment,  and  lias  consequently  had,  not  only  the  eulogies  of  the  wise  and  the 
learned  from  age  to  age,  but  can  boast  of  feats  as  glorious  as  any  of  the  whole  circle 
of  the  arts  and  sciences.  After  this  hint  need  I  tell  you,  I  mean  the  Oratorial  Art, 
or  that  irresistible  energy  accompanying  truth  delivered  by  men  thoroughly  acquainted 
with  the  human  heart,  and  those  springs  of  action  the  passions  of  human  nature,  to- 
gether with  the  avenues  that  lead  to  them,  and  the  means  of  awakening  and  exciting 
them  in  the  most  effectual  manner. 

This  truly  useful  and  popular  art  is  by  no  means  to  be  considered  independent  of,  or 
detached  from  the  other  parts  of  liberal  learning,  but  in  a  close  connection  with  every 
branch  of  polite  erudition,  or  rather  as  the  collected  force  and  perfection  of  them  all. 
For  though  logic,  mathematics,  metaphysics  and  philosophy  furnish  knowledge  for, 
and  add  strength  to,  the  mind,  yet  these  are  rather  calculated  for  entertainment  in 
solitude,  and,  separate  from  a  proper  method  of  communicating  our  ideas,  would  be 
as  superfluous  to  society  as  elaborate  volumes  on  those  different  subjects  in  a  language 
perfectly  unintelligible.  Man  was  formed  for  society,  and  is  consequently  furnished 
with  organs  by  which  to  communicate  his  thoughts  to  others,  and  enable  them  to 
receive  advantage  from  his  researches ;  but,  as  a  bare  representation  of  our  ideas  by 
those  terms  stipulated  to  stand  for  them  is  found  inadequate  to  this  end,  the  great 
Author  of  Nature,  to  remedy  this  defect,  has  furnished  us  with  a  variety  of  tones, 
looks,  and  gestures,  which,  by  the  help  of  the  living  voice,  render  the  speaker's  heart 
transparent,  and  enable  him  to  print  his  own  ideas  on  the  hearer's  mind  in  the  most 
indelible  characters. 

To  undertake  an  enumeration  of  the  rules  of  this  art,  or  to  point  out  the  means  by 
which  we  may  arrive  at  a  competent  acquaintance  therewith,  had  I  the  ability,  would 
far  exceed  the  brevity  of  my  present  design.  Let  it  suffice,  then,  to  evince  by  a  few 
considerations,  that  Oratory  may  with  justice  be  styled  the  mistress  of  the  arts,  and 
therefore  merits  the  most  vigorous  pursuits  of  those  ambitious  of  honor.  Amongst 
the  almost  infinite  variety  of  animals  which  surround  this  globe,  the  power  of  3peech 
is  granted  to  none  but  man.  It  is  highly  reasonable,  therefore,  to  conclude  that  this, 
in  conjunction  with  his  soul,  is  characteristic  of  his  superior  dignity.  Consequently 
to  rate  this  prerogative  high,  and  carry  it  to  the  greatest  perfection  possible,  is  alto- 
gether rational.  The  more  it  is  cultivated  and  perfected,  the  more  we  exceed  the 
brutal  world,  and  approach  those  blessed  beings  who  communicate  their  knowledge 
with  infinite  intuitive  rapidity  and  ease. 

But  in  the  illustration  of  this  proposition,  I  shall  principally  confine  myself  to  those 
unspeakable  advantages  with  which  it  is  and  ever  has  been  attended,  in  doing  which 
I  must  lead  your  minds  back  to  those  great  originals  of  Greece  and  Rome ;  for  a  mod- 
erate acquaintance  with  those  ancient  republics  will  at  once  demonstrate  how  highly 


104  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  II. 

they  rated  the  talent  of  speaking  well.  It  was  the  grand  object  in  view  in  their  public 
educations;  therefore  their  youth  were  put  under  the  tuition  of  the  ablest  masters, 
who,  together  with  teaching  them  the  rules,  might  exhibit  practical  lessons,  by  pro- 
nouncing before  their  pupils ;  — a  method  more  effectual  than  all  the  rules  in  the  world 
to  teach  an  art,  which  principally  consisted  of  a  due  management  of  the  voice,  counte- 
nance, and  gestures  of  the  body.  This,  together  with  the  repeated  corrections  of  those 
judicious  doctors,  both  guarded  them  against  contracting  vicious  habits  of  pronuncia- 
tion, and  enabled  them  to  renounce  those  already  contracted.  Neither  was  it  deemed 
sufficient  to  have  studied  and  declaimed  under  one  master  only,  although  the  most 
skilful  of  the  age.  And  this,  doubt  not,  was  of  unknown  advantage,  both  to  Demos- 
thenes and  Cicero,  in  forming  them  for  those  exalted  spheres  in  which  they  afterwards 
moved. 

Oh!  could  you  but  for  a  moment  transport  yourselves  to  Athens,  and  in  imagination 
there  behold  that  oracle  of  Greece,  that  prince  of  orators  ascend  the  rostrum,  sur- 
rounded by  the  gaping  multitude;  could  you  hear  the  terrific  thunder  of  his  voice,  and 
see  the  light  flash  from  either  eye,  while  all  the  members  of  his  agitated  body  proclaim 
the  huge  emotions  of  his  mind ;  could  you  hear  him  discharge  those  thundering  volleys 
of  execration  on  the  devoted  head  of  an  usurping  Philip,  that  invader  of  Grecian  lib- 
erty.—  Anon  he  bursts  upon  his  audience  like  a  hurricane.  By  his  moving  figures  he 
storms  their  very  hearts,  and  paints  their  dangers  in  such  striking  colors,  as  throws 
the  theatre  into  consternation  and  transport,  impatient  to  snatch  their  arms,  resist, 
fight,  bleed,  conquer.  Cuuld  you,  I  say,  for  once  be  admitted  to  such  an  interview, 
you  would  cease  to  wonder  at  the  prodigious  influence  of  that  renowned  patriot  over 
his  fellow  citizens ;  —  for  his  eloquence  had  gained  him  universal  empire  over  the 
hearts  of  his  auditors,  so  that  he  could  with  equal  ease  lead  them  on  ardent  and 
intrigued  to  the  most  hazardous  enterprises,  or  recall  them  from  prosecuting  ill  con- 
certed schemes.  It  was  this  which  caused  Antipater,  Alexander's  successor,  to  say, 
that  but  for  Demosthenes,  he  had  taken  Athens  with  less  difficulty  than  Thebes;  and 
that  his  powerful  words  had  done  more  towards  disconcerting  his  designs,  than  the 
most  formidable  army  without  them;  a  declaration  similar  to  this  averring  that 
Demosthenes  was  the  only  enemy  he  had  at  Athens.  From  which  we  see,  that  those 
powerful  enemies  deemed  his  eloquence  a  more  certain  defense  for  his  country  than 
brazen  walls.  And  may  we  not  with  propriety  conclude,  that  had  there  been  a  succes- 
sion of  Demosthenes,  Athens  had  remained  until  now. 

But  I  must  leave  this  native  land  of  science,  this  university  of  the  world,  and  pay  a 
visit  to  her  rival  sister  Italy,  where  the  arts  were  imported  from  Greece,  and  which 
was  no  less  indebted  to  this  guardian  genius  for  her  grandeur  and  imperial  dignity. 
What  but  polite  literature,  of  which  my  theme  is  a  principal  ingredient,  raised  Rome 


1763-1769.  AND    MANNING.  105 

from  a  troop  of  shepherds  accidentally  packed  together  upon  the  hanks  of  the  Tiher,  to 
that  height,  that  summit  of  glory  and  renown,  and  bequeathed  her  the  appellation  of 
mistress  of  the  world,  holding  even  Britain  an  obscure  province  of  its  wide  extended 
empire!  This  land  of  liberty  (for  arts  and  sciences  flourish  in  no  other  soil),  produced 
an  exuberant  crop  of  orators,  who  stood  as  so  many  bulwarks  to  defend  the  sacred  pal- 
ladium of  Roman  liberty ;  —  amongst  whom  the  immortal  Cicero  shone  as  the  moon 
amidst  the  lesser  stars :  whose  superior  talents  were  so  repeatedly  and  successfully 
employed  in  the  Forum,  as  well  for  the  defence  of  his  friends,  as  against  the  common 
pests  of  society,  endeavoring  to  emperil  the  State  in  civil  discord,  that  they  might 
climb  to  empire  on  its  ruins.  How  did  he  marshal  all  his  forces  against  a  daring 
Catiline,  a  wicked  Clodius,  and  an  ambitious  Cresar,  and  by  his  energetic  eloquence, 
like  an  overwhelming  flood,  sweep  among  the  combined  enemies  of  the  State,  or  like 
a  wide  expansive  conflagration  burn  up  their  best  concerted  measures,  that  he  might 
leave  Rome  free!  More  than  once  did  his  powerful  voice  snatch  Rome  from  the  jaws 
of  destruction. — As  a  recompense  for  which  he  wore  the  highest  honors  of  the  State, 
and  that  at  a  time  when  other  young  gentlemen  just  began  to  enter  upon  public  life. 

Time  would  fail  me  to  enumerate  the  long  list  of  great  orators  who  were  so  many  pil- 
lars to  support  their  respective  commonwealths,  and  whose  fame  will  only  be  extin- 
guished with  the  stars.  After  what  has  been  said  I  have  time  only  to  mention  our 
British  worthies  who  have  shone  in  this  way ;  for  nothwithstanding  our  general  inat- 
tention to  speaking,  there  are  and  have  been  instances  among  us,  though  rare,  of  heroes, 
who,  by  the  force  of  good  eloquence,  have  successfully  served  both  church  and  state. 
"Would  it  not  trespass  on  your  patience,  I  could  instance  a  British  Minister,  who,  by 
availing  himself  of  this  power,  and  employing  it  in  his  country's  cause,  from  comparative 
obscurity  raised  himself  in  a  few  years  to  the  first  honors  of  the  State,  became  the  idol 
of  the  people,  and  by  the  power  of  his  voice  made  distant  thrones  tremble.  Need  I  tell 
you  that  the  heralds  of  Life  who  have  been  happy  in  this  talent,  have  by  turns,  with 
such  energy  and  force  of  expression,  painted  the  joys  of  heaven  and  the  horrors  of  the 
infernal  world  as  to  enrapture  and  transport  their  audience  on  the  one  hand,  while  on 
the  other,  their  voice  like  peals  of  thunder  assail  the  astonished  ear  and  their  words, 
quick  as  lightning,  pierce  their  inmost  souls,  producing  a  momentary  conviction,  by 
such  striking  representations  of  virtue  and  vice,  as  force  even  the  vicious  to  revere  the 
former  and  in  some  measure  hate  the  latter.  In  short,  that  honor  and  promotion  are 
sure  to  attend  but  a  moderate  proficiency  therein,  need  no  other  proof  than  an  acquaint- 
ance with  facts,  which  are  incontestable.  So  that  this  may  be  justly  esteemed  the  most 
effectual  means  of  extensive  utility,  as  well  as  the  most  certain  road  to  preferment ; 
than  which  what  other  arguments  can  be  conceived  necessary  to  engage  persons  of  all 
characters  to  admire  and  pursue  it. 
14 


106  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  II. 

But  finally,  if  there  should  be  any  in  this  assembly  so  rude  in  knowledge,  so  unac- 
quainted with  human  nature,  as  to  imagine  that  this  art  was  taught  and  practised  as  an 
engine  to  destroy  the  force  of  reason,  to  subject  mankind  to  the  tyranny  of  passion,  and 
enable  wicked  designing  men  more  effectually  to  put  into  execution  their  mischievous 
designs,  they  cannot  be  judged  worthy  a  serious  refutation.  The  judicious  knows  it 
only  offers  itself  a  handmaid  to  reason,  and  presupposes  the  application  of  sober  reason- 
ing to  the  intellect;  that  the  constituent  qualifications  of  an  orator  will  not  admit  such 
an  abuse  of  it ;  and  that  mankind  in  their  present  state  are  so  much  more  powerfully 
affected  by  their  eyes  and  ears,  than  by  any  dispassionate  application  to  the  under- 
standing only,  as  to  render  it  of  the  least  importance.  It  would  require  no  exertion  of 
genius  to  prove  this  by  the  most  convincing  arguments,  did  not  my  time  and  your 
patience  require  that  I  should  close  the  part  assigned  me  by  taking  an  affectionate  leave 
of  this  respectable  audience. 

And  first  of  all,  to  you,  honored  sir,  with  those  other  active  members  of  the  Corpor- 
ation of  Rhode  Island  College,  as  well  Trustees  as  Fellows,  our  cordial  gratitude  and 
thanks  are  due  for  your  disinterested  and  early  attention  to  the  founding  and  endowing 
this  seat  of  learning,  where,  under  your  patfonage,  we  have  been  favored  with  access  to 
the  liberal  arts  and  sciences,  and  with  delight  have  tasted  those  intellectual  pleasures 
which  they  abundantly  afford.  Permit  us  incessantly  to  pray,  that  your  endeavors  to 
promote  and  perfect  this  laudable  design,  may  meet  with  abundant  success,  and  that 
these  in  company  with  your  other  benevolent  actions,  may  follow  you,  where  they  shall 
meet  the  rewards  of  your  benevolence.  Gentlemen,  in  the  name  of  my  class,  I  bid  you 
farewell. 

Reverend  Sir :  The  tender  and  parental  concern  you  have  manifested  in  forming 
our  morals,  both  for  our  present  and  future  happiness,  the  unremitted  attention  to  the 
means  of  our  improvement,  together  with  other  peculiar  favors  conferred  on  us,  attach 
us  to  your  person  and  interest  by  all  the  ties  of  humanity.  "We  beg  leave,  therefore,  in 
this  public  manner  to  present  you  our  most  humble  acknowledgments,  and  though  they 
compose  an  inadequate  offering,  yet  you  will  please  accept  them,  as  a  sure  token  of  the 
deep  felt  sense  of  our  many  obligations.  The  thought  of  removing  from  under  your 
paternal  inspection  fills  our  hearts  with  pungent  sorrow.  But  since  this  day  is  about 
to  effect  it,  you  will  allow  us  to  supplicate  the  Father  of  all  Consolation,  to  communicate 
all  necessary  supplies,  that  your  vigorous  efforts  for  the  good  of  society  may  be  crowned 
with  abundant  success,  and  yourself  reap  the  rich  reward  of  your  virtue.  Reverend 
Sir,  we  bid  you  an  affectionate  farewell. 

To  you,  our  worthy  and  respected  Tutor,  we  next  present  our  sincere  acknowledg- 
ments and  unfeigned  thanks,  for  the  many  signal  expressions  of  your  affection,  but 
principally  for  your  indefatigable  and  assiduous  attachment  to  our  improvement  in 


1763-1769.  AND    MANNING.  107 

useful  sciences.  The  many  inexpressible  favors  received  from  you  in  this  way,  have 
rendered  and  ever  will  render  your  memory  dear  to  us.  For  success  in  your  present 
laudable  employment,  and  that  you  may  largely  share  the  rewards  of  your  every  vir- 
tuous and  benevolent  action,  is  our  hearty  desire,  while  we  bid  you  farewell. 

To  use  arguments  to  stimulate  you,  my  fellow  students  who  have  not  yet  completed 
your  education,  in  the  pursuit  of  knowledge,  would  be  a  superfluous  labor,  since  you 
have  already  tasted  its  delectable  sweets  and  drunk  at  the  uncorrupted  fountains  of 
antiquity.  The  ardor  apparent  by  your  conduct,  in  the  pursuit  of  truth,  promises,  nay 
assures  you  success.  And  if  from  our  short  experience  we  may  be  allowed  to  judge, 
we  promise  you  increasing  pleasure  through  every  step  of  your  scientific  journey. 
"With  ardent  wishes  for  your  prosperity,  we  bid  you  adieu. 

Neither  are  we  wanting  in  gratitude  to  the  respectable  inhabitants  of  this  town,  for 
your  humane  and  courteous  treatment  during  the  time  of  our  residence  amongst  you. 
With  ineffable  pleasure  shall  we  remember  our  connections  in  Warren  when  far 
removed  from  hence.  And  as  we  are  now  about  to  leave  you,  in  the  name  of  my  class 
I  bid  you  farewell. 

The  singular  honor  conferred  upon  us,  by  the  generous  attendance  of  this  polite  and 
learned  assembly,  rendered  more  brilliant  by  that  dignity  and  lustre  which  sparkle 
from  the  modest  fair,  excite  us  to  return  our  thanks  while  we  take  our  leave  of  you. 

And  must  this  day  dissolve  that  society,  that  amicable  society,  which  for  years  has 
subsisted  in  this  place?  Must  we  now,  my  dear  classmates,  launch  out  into  the  world, 
and  enter  upon  our  new  untried  scenes,  where,  unassisted  by  each  other's  counsel,  we 
must  shift  as  we  can  on  the  rude  sea  of  life  ?  How  painful  the  thought !  How  intol- 
erable !  Perhaps  never  more  to  see  the  faces  of  the  persons  who  compose  the  greatest 
joys  of  our  life.  What  do  I  not  feel  for  to-morrow !  I  can  readily  excuse  a  tear,  and 
should  be  stupid  if  I  did  not  echo  a  sigh  for  the  past  scenes  of  pleasure  and  mental 
delight  through  which,  hand  in  hand,  we  have  walked.  Now  all  rise  fresh  to  view  and 
painfully  augment  the  pangs  of  parting.  But  I  cease  to  pursue  the  tender  story. 
Permit  me  to  take  one  more  affectionate  look,  and  rally  all  my  resolution,  while  I  bid 

yOU  FAREWELL. 


CHAPTER    III. 

1769-1770. 

Final  location  of  the  College  —  Morgan  Edwards's  account  —  First  mention  of  the  sub- 
ject in  the  Corporation  records  —  Meeting  of  the  Corporation  in  1769 — Plans  for  a 
building  in  Warren,  and  committee  appointed  —  Vote  of  the  Church  in  Warren  offering 
the  use  of  the  meeting-house  on  Commencement  occasions  —  Notification  for  special 
meeting  of  the  Corporation  to  consider  proposals  from  East  Greenwich  —  Motion  to 
have  the  College  in  Providence  —  Meeting  of  the  Corporation  in  Newport,  Nov.  14, 
1769  —  Three  days'  session  —  Extract  from  the  records  —  Voted  that  the  College  edifice 
be  at  Providence,  provided  Newport  does  not  raise  a  larger  subscripton  than  Provi- 
dence—  Arguments  presented  to  the  Corporation  in  favor  of  Providence,  East  Green- 
wich, and  Newport  —  Increasing  interest  in  the  contest  —  Diary  of  Dr.  Stiles  —  Cita- 
tion for  another  meeting  of  the  Corporation  to  be  held  in  Warren,  Wednesday,  Feb. 
7,  1770  —  Caucuses  and  town  meetings  on  the  subject  held  in  Providence  and  Newport, 
and  hand  bills  circulated  —  Anonymous  letter  to  Nicholas  Brown  from  President  Man- 
ning—  Account  of  the  meeting  in  Warren  —  Final  action  at  ten  o'clock  Thursday 
night  in  favor  of  Providence  by  a  vote  of  twenty-one  to  fourteen  —  Letter  from  Man- 
ning to  Hezekiah  Smith  giving  an  account  of  the  meeting  —  Account  by  Moses 
Brown  —  Party  in  Newport  disappointed  —  Sharp  letter  in  the  Newport  Mercury  —  Four 
of  the  fifteen  members  from  Newport  voted  for  Providence  —  Names  of  the  other 
seventeen  members  of  the  Corporation  who  voted  for  Providence  —  Names  of  the 
fourteen  who  voted  for  Newport  —  Summing  up  of  the  controversy  by  Chancellor 
Hopkins  —  Unreasonable  enmity  of  the  people  of  Newport  to  Providence  —  Move- 
ment for  another  College,  to  be  located  at  Newport  —  William  Ellery  the  leader  — 
Article  in  the  Newport  Mercury  cited  —  Action  of  the  General  Assembly — Special 
meeting  of  the  Corporation  held  in  Warren,  April  25,  1770,  and  remonstrance  pre- 
pared—  Most  important  document  —  Settles  points  in  controversy  respecting  the  ori- 
gin of  the  College  —  Account  of  a  seal  prepared  in  anticipation  of  another  college  — 
Some  special  considerations  which  influenced  in  the  final  vote  —  Providence,  a  Bap- 
tist town  —  Letter  from  Moses  Brown  to  President  Wayland,  giving  reasons  why  the 
committee  on  location  selected  the  home-lot  of  Chad  Brown  —  Extract  from  the 
record  of  deeds  describing  the  lot  —  Building  committee  —  Nassau  Hall,  Princeton, 
selected  as  a  model  for  the  edifice  —  Manning's  relations  with  the  Church  at  Warren — 
Decides  to  go  with  the  College  to  Providence  — Action  of  the  Church  —  Diary  of  Dr. 
Stiles  — Howland's  recollections  of  Manning  and  the  College  in  1770— Extract  from 
Professor  Goddard's  memoir. 

Up  to  this  date  (1769)  says  Edwards,  "the  Seminary  was  for  the 
most  part  friendless  and  moneyless,  and  therefore  forlorn,  insomuch  that 
a  college  edifice  was  hardly  thought  of."     But  after  the  frequent  remit- 


1769-1770.  BROWN    UNIVERSITY.  109 

tances  from  friends  in  England  and  Ireland,  and  the  general  interest 
awakened  by  the  first  Commencement,  "some  began  to  hope,  and 
many  to  fear,  that  the  Institution  would  come  to  something  and  stand. 
Then  a  building  and  the  place  of  it  were  talked  of,  which  opened  a  new 
scene  of  troubles  and  contentions,  and  that  had  well  nigh  ruined  all. 
Warren  was  at  first  agreed  upon  as  a  proper  situation,  where  a  small 
wing  was  to  be  erected  in  the  spring  of  1770,  and  about  eight  hundred 
pounds  raised  towards  effecting  it.  But  soon  afterwards  some  who 
were  unwilling  it  should  be  there,  and  some  who  were  unwilling  it 
should  be  anywhere,  did  so  far  agree  as  to  lay  aside  the  said  location, 
and  propose  that  the  county  which  should  raise  the  most  money  should 
have  the  College.  Then  the  four  counties  went  to  work  with  subscrip- 
tions. That  of  Providence  bid  high  for  it,  which  made  the  county  of 
Newport,  which  is  jealous  of  Providence  on  account  of  trade,  exert  itself 
to  the  utmost.  However,  Providence  obtained  it,  which  so  touched  the 
jealousy  and  piqued  the  pride  of  the  Islanders,  as  to  make  many  of 
them  enemies  to  the  Institution  itself.  The  same  is  too  much  the  case 
with  the  other  disappointed  counties.  Nevertheless,  by  the  adventurous 
and  resolute  spirit  of  the  Browns,  and  some  other  men  of  Providence, 
the  edifice  was  begun  in  May,  1770,  and  roofed  by  the  fall  of  the  year. 
The  next  summer  the  inside  was  so  far  finished  as  to  be  fit  for  the  recep- 
tion of  scholars." 

The  account  of  the  final  location  of  the  College,  to  which  the  writer 
has  devoted  thirty-eight  pages  of  a  previous  work,1  forms  an  important 
and  deeply  interesting  chapter  in  the  early  history  of  Rhode  Island.  The 
vote  of  the  Corporation  appointing  James  Manning  President  and  Pro- 
fessor, and  authorizing  him  "  immediately  to  act  in  those  capacities  at 
Warren  or  elsewhere,"  shows  that  there  was  in  the  beginning  an  uncer- 
tainty in  the  minds  of  members  of  the  Corporation  as  to  the  permanent 
location.  The  first  mention  of  the  subject  in  the  records  appears  under 
date  of  September,  1768,  and  reads  as  follows :  — 

Voted,  That  the  Hon.  Josias  Lyndon,  Hon.  Stephen  Hopkins,  Hon.  Samuel  Ward, 
the  President,  Nicholas  Easton,  Esq.,  Rev.  Russell  Mason,  and  Nicholas  Brown,  Esq.,  be 

1  Documentary  History  of  Brown  University. 


110  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  III. 

a  committee  to  examine  what  place  is  most  suitable  to  fix  the  college  edifice  upon,  and 
to  make  report  to  the  next  annual  meeting. 

Voted,  That  the  next  annual  meeting  be  at  Warren.  Ordered,  That  the  Secretary  do 
notify  the  next  annual  meeting  at  Warren  six  weeks  successively  previous  to  their 
meeting,  by  an  advertisement  in  the  Newport  and  Providence  newspapers,  and  that  'tis 
proposed  to  take  into  consideration  a  suitable  place  for  erecting  a  college  edifice. 

Agreeably  to  the  foregoing  votes,  the  Corporation  met  at  Warren, 
Wednesday,  Sept.  6, 1769,  the  day  before  Commencement,  and  after  the 
transaction  of  routine  business,  adjourned  until  seven  o'clock  the  next 
morning.  At  this  adjourned  meeting  the  committee  made  the  follow- 
ing report :  — 

We,  the  subscribers,  being  appointed  to  consider  of  the  most  suitable  place  to  erect 
the  College  edifice  on,  are  of  opinion  that  said  edifice  be  placed  in  some  part  of  the  county 
of  Bristol ;  and  that  a  committee  be  appointed  to  point  such  a  place  as  shall  be  most 
convenient  and  be  had  upon  the  best  terms. 

"Whereupon,"  the  record  adds,  "the  Corporation  voted  generally  to 
accept  said  report,  and  it  was  accepted  accordingly." 

Resolved,  That  Sylvester  Child,  Esq.,  Mr.  John  Brown,  Capt.  John  Warren,  and  Mr. 
Nathan  Miller,  be  a  committee  to  purchase  materials,  agree  for  a  suitable  place  to  erect 
the  edifice  on,  to  take  a  deed  for  the  same  in  behalf  of  the  Corporation,  and  carry  said 
building  into  execution  as  soon  as  they  can ;  and  that  any  three  of  them  be  a  quorum ; 
and  that  they  be  empowered  to  solicit  and  receive  subscriptions. 

Neither  Brown  nor  Miller  were  at  this  time  members  of  the  Corpora- 
tion. The  former,  although  the  leading  man  in  the  erection  of  the 
building,  laying  the  corner  stone,  supervising  the  construction  and  mak- 
ing up  the  accounts,  was  not  made  a  Trustee  until  1774.  The  latter 
was  never  a  member  of  the  Corporation.  At  an  adjourned  meeting 
held  Friday  morning,  September  8th,  at  seven  o'clock,  it  was 

Resolved,  That  Hon.  Stephen  Hopkins,  Esq.,  Mr.  Joseph  Brown,  and  Rev.  John  Davi3 
be  a  committee  to  draft  instructions  and  prepare  a  model  of  the  house  proposed  to  be 


1769-1770.  AND    MANNING.  Ill 

erected,  to  be  directions,  by  the  approbation  of  the  Corporation,  for  the  committee 
appointed  to  carry  the  same  into  execution. 

Resolved,  That  Archibald  Campbell,  Esq.,  be  added  to  the  committee  for  placing  the 
college  edifice. 

At  a  subsequent  stage  of  the  meeting  the  committee  to  draft  instruc- 
tions reported :  — 

1.  That  a  suitable  place  be  procured  for  erecting  the  College  edifice  on  the  easiest 
terms,  and  that  the  title  be  indisputable  ;  and  that  proper  and  sufficient  deeds  of  con- 
veyance for  said  land  be  taken  for  the  Corporation. 

2.  That  the  building  do  not  exceed  sixty-six  feet  long,  and  thirty-six  wide,  and  three 
stories  high.  That  it  be  a  plain  building,  the  walls  of  the  best  bricks  and  lime,  the  win- 
dow and  door  frames  of  red  cedar ;  that  there  be  a  cupola  for  a  bell ;  that  the  first  build- 
ing be  so  situated  as  to  be  one  wing  of  the  whole  College  edifice  when  complete ;  and 
that  there  be  a  cellar  under  the  whole.  , 

3.  As  there  is  a  want  of  time  at  present,  that  a  committee  be  appointed  to  furnish 
the  committee  for  building  with  a  complete  draught  of  the  whole  building. 

i.  That  the  committee  for  building  procure  the  best  materials  on  the  best  and  easiest 
terms. 

5.  That  the  committee  for  building  make  provision  this  year,  that  the  workmen  may 
begin  in  the  next. 

In  accordance  with  the  third  recommendation  of  the  foregoing  report, 
it  was 

Voted,  That  the  Chancellor,  the  President,  and  Mr.  Joseph  Brown  be  a  committee 
to  prepare  a  complete  model  of  the  building  according  to  the  report  of  the  above  com- 
mittee, and  deliver  the  same  to  the  committee  for  building. 

Voted,  That  the  committee  for  building  be  empowered  to  draw  upon  the  Treasurer 
for  money  from  time  to  time  to  carry  on  said  building,  and  that  they  render  accounts  to 
the  Corporation  at  each  of  the  meetings ;  which  the  Secretary  is  hereby  ordered  to  notify 
successively  in  the  public  prints  for  three  weeks  before  this  meeting. 

What  funds  were  in  the  hands  of  the  Treasurer  for  building  purposes 
at  this  time  is  nowhere  stated.  In  the  diary  of  Hezekiah  Smith,  under 
date  of  Thursday,  Sept.  5,  1765,  when  he  was  elected  a  member  of  the 
Board  of  Fellows,  we  read  as  follows:  —  "We,  although  but  a  part  of 


112  BKOWN   UNIVEESITY  Chap.  III. 

the  Corporation,  subscribed  for  the  building,  and  the  endowing  of  the 
College,  nineteen  hundred  and  ninety-two  dollars." 

It  was  in  reference,  doubtless,  to  this  meeting  of  the  Corporation  and 
the  question  of  final  location,  that  the  church  at  Warren,  immediately 
after  Commencement,  came  together  and 

Voted,  That  the  meeting-house  of  this  town  he  and  is  for  the  use  of  the  Corporation 
and  President  at  Commencement  times ;  and  oftener,  if  wanted  by  either,  only  so  as  not 
to  interfere  with  Divine  worship ;  Provided,  that  the  College  edifice  he  founded  and 
built  in  the  County  of  Bristol ;  and  that  the  parsonage-house  in  said  Warren  be  for  the 
use  of  the  President,  so  long  as  the  President  be  our  minister.1 

Hardly  had  the  Corporation  adjourned  before  efforts  were  made  to 
have  the  College  established  in  East  Greenwich,  County  of  Kent. 
Soon  after  the  meeting  the  following  citation  appeared  in  the  Provi- 
dence and  Newport  papers  : — 

This  is  to  notify  the  members  of  the  Corporation  of  the  College  within  this  Colony, 
that  application  has  been  made,  by  the  gentlemen  of  the  County  of  Kent,  setting  forth 
that  they  have  opened  a  subscription  for  founding  and  endowing  said  College,  on  condi- 
tion that  the  edifice  be  erected  in  the  County  of  Kent ;  and  desiring  an  opportunity  of 
assigning  their  reasons  to  the  Corporation  for  a  reconsideration  of  the  vote  at  their  last 
meeting,  for  erecting  the  edifice  in  the  County  of  Bristol.  This  is  therefore  to  desire  all 
the  members  of  the  said  Corporation  to  meet  at  the  Court  House  in  Newport,  on  Tues- 
day, the  14th  of  November  next,  at  10  o'clock,  a.  m.,  to  hear  such  propositions  as  shall  be 
laid  before  them,  relative  to  placing  said  edifice,  and  transacting  any  other  necessary 
business ;  at  which  time  and  place  the  gentlemen  concerned  in  procuring  subscriptions 
for  the  different  places  are  desired,  by  themselves  or  their  committees,  to  appear,  pre- 
sent their  several  subscriptions,  and  offer  their  reasons  in  favor  of  the  respective 
places.    By  order. 

Thomas  Eyres,  Secretary. 
October  18, 1769. 

The  first  motion  to  have  the  College  in  Providence  came,  so  far  as 
can  be  learned,  from  Mr.  Moses  Brown,  the  distinguished  founder  of 
the  Friends'  School,  or  Quaker  College.     In  a  letter  to  his  brothers, 


JTustin's  Historical  Discourse. at  the  Dedication  of  the  new  church  edifice.    12mo.    Prov.,  1845, 
page  126. 


1769-1770.  AND   MANNING.  113 

Nicholas,  Joseph,  and  John,  dated  Newport,  Oct.  23,  1769,   he   thus 
writes  :  — 

I  had  yesterday,  on  the  road,  a  full  conversation  with  Mr.  Sessions  on  affairs  of  the 
College.  His  objections  are  such  to  Warren,  that  he  says  he  cannot  encourage  it  if  set 
there,  but  if  it  could  be  erected  at  Providence,  he  would  give  one  hundred  dollars,  and 
engage  to  procure  one  or  two  scholars  from  the  country ;  and  should  there  be  a  vacancy 
in  the  Corporation,  he  would,  if  desired  again,  accept  a  place  therein,  and  as  a  member 
do  all  he  could  for  the  College.  And  when  we  consider  the  number  of  advantages  which 
Providence  has  over  Warren,  I  am  much  inclined  to  think  that  it  is  yet  within  our 
reach. 

Agreeably  to  the  citation  in  the  papers,  a  special  meeting  of  the 
Corporation  was  held  in  the  Court  House  at  Newport,  on  Tuesday,  Nov. 
14,  1769,  at  which  were  present  five  Fellows,  including  the  President, 
and  twenty- three  Trustees.  During  this  meeting,  which  was  continued 
three  days,  the  claims  of  Warren,  East  Greenwich,  Providence,  and 
Newport  were  thoroughly  advocated  and  discussed.  Wednesday  morn- 
ing it  was  resolved :  —  "To  recede  from  the  vote  of  the  last  meeting  to 
erect  the  College  edifice  in  the  County  of  Bristol. ' '  In  the  afternoon  of 
the  same  day  it  was  voted :  —  "  That  the  business  of  the  Corporation  be 
not  postponed  for  a  distant  adjournment."  Thursday  morning,  the  last 
day  of  the  meeting,  it  was  resolved  :  — 

That  the  place  for  erecting  the  College  edifice  be  now  fixed ;  but  that  nevertheless 
the  committee  who  shall  be  appointed  to  carry  on  the  work,  do  not  proceed  to  procure 
any  materials  for  the  same,  excepting  such  as  may  be  easily  transported  to  any  other 
place,  should  another  hereafter  be  thought  better,  until  further  orders  from  this  Cor- 
poration, if  such  orders  be  given  before  the  first  day  of  January  next.  And  that  in  case 
any  subscription  be  raised  in  the  county  of  Newport  or  any  other  county  equal  or 
superior  to  any  now  offered,  or  that  shall  be  offered,  and  the  Corporation  be  called 
together  in  consequence  thereof,  that  then  the  vote  for  fixing  the  College  edifice  shall 
not  be  esteemed  binding ;  but  so  that  the  Corporation  may  fix  the  edifice  in  another 
place,  in  case  they  shall  think  proper. 

It  was  then  voted,  "That  the  College  edifice  be  at  Peovt- 
dence  ;  that  the  President,  Job  Bennet,  Esq.,  Mr.  John  Brown, 
Capt.  John  Warren,  and  Mr.  John  Jenckes  be  a  committee  to  fix  a 

15 


114  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap  III. 

suitable  place  for  building  the  edifice ;  that  the  Chancellor,  Mr.  John 
Brown,  Capt.  John  Warren,  and  Sylvester  Child,  Esq.,  be  a  committee 
to  carry  on  the  building  of  the  College  edifice." 

Mr.  Brown,  as  has  been  observed,  was  not  at  this  time  a  member 
of  the  Corporation.  Mr.  Jenckes  was  the  only  son  of  Judge  Daniel 
Jenckes.  Judge  Jenckes  died  in  1774,  when  his  son  succeeded  him  as 
a  member  of  the  Board  of  Trustees.  Governor  Sessions,  in  accordance 
with  Mr.  Brown's  suggestion,  was  made  a  Trustee  in  1770.  His  views 
in  general  in  regard  to  a  suitable  place  for  the  location  of  a  seminary  of 
learning,  which  it  appears  were  presented  at  this  meeting  of  the  Cor- 
poration in  Newport,  have  been  preserved  on  file.  The  reader  who 
consults  the  "Documentary  History"  will  find  them,  as  there  pre- 
sented, entertaining  as  well  as  instructive.  Mr.  Sessions  gives  five 
reasons  why  Providence  should  be  preferred  to  either  Warren  or  East 
Greenwich.  His  third  reason,  that  "the  town  should  be  large  and 
populous,  so  that  on  Commencements,  or  other  public  occasions,  the 
large  number  of  people  that  usually  attend  may  be  agreeably  enter- 
tained and  provided  for, ' '  shows  that  the  Commencement  at  Warren, 
and  the  large  number  of  friends  and  strangers  who  crowded  the  little 
town  of  less  than  one  thousand  inhabitants  on  that  occasion,  made  an 
impression  upon  his  mind.  His  final  argument,  that  "a  college  should 
not  be  erected  where  communication  is  liable  to  be  interrupted  by  a 
hard  frost  or  high  and  contrary  winds,"  thus  "cutting  off  all  supplies 
of  fuel,  provisions,  and  other  necessaries,  and  preventing  mutual  inter- 
course," suggests  a  marked  contrast  to  the  facilities  of  communication 
in  these  days  of  telegraph  and  telephone,  of  steam  and  electric  locomo- 
tion. 

The  memorial  from  East  Greenwich,  which  appears  to  have  been 
presented  on  the  last  day  of  the  meeting,  is  signed  by  William  Greene, 
Nathanael  Greene,  Jr.,  Preserved  Pearce,  and  Charles  Holden,  Jr. 
Chief  Justice  Greene,  whose  name  appears  at  the  head  of  the  commit- 
tee, was  in  1778,  elected  Governor  of  the  State,  which  office  he  held 
eight  years.  He  was  chosen  a  Trustee  of  the  College  in  1785,  as  the 
successor  of  Governor  Hopkins,  deceased.     It  seems  hardly  necessary 


1769-1770.  '  AND    MANNING.  115 

to  add  that  the  second  name  upon  the  list  is  that  of  one  who  afterwards 
became  the  distinguished  Major-General  of  the  American  Revolution, 
and  was  now  about  to  take  his  first  lessons  in  public  life  as  a  member 
of  the  General  Assembly  from  Coventry.  Mr.  Pearce,  or  Major  Pearce, 
as  he  was  called,  was  at  this  time  a  member  of  the  Assembly  from  East 
Greenwich,  while  Mr.  Holden,  a  few  years  later,  represented  the  town 
of  Warwick.  The  arguments  urged  by  the  memorialists  were  :  first, 
that  East  Greenwich  was  situated  nearly  in  the  centre  of  the  Colony ; 
secondly,  that  the  Government  would  be  more  likely  to  take  the  Col- 
lege under  its  care  and  protection  at  East  Greenwich  than  elsewhere  ; 
and  thirdly,  that  the  town  of  East  Greenwich  was  well  situated  for 
pleasantness,  surrounded  with  a  country  abounding  with  every  neces- 
sary supply,  having  a  post-office  and  easy  communications,  while 
Providence,  it  was  urged,  though  well  calculated  for  trade,  was  too 
large  and  populous  for  a  college. 

The  memorial  from  Providence,  which  was  presented  on  the  second 
day  of  the  meeting,  is  signed  by  John  Cole,  Moses  Brown,  and  Hay- 
ward  Smith.  Mr.  Cole,  who  was  postmaster,  had  been  for  several 
years  a  member  of  the  General  Assembly,  and  since  1762  had  been 
chairman  of  the  Town  Council.  Mr.  Brown,  it  is  needless  to  add,  was 
one  of  the  leading  citizens  of  the  town.  The  first  reason  urged  in 
behalf  of  Providence  was,  that  the  inhabitants  had  generously  sub- 
scribed for  the  Institution  eight  hundred  pounds,  or  nearly  twenty- 
seven  hundred  dollars ;  and  that  their  conditional  subscription  amounted 
to  six  thousand  two  hundred  and  sixty  dollars  more  ;  secondly,  that 
the  intention  of  the  charter  was  to  found  a  college  or  university  upon 
the  most  Catholic  principles  subject  to  the  control  of  the  Baptist 
denomination  at  whose  expense  it  would  be  chiefly  supported,  and  that 
Providence  had  every  advantage  for  free  public  worship  and  liberty  of 
conscience ;  thirdly,  that  the  situation  of  the  town  was  central ;  that  it 
had  four  public  school-houses  ;  a  public  library ;  all  the  materials 
necessary  to  erect  the  buildings  ;  and  "  two  printing  offices,  which  will 
much  contribute  to  the  emolument  of  the  College,  there  being  thus 
published  a  weekly  collection  of  interesting  intelligence,  which  not  only 


116  BROWN    UNIVERSITY  Chap.  III. 

tends  to  the  enlargement  of  the  minds  of  the  youth,  but  will  give  them 
early  opportunities  of  displaying  their  genius  upon  any  useful  and 
speculative  subjects,  and  which  must  excite  in  them  an  emulation  to 
excel  in  their  studies."  The  argument  of  the  memorialists  based  upon 
the  "two  printing  offices,"  has  at  least  the  merit  of  novelty.  Whether 
the  "  early  opportunities  of  displaying  their  genius  ' '  thus  afforded  the 
students,  would  be  recommended  by  the  Professor  of  Rhetoric  and 
English  Literature  in  these  later  days,  or  be  satisfactory  to  the  learned 
readers  of  the  Providence  Journal,  we  will  not  attempt  to  say.  John 
Milton's  "Speech  for  the  Liberty  of  Unlicensed  Printing"  may  possi- 
bly have  had  something  to  do  with  the  suggestion  of  this  argument. 

From  all  that  appears,  the  reliance  of  Providence  in  the  contest  for 
the  College  now  in  progress,  was  not  so  much  upon  the  generous  sub- 
scriptions of  its  citizens,  as  upon  their  disinterested  zeal  and  the  perfect 
religious  freedom  which  prevailed  among  them,  so  entirely  in  harmony 
with  the  spirit  of  the  College  charter,  and  in  accordance  with  the  prin- 
ciples upon  which  the  Colony  had  been  founded.  Providence  contained 
about  this  time,  according  to  Dr.  Stiles's  estimate,  "five  hundred  dwell- 
ing-houses, and  about  four  thousand  inhabitants,  or  half  as  big  as  New- 
port." .  .  .  " I  estimate  one  hundred  families  real  Baptists;  one  hun- 
dred and  forty  political  Baptists  and  nothingarians  ;  one  hundred  and 
forty  Mr.  Snow's  congregation,  two-thirds  Baptists,  one-third  Presbyte- 
rians ;  sixty  Pedobaptist  Congregationalists ;  forty  Episcopalians ; 
twenty  families,  Quakers,  a  few  Sandemanians,  and  about  twenty  or 
forty  persons,  Deists."1  The  prevailing  religious  sentiment,  it  will  thus 
be  seen,  was  largely  Baptist,  and  hence  in  sympathy  with  a  Baptist  col- 
lege. In  Newport,  on  the  contrary,  there  was  an  Episcopal  element, 
the  many  revenue  officers  and  servants  of  the  Crown  residing  there,  and 
not  a  few  of  the  princely  merchants  being  attached  to  the  Church  of 
England.  There  were  also  two  flourishing  Congregational  churches, 
the  first  under  the  care  of  Samuel  Hopkins,  the  founder  of  a  new  school 
of  theology,  and  the  second  under   Ezra  Stiles,  whom   the  historian 

i  Extracts  from  Dr.  Stiles's  diary,  under  date  of  Nov.  13,  1771,  and  Aug.  25,  1772.    See  Appendix 
to  President  Sears's  Centennial  Discourse,  pages  100-101. 


1769-1770.  AND   MANNING.  117 

Greene  designates  as  "the  most  learned  American  of  his  day."  The 
main  opposition  to  the  College  in  the  beginning,  as  will  be  seen  in  our 
chapter  on  the  charter,  came  from  the  Congregationalists  ;  and  they 
continued  for  many  years  to  show  an  unfriendly  spirit,  as  the  pages  of 
Manning,  Backus,  and  Smith  throughout  show. 

The  increasing  interest  taken  in  the  location  of  the  College  by  the 
various  contending  parties,  and  the  general  views  and  considerations 
which  influenced  their  actions,  may  be  readily  inferred  from  a  well  writ- 
ten article  which  appeared  in  the  Neivport  Mercury,  under  date  of  Nov. 
20,  1769 ;  in  which  the  writer,  after  dwelling  upon  the  reputation  of 
the  island  for  health  and  pleasantness,  and  the  advantages  of  the  Red- 
wood Library  which  the  professors  and  students  might  enjoy,  shows  that 
the  interests  of  the  town  would  be  greatly  promoted  by  ' '  boarding  and 
supplying  so  many  persons  coming  from  abroad  and  spending  their 
money  among  us."  In  the  diary  of  Dr.  Stiles,  under  date  of  Jan.  3, 
1770,  is  an  important  entry:  — 

Dr.  Eyres  visited  me  this  morning  to  discourse  about  the  place  of  the  Baptist  College. 
He  tells  me  that  Providence  has  subscribed  £3,090,  lawful  money,  of  which  about  £2,200 
is  truly  conditioned  that  the  College  edifice  be  erected  there ;  but,  of  the  £800  they  had 
before  subscribed  unconditionally,  they  had  the  subscription  papers  in  their  own  hands , 
and  refused  to  deliver  them,  holding  in  this  manner  about  £500  conditioned.  Dr.  Eyres 
said  that  the  Newport  subscription  was  about  £2,700,  but  said  they  did  not  choose  to 
mention  the  amount  exactly,  nor  how  much  conditionally.  The  case  is  this :  —  Mr.  Red- 
wood and  some  others  have  said  they  would  give  largely  in  case  it  was  here ;  but  that 
Providence,  by  artifice  and  stratagem  would  eventually  get  it  there ;  and  yet  would  not 
subscribe,  but  will  undoubtedly  give  liberally.  So  there  is  a  real  uncertainty.  They 
are  endeavoring  to  get  a  meeting  of  the  Corporation  but  Providence  opposes  it.  Mr. 
Manning,  the  President,  is  for  Providence. 

From  a  letter  addressed  by  Messrs.  Nicholas,  John,  and  Moses 
Brown  to  their  brother  Joseph,  then  in  Newport,  it  appears  that  the 
Providence  subscriptions  at  the  close  of  the  year  1769,  had  reached  the 
sum  of  £ 3,424,  lawful  money,  or  about  twelve  thousand  dollars.  The 
friends  of  the  College  in  Newport  now  redoubled  their  exertions,  and 
raised  a  sum  larger  than  had  been  raised  in  Providence.     Notwithstand- 


118  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  III. 

ing  the  exertions  of  the  Browns  to  "stop  the  meeting,"  a  citation  for 
the  Corporation  to  meet  at  Warren  on  the  7th  of  February,  1770,  was 
published  in  the  papers  of  the  day,  signed  by  three  Fellows,  namely, 
Joshua  Babcock  of  Westerly,  Thomas  Eyres,  and  Henry  Ward  of 
Newport :  — 

Whereas,  the  county  of  Newport  hath  raised  a  larger  sum  than  any  that  hath  yet 
been  offered  to  the  Corporation  of  the  College  in  this  Colony,  to  be  paid  to  the  Treas- 
urer upon  condition  that  the  College  edifice  be  erected  in  the  town  of  Newport  :  — 
This  is  therefore  to  notify  members  of  the  said  Corporation  to  meet  together  at  Warren, 
on  Wednesday,  the  7th  day  of  February  next,  at  ten  o'clock  in  the  forenoon,  to  take  into 
consideration  any  proposals  that  may  be  made  for  placing  the  College  edifice,  and  to 
transact  any  other  necessary  business.  At  which  time  and  place,  the  persons  con- 
cerned in  procuring  subscriptions  are  desired  to  attend,  by  themselves  or  their  com- 
mittees. 

From  this  time  on,  the  interest  in  the  question  of  location  increased 
from  day  to  day.  Letters  were  written  to  parties  in  the  country,  hand- 
bills were  posted  throughout  the  two  towns,  caucuses  were  held,  and 
the  matter  was  discussed  in  the  shops  and  on  the  corners  of  the  streets. 
On  the  Monday  previous  to  the  final  meeting  of  the  Corporation,  the 
following  handbill  was  circulated :  — 

Providence,  Monday,  Feb.  7,  1770. 

The  inhabitants  of  this  town  and  county  are  desired  to  meet  at  the  Court  House, 
this  afternoon,  at  two  o'clock,  to  hear  and  consider  of  some  effectual  plan  for  establish- 
ing the  College  here.  As  this  is  a  matter  of  the  greatest  consequence,  and  the  Corpora- 
tion is  to  meet  on  Wednesday  next,  a  general  attendance  is  earnestly  requested. 

In  accordance  with  this  call,  a  large  number  of  the  inhabitants 
assembled  at  the  place  designated,  and  the  Hon.  Stephen  Hopkins,  Esq., 
was  chosen  Moderator.  John  Cole  and  Moses  Brown  were  continued 
a  committee  to  lay  the  subscriptions  before  the  Corporation,  and  the 
following  gentlemen  were  added  thereto,  viz.:  —  Hon.  Darius  Sessions, 
John  Andrews,  Joseph  Nash,  David  Harris,  Daniel  Tillinghast,  John 
Jenckes,  Amos  Atwell,  Joseph  Bucklin,  Jeremiah  Whipple,  Esq.,  and 
Knight  Dexter. 


1769-1770.  AND   MANNING.  119 

The  following  spirited  letter  from  President  Manning,  addressed  to 
"Mr.  Nicholas  Brown,  in  Providence,"  shows  that  he  was  a  skilful 
tactician,  and  that  he  used  his  great  influence  in  favor  of  Providence. 
It  gives  an  animated  view  of  the  nature  of  the  contest,  and  of  the 
earnest  determination  of  the  parties  at  issue  :  — 

Sir: — The  time  is  now  at  the  doors  when  it  will  be  determined  whether  Providence 
or  Newport  shall  have  the  College ;  and  as  I  think  that  the  former  is  the  fittest  place  for 
it,  I  would  give  you  a  gentle  hint,  that  you  may  be  prepared  in  the  best  manner  to  stand 
your  ground.  I  expect  Newport  will  exceed  you  in  the  largeness  of  their  subscriptions, 
for  they  gave  bonds  last  week  for  three  thousand  two  hundred  pounds,  and  had  not 
rendered  the  subscriptions  from  Block  Island,  South  County,  nor  from  the  Eastern 
shore,  in  all  which  places  there  was  money  subscribed  for  Newport.  Neither  can  I  tell 
whether  the  Warren  subscriptions  were  contained  in  that  bond.  Besides,  they  were 
still  subscribing  in  Newport.  Redwood  has  at  last  subscribed  his  five  hundred  pounds 
sterling,  etc.  Now,  as  I  am  a  friend  to  the  College,  and  think  your  place  the  best  for 
its  settlement,  I  would  advise  you  to  get  every  farthing  you  can  subscribed.  But  if, 
when  you  come  to  compare  notes,  you  should  fall  behind  them,  they  will  make  a  great 
noise  if  you  take  in  your  unconditional  subscriptions  and  plead  your  agreements  for 
materials,  etc.,  etc. 

Now,  as  I  think  you  have  the  good  of  the  College  at  heart  more  than  they,  it  will 
stand  you  in  hand  to  demonstrate  this  in  the  clearest  light ;  and  this  you  can  do  by 
proffering  to  build  the  College  yourselves,  without  even  taking  their  unconditional 
subscriptions  in  Newport.  Say  nothing  about  the  President's  house ;  but  consult  how 
large  a  house  you  can  build,  and  finish  two  stories  with  your  own  money,  in  as  short  a 
time  as  you  possibly  can  accomplish  it,  and  engage  to  finish  the  rest  as  fast  as  wanted; 
for  here  you  know  you  may  have  your  own  time,  since  boarding  can  always  be  had  in 
town,  and  many  will  always  choose  to  board  there.  So  that  the  President  can  help  you 
here  to  sufficient  time  to  pick  up  money  from  other  parts,  or  even  enable  you  to  finish  the 
other  rooms  with  the  rent  of  those  that  are  finished.  Two  advantages  will  result  from 
such  a  proposal.  First,  you  will  throw  your  unconditional  subscription  out  of  their 
light,  and  give  it  its  full  weight  in  favor  of  Providence.  Secondly,  you  can  here  make 
all  the  advantage  to  yourselves,  from  lying  handy  to  the  materials  ;  the  whole  weight 
of  this  will  be  thrown  directly  into  your  scale,  and  you  can  promise  just  as  much  more 
than  they  can,  as  the  edifice  can  be  erected  cheaper  with  you  than  them,  and  as  you 
will  prosecute  it  with  more  spirit  and  do  the  bargaining  and  work  with  less  expense. 
Here,  too,  you  will  have  the  advantage  of  them,  as  you  have  made  out  bills  of  every- 
thing, and  bespoke  the  materials  and  workmen,  and  can  push  it  immediately  into  exe- 


120  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  III. 

cution.  You  might  reason  a  month  on  these  advantages  and  not  make  some  dull  souls 
see  the  force  of  it,  so  well  as  you  can  demonstrate  it  in  this  way  in  ten  minutes.  And 
I  think  you  will  he  equally  as  safe  in  this  way  as  in  giving  honds,  and  it  must  weigh 
much  with  the  gentlemen  who  have  the  welfare  of  the  College  at  heart.  Besides,  you 
will  take  them  here  at  unawares.  Give  up  the  other  subscriptions  in  the  Colony  to 
the  Corporation,  and  let  them  dispose  of  them  as  they  think  best,  and  it  will  be  a  wonder 
if  they  don't  find  out  by  next  May  session,  that  there  will  be  necessity  of  a  house  for 
the  President,  and  very  probably  will  lay  it  out  that  way.  If  you  fall  in  with  this  pro- 
posal, it  will  be  proper  for  four,  five  or  six  of  you  to  oblige  yourselves  to  the  performance 
under  a  proper  penalty.  What  I  have  heretofore  said  is  to  secure  you  against  the  first 
onset ;  but  if  you  should  be  driven  from  your  post,  the  next  thing  is  to  secure  your 
retreat.  If,  therefore,  your  vote  should  be  receded  from,  your  hopes  must  lie  in  divid- 
ing the  members  between  the  four  places ;  for  it  would  be  imprudent  to  fight  Newport 
singly.  It  is  possible  you  may  have  address  enough  to  get  Providence  and  Greenwich 
highest  here,  for  the  Newport  members  who  favor  you  at  heart,  may  vote  for  Warren 
and  Kent  without  having  their  hopes  torn  down ;  and  if  the  contest  should  finally  fall 
between  you  and  Kent,  you  may  guess  how  it  would  terminate  by  the  last  meeting ;  and 
in  this  way  I  think  all  your  members  in  Newport  who  favor  Providence,  may  vote  for  it 
without  incurring  any  damage ; — I  mean  at  your  final  issue.  I  think  you  could  beat 
Kent  with  greater  ease  than  Warren  or  Newport;  but  of  this  you  are  the  best  judge, 
being  an  experienced  soldier. 

There  will  many  attend  the  meeting  from  Newport,  for  their  spirits  are  very  high 
in  the  cause.  Proposals,  too,  will  doubtless  be  made  for  an  accommodation  half  way. 
But  how  great  a  sum  will  be  offered  for  this  is  uncertain  as  yet.  But  should  I  persist 
in  spilling  ink  and  spoiling  paper  longer  you  may  be  weary  of  reading  my  jargon,  and 
be  solicitous  to  know  my  name,  which  at  present  I  choose  not  to  reveal.    But  am,  to  all 

intents, 

Your  Friend,  if  not  Humble  Servant. 

N.  B.    You  will  excuse  the  omission  of  date,  as  it  is  quite  unnecessary. 

In  accordance  with  the  citation  in  the  papers,  the  Corporation  met  in 
the  Baptist  meeting-house  in  Warren,  Wednesday  morning,  Feb.  7, 
1770.     Thirty-five  members  were  present,  as  follows  :  — 

Fellows  :  —  The  President ,  Rev.  Edward  Upham,  Rev.  Samuel 
Stillman,  Doct.  Thomas  Eyres,  Joshua  Babcock,  Henry  Ward,  and 
Jabez  Bowen,  Jr.     (7.) 


1769-1770.  AND   MANNING.  121 

Trustees  :  —  The  Chancellor,  Hon.  Samuel  Ward,  Hon.  Josias 
Lyndon,  Hon.  Joseph  Wanton,  Jr.,  Rev.  Russell  Mason,  Rev.  Gardner 
Thurston,  Rev.  Samuel  Winsor,  Rev.  Isaac  Backus,  Rev.  John  Maxson, 
Nicholas  Brown,  Joseph  Brown,  William  Brown,  Joseph  Russell, 
George  Hazard,  Peleg  Barker,  John  Warren,  Nathan  Spear,  Nicholas 
Cooke,  Sylvester  Child,  John  Tanner,  Thomas  Greene,  Ephraim  Bowen, 
Edward  Thurston,  Jr.,  John  G.  Wanton,  Daniel  Jenckes,  Job  Bennet, 
James  Helme,  and  Darius  Sessions.     (28.) 

The  meeting,  which  was  largely  attended  by  friends  outside  of  the 
Corporation,  was  continued  from  Wednesday  morning  until  a  late  hour 
Thursday  night.  Subscriptions  and  securities  were  finally  offered  from 
the  town  and  county  of  Newport,  amounting,  according  to  the  records, 
to  £4,558  14s.,  lawful  money,  the  greater  part  being  expressly  con- 
ditioned that  the  College  be  placed  in  said  town.  From  the  town  and 
county  of  Providence  were  offered  subscriptions  and  securities  amount- 
ing to  £4,399  13s.     The  final  vote  was  as  follows  :  — 

"Whereas,  The  Corporation  have  fully  heard  committees  from  the  counties  of  New- 
port, Kent,  and  Bristol,  upon  their  application  for  a  repeal  of  the  vote  of  this  Corpora- 
tion on  the  sixteenth  day  of  November  last,  passed  for  locating  the  College  edifice  in 
the  town  of  Providence,  and  maturely  considered  the  several  sums  offered,  and  all  the 
arguments  produced  by  all  the  parties  concerned,  and  thereupon  the  vote  being  put  — 
Recede  or  not  —  it  passed  in  the  negative,  twenty-one  to  fourteen.    It  is  therefore 

Resolved,  That  the  said  edifice  be  built  in  the  town  of  Providence,  and  there  be 

CONTINUED  FOREVER. 

We  have  thus  given  somewhat  in  detail  an  account  of  the  final 
location  of  the  College,  compiled  mainly  from  the  original  records. 
The  following  letter  from  Manning  to  his  friend  Hezekiah  Smith,  who 
was  now  collecting  funds  for  the  Institution  in  South  Carolina  and 
Georgia,  gives  a  very  animated  account  of  this  memorable  meeting :  — 

Warren,  Feb.  12, 1770. 

Reverend  Sir  :  —  Last  week  I  received  a  letter  from  you  of  the  2dult.,  in  which 
you  inform  me  of  your  success  at  Georgia,  and  your  expectations  from  the  South 
16 


122  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  III. 

province.  All  your  friends  here  rejoice  that  you  succeed  so  well  in  getting  the  need- 
ful for  the  College.  "  Great  luck  to  you,"  as  said  Mr.  Francis  in  his  prayer.  I  thought 
it  strange  that  I  had  no  letter  hy  Captain  Durphee  from  you  or  Mr.  Hart,  as  I  wrote  by 
him  to  you  both.  Last  week  I  received  a  letter  from  Nelson,  at  Haverill,  and  he  gives 
me  a  pleasing  account  of  matters  there.  Had  not  his  modesty  forbid,  I  imagine  he 
would  have  told  me  that  the  people  were  well  suited  with  him.  "We  had  another  meet- 
ing of  the  Corporation  last  Wednesday,  when  there  were  thirty-five  members  present. 
They  were  called  to  consider  proposals  from  Newport  in  favor  of  setting  the  edifice  in 
that  town,  as  they  had  raised  by  subscription  £4,000,  lawful  money,  taking  in  their 
unconditional  subscription.  But  Providence  presented  £4,280,  lawful,  and  advantages 
superior  to  Newport  in  other  respects.  The  dispute  lasted  from  Wednesday  last,  ten 
o'clock  a.  m.,  until  the  same  hour  on  Thursday  p.  m.  The  matter  was  debated  with 
great  spirit,  and  before  a  crowded  audience.  The  vote  was  put,  Recede  or  Not?  It 
went  Not,  by  21  against  14.  You  asked  me  in  your  last  whether  it  had  not  raised  a 
party  in  the  government.  I  answer  no ;  but  it  has  warmed  up  the  old  one  something 
considerable.  I  was  greatly  censured  by  people  in  Newport  for  not  joining  to  call  a 
meeting  about  the  first  of  January,  and  a  great  noise  was  made  because  I  would  not 
act  contrary  to  an  express  vote  of  the  Corporation  at  the  meeting  on  the  10th  of 
November.  But  at  our  last  meeting  the  house  gave  me  liberty  to  attempt  a  vindication 
of  my  conduct,  and  after  hearing  me  through  in  the  matter,  they  came  to  a  vote, 
nemine  contradicente,  that  they  saw  no  reason  why  I  should  be  blamed  in  this  matter, 
and  that  they  approved  of  my  conduct.  In  the  course  of  the  debates  there  was  some- 
times undue  warmth,  but,  upon  the  whole,  it  subsided,  and  all  parties  seemed  much 
more  unanimous  then  I  expected,  in  the  after  business.  Many  of  the  gentlemen  of 
Newport  said  they  had  a  fair  hearing,  and  had  lost  it ;  but  their  friendship  to  the  Col- 
lege remained,  and  they  would  keep  their  places,  pay  their  money,  and  forward  to 
their  utmost,  the  design.  The  College  edifice  is  to  be  on  the  same  plan  as  that  of 
Princeton,  built  of  brick,  four  stories  high,  and  one  hundred  and  fifty  feet  long.  I  wish 
I  had  a  draught  to  send  you,  but  it  is  not  in  my  power.  They  determine  to  have  the 
roof  on  next  fall,  and  to  cover  it  with  slate,  as  they  are  now  able.  Now  if  we  can  get  it 
endowed,  we  shall  be  compos  voti.  This  I  hope  you  will  in  part  accomplish.  I  have 
thought  of  going  to  the  Jerseys  in  the  Spring.  If  I  should  I  cannot  go  to  Haverhill  the 
first  of  May ;  for  I  must  consult  my  westward  friends  in  a  matter  of  so  much  conse- 
quence as  moving  or  not  moving  with  the  College.  If  I  go  to  the  Jerseys,  it  will 
probably  be  about  the  middle  of  April.  Religion  is  upon  the  revival  in  these  parts. 
Messrs.  Stillman  and  Spear  were  up  from  Boston,  and  Backus  from  Middleborough. 
It  is  said  that  the  eight  ministers  at  the  Corporation  meeting  were  all  for  Providence. 
This  I  will  not  assert,  however.    But  I  believe  the  Baptist  Society  in  general  are  not 


1769-1770.  ANB    MANNING.  123 

dissatisfied  at  the  determination.  I  could  tell  you  a  long  tale  if  I  had  time,  but  can 
only  tell  you  that  we  have  twenty-three  scholars,  eighteen  of  whom  are  matriculated. 
Mrs.  Manning  joins  in  love  to  you,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hart,  &c. 

Your  unworthy  brother,  and  servant  in  the  Gospel, 

James  Manning. 

The  following  account  written  by  Mr.  Moses  Brown,  on  Friday, 
February  9th,  the  next  day  after  the  adjournment,  deserves  to  be  read 
in  this  connection  :  — 

Warren,  Feb.  7,  1770. 
The  Corporation  met,  swore  in  George  Hazard,  and  chose  Darius  Sessions  as  one  of 
the  Trustees.  The  gentlemen  from  Newport  kept  off  from  laying  before  the  Corpora- 
tion their  reasons  for  asking  a  remove  until  after  candle-light,  and  after  we  insisted  that 
they  should  lay  these  subscriptions  on  the  table.  They  handed  a  bond  from  sundry 
persons  for  £3,100  lawful  money,  being  £10  more  than  our  former  bond.  We  insisted 
then  that  as  that  did  not  amount  to  so  much  as  ours,  with  the  land,  that  they  should 
give  up  their  claim,  agreeable  to  promise,  but  after  some  debate  adjourned  about  10 
o'clock  in  the  evening  to  9  o'clock  in  the  morning.  When  met  they  presented  two 
papers,  but  insisted  on  knowing  the  amount  of  our  subscription,  which  we  had  before 
told  them  was  to  the  amount  of  the  bond,  and  the  unconditional  subscription  of  £800 
besides.  At  length  Henry  Ward  took  me  out  towards  the  door,  and  declared  these  were 
all  they  had,  and  that  they  had  no  orders  to  go  any  higher,  and  proposed  if  we  would 
not  lodge  any  further  subscriptions,  they  would  lay  down  their  papers,  and  proceed  to 
trial  accordingly.  We  agreed.  William  Ellery  then  lodged  the  papers  before  held,  and 
would  not  deliver  to  anybody,  being  one  bond  for  £150  lawful  money,  and  one  other  for 
£300.  When  we  came  to  foot  our  sums,  we  had  about  £226  more  than  they,  ours  being 
£4,175.  Hereupon  they  delayed  by  many  evasions  proceeding  to  business,  and  insisted 
for  adjournment  to  dinner;  after  which  the  meeting  met,  and  after  waiting  three- 
quarters  of  an  hour,  Samuel  Ward,  Doct.  Babcock,  Henry  Ward,  and  others,  came  in  and 
presented  a  security  for  their  unconditional  subscription,  which  they  said  was £508, 14s. 
and  a  bond  for  £500  more.  All  this  time  no  subscriptions  were  produced,  they  alleging 
that  they  had  left  them  at  home ;  and  none  were  finally  produced.  By  this  last  bond 
they  exceeded  our  subscriptions,  land  and  all,  about  £385.  Whereupon  it  was  thought 
advisable  to  lodge  the  last  subscription  we  had  to  make  use  of  upon  this  occasion, 
amounting  to  £226,  with  the  Treasurer,  not  caring  to  trust  the  vote,  they  being  so  much 
ahead,  especially  as  they  insisted  that  our  unconditional  subscription  ought  not  to  tell 
anything ;  whereby  they  would  be  about  £1,235  over  us.    This  reduced  it,  so  that  reckon- 


124  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  III. 

ing  the  whole  of  their  sum  and  the  whole  of  ours,  they  were  £158  more  than  we.  "We 
presented  a  calculation  in  the  arguments,  of  the  amount  of  the  huilding  if  at  Newport, 
more  than  if  at  Providence,  amounting  to  £574  lawful  money,  which  we  insisted  should 
be  added  to  ours,  leaving  a  balance  in  our  favor  of  £415.  The  vote  came  on  after  long 
litigation  and  argument,  both  Kent  and  Warren  putting  in  their  claims.  The  vote  was, 
Repeal  or  not.  It  passed  in  the  negative  by  twenty-one  to  fourteen  votes.  So  the 
merits  of  the  Newport  arguments  made  by  Henry  Ward,  and  others,  replied  to  by  self, 
Governor  Hopkins,  and  others. 

Moses  Brown. 
February  9,  1770. 

The  following  letter,  published  in  the  Newport  Mercury,  under  date 
of  Monday,  Feb.  12,  1770,  and  written  by  one  who  attended  the  meet- 
ing, shows  as  Manning  states,  that  the  old  party  "  was  warmed  up  some- 
thing considerable."  It  is  introduced  as  an  illustration  of  the  spirit  of 
the  times,  and  of  the  manifold  difficulties  which  our  pious  fathers  had 
to  encounter  in  founding,  locating,  and  endowing  the  College :  — 

Mr.  Southwick: 

Without  favor  or  affection  I  expect  you  will  insert  the  following,  or  say  no  more 
about  the  liberty  of  the  press.  Last  Wednesday  I  attended  the  Corporation  of  the 
Providence  College,  for  Rhode  Island  is  out  of  the  question,  held  at  Warren,  to  consult 
and  determine  what  town  or  county  had  raised  the  largest  subscription,  when  it  was 
evident  to  the  greatest  fool  present,  which  was  perhaps  myself,  that  the  town  of  New- 
port's subscription  exceeded  that  of  Providence,  six  or  seven  hundred  pounds,  lawful 
money,  and,  I  believe  on  a  just  calculation,  the  difference  would  be  more ;  and  yet, 
pursuing  the  arithmetic  practised  by  a  late  session  of  Parliament  in  the  affair  of  the 
Middlesex  election,  between  Wilkes  and  Luttrell,  that  is,  by  the  force  of  bribery  and 
corruption,  proving  two  to  be  more  than  four,  the  vote  was  carried  for  Providence. 
Astonishing!  That  four  men  of  this  place,  some  of  whom  had  absolutely  pretended  to 
be  friends  of  this  town,  and  had  subscribed  a  small  sum  for  having  the  College  placed 
here,  should  act  such  a  low,  base  part,  as  to  be  duped  by  a  set  of  men,  who  for  twenty 
years  past  have,  on  every  occasion,  manifested  the  most  inveterate  malice  against  this 
town  and  island.  The  Rev.  President  has  abused  and  sold,  for  a  mess  of  pottage,  the 
people  of  Warren,  who  have  exerted  themselves  in  a  most  extraordinary  manner  to 
serve  him  ;  and  yet,  forsooth,  he  must  have  a  vote  of  the  Corporation  to  exculpate  him ; 
but  I  observed  a  large  number  who  held  their  hands  very  close  to  their  bodies,  and  did 
not  make  the  least  motion  to  raise  them  in  his  favor.    However,  he  is  what  he  is,  a  wolf 


1769-1770.  AND    MANNING.  125 

in  sheep's  clothing,  and  will,  doubtless,  instruct  youth  in  the  way  they  should  walk  — 
after  him.  I  hope,  Mr.  Printer,  you  will  have  a  true  list  of  the  voters  on  each  side  at 
the  meeting  of  the  Corporation,  in  season  for  your  next;  as  these  things  ought  to  be 
made  public,  that  the  people  may  not  be  hoodwinked ;  the  publication  of  which  will  be 
greatly  to  the  honor  of  some  gentlemen,  and  to  the  lasting  disgrace  of  some  others. 

I  am  yours,  etc., 

An  Enemy  to  all  Hypocrites,  and  those  who  betray 

the  Interests  of  this  Town. 

Following  the  above  is  what  the  writer  terms  "  a  plain  and  incon- 
testable account  of  facts"  pertaining  to  the  final  decision;  in  which  the 
amount  of  subscriptions  and  securities  offered  by  Providence  is  stated . 
to  have  been  £4,399,  13s.,  and  from  Newport  £4,558,  14s.,  leaving  a  bal- 
ance in  favor  of  the  latter  of  £159,  Is.  This  agrees  with  the  records. 
Manning,  on  the  contrary,  states  that  Newport  "  raised  by  subscription, 
£4,000  lawful  money,  taking  in  their  unconditional  subscription  ;  but 
Providence  presented  £4,280  lawful,  and  advantages  superior  to  Newport 
in  other  respects."  Mr.  Moses  Brown,  it  will  be  observed,  gives  a  bal- 
ance in  favor  of  Providence  of  £415,  reckoning  the  cost  of  the  building 
as  being  less  at  Providence  than  at  Newport.  The  facts  are  all  plainly 
stated.  The  difference  in  the  amounts  is  evidently,  as  in  the  case  of 
the  "higher  criticism,"  so  called,  of  to-day,  one  of  interpretation. 
There  may,  furthermore,  have  been  a  difference  in  the  valuation  of  the 
land  offered  as  a  part  of  the  Providence  subscriptions.  It  would  not  be 
unfair,  perhaps,  to  ascribe  to  William  Ellery,  who,  according  to  the  state- 
ment of  Moses  Brown,  was  present  at  the  meeting  in  Warren,  this  caus- 
tic article  in  the  Mercury.  From  beginning  to  end  he  showed  himself 
a  bitter  and  determined  enemy  of  the  College.  •  We  shall  see  more  of 
his  opposition  before  we  reach  the  close  of  our  narrative. 

Of  the  thirty-five  members  of  the  Corporation  who  were  present  at 
this  meeting  in  Warren,  eleven  were  from  Providence,  and  fifteen  from 
Newport.  The  four  members  from  Newport  who  voted  "Not,"  on  the 
question  of  final  location,  whom  this  writer  in  the  Newport  Mercury 
designates  as  "  hypocrites,"  who  betrayed  the  interests  of  the  town,  con- 


126  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  III. 

signing  them  to  "lasting  disgrace,"  were,  according  to  Manning,1  the 
three  Baptist  ministers,  viz.  :  Messrs.  Upham,  Maxson,  and  Thurston. 
The  fourth  member  was  without  doubt  Col.  Job  Bennet,  Treasurer 
of  the  College  from  1767  until  1775.  He  was  a  wholesale  merchant  on 
Thames  street,  dealing  in  cloths,  West  India  goods  and  lumber,  and 
renting  houses,  of  which  he  owned  a  number.  He  had  been  an  Associate 
Justice  of  the  Supreme  Court,  and  was  now  an  active  and  influential 
member  of  Maxson's  church.  Manning  and  Smith  were  very  intimate 
with  him,  stopping  beneath  his  hospitable  roof  whenever  they  visited 
Newport.  In  the  account  of  subscriptions  for  the  building  up  to  March 
11,  1771,  his  name  appears  for  £64,  4s.  lawful  money,  or  two  hundred 
and  twelve  dollars.  This  is  the  largest  sum  paid  by  any  subscriber  out- 
side of  Providence. 

It  is  interesting  to  know  who  were  the  members  from  Providence, 
and  also  who  from  other  towns  voted  "Not "  at  the  final  decision.  The 
Providence  members  were  as  follows  :  —  Chancellor  Hopkins,  Doct. 
Jabez  Bowen,  Doct.  Ephraim  Bowen,  Judge  Jenckes,  Nicholas  Brown, 
Joseph  Brown,  Joseph  Russell,  Thomas  Greene,  Hon.  Nicholas  Cooke, 
Hon.  Darius  Sessions,  and  Elder  Samuel  Winsor.  The  other  Baptist 
ministers  were  Stillman  from  Boston,  Backus  from  Middleborough, 
Mason  from  Swansea,  and  President  Manning.  Nathan  Spear,  a  prom- 
inent Baptist  layman  from  Boston,  and  Sylvester  Child,  a  member  of 
Manning's  church  in  Warren,  also  voted  "  Not."  These,  with  the  four 
from  Newport,  make  up  the  "twenty-one  "  voters  in  favor  of  Providence.2 

The  Hon.  Chancellor  Hopkins,  who  presided  over  the  Board  of 
Trustees,  thus  states  the  case  of  the  two  rival  claimants,  presenting  in 
a  clear  and  concise  manner  the  controversy  from  the  beginning :  — 

The  zeal  and  spirit  of  the  people  here,  more  than  at  Newport,  for  promoting  the 
College  is  certainly  most  evident:  —  First,  by  the  unconditional  subscription,  which,  in 

i  Letter  to  Smith.  "  It  is  said  that  the  eight  ministers  (Baptists)  at  the  Corporation  were  all  for 
Providence." 

*  The  following  members  of  the  Corporation  voted  for  Newport,  viz. :  Doct.  Thomas  Eyres, 
Henry  Ward,  Hon.  Samuel  Ward,  Hon.  Josias  Lyndon,  Hon.  Joseph  Wanton,  George  Hazard, 
Peleg  Barker,  John  Warren,  John  Tanner,  Edward  Thurston,  Jr.,  John  G.  Wanton,  Hon.  Joshua 
Babcock,  of  Westerly,  William  Brown,  of  Swansea,  and  James  Helme,  of  South  Kingstown. 


1769-1770.  AND   MANNING.  127 

Providence,  was  nearly  double  to  that  in  Newport ;  whereas,  if  their  zeal  for  the  Institu- 
tion had  been  equal  to  ours,  the  number  of  the  people  and  their  abilities  compared,  their 
subscriptions  ought  to  have  been  much  more  than  double  to  ours.  And,  as  this  was 
coolly  transacted  in  both  towns,  before  any  kind  of  strife  was  begun  or  emulation  was 
raised  about  the  place  where  the  College  should  be  erected,  it  is  the  strongest  proof 
imaginable  that  the  ardor  of  the  Providence  people,  while  no  by-ends  biased,  was  infi- 
nitely greater  than  that  of  the  gentlemen  of  Newport. 

Again,  if  we  consider  the  conditional  subscriptions  of  both  towns,  we  shall  evi- 
dently find  the  same  superiority  in  the  Providence  people's  zeal  for  the  College,  for 
this  subscription  was  set  on  foot  and  principally  filled  in  Providence,  from  the  very 
laudable  motive  of  promoting  the  Institution  and  putting  it  in  a  condition  that  the 
College  edifice  might  be  erected  somewhere,  and  not  with  the  least  view  of  circumventing 
any  other  place,  as  some  have  too  uncharitably  represented. 

We  first  with  grief  observed  the  very  little  progress  of  the  unconditional  subscrip- 
tions, after  the  Commencement,  and  that  there  was  very  little  hope,  within  any  reason- 
able time,  that  a  sum  in  any  degree  equal  to  erect  a  building,  which  might  be  tolerably 
decent  and  useful,  would  be  obtained.  This  being  also  observed  by  the  late  ingenious 
Mr.  Campbell,  induced  him  to  promote  a  conditional  subscription  in  King's  County1  and 
Kent,  which,  as  soon  as  we  had  knowledge  of,  we  also  encouraged,  in  hopes  that 
it  might  have  answered  the  purpose  arrived  at.  But  when  that  had  been  fully  tried, 
we  found  that  the  sum  likely  to  be  raised  by  it  would  be  altogether  inadequate  to  the 
design  in  hand. 

Things  being  in  this  situation,  and  after  divers  consultations  had  about  it,  we  at 
length  determined  to  open  a  conditional  subscription  in  Providence,  which  filled  beyond 
our  warmest  expectations,  and  seemed  to  promise  that  a  College  edifice  might  be  soon 
erected.  This  subscription  we  offered  to  the  Corporation  at  their  meeting  in  November 
last,  and  they  then  approved  of  it. 

But  some  gentlemen  of  Newport  perceiving  a  probability  that  the  College  might  be 
erected  at  Providence,  were  moved  by  their  unreasonable  enmity  to  that  town,  to  do 
that  which  the  good  of  the  Institution  itself  could  never  have  induced  them  to  do.  They 
accordingly  desired  that  time  might  be  allowed  to  the  people  of  the  town  and  county 
of  Newport,  to  see  if  they  could  not  raise  a  larger  sum  for  the  College  than  any  that 
was  then  offered ;  and  accordingly  the  time  they  asked  was  allowed,  so  long  as  not  to 
delay  carrying  on  the  building  longer  than  the  1st  of  January  past.  Yet,  although  they 
have  taken  near  double  the  time  allowed  them,  and  the  generous  and  public-spirited 
Mr.  Abraham  Redwood  hath  given  more  than  a  fifth  part  of  the  whole  sum,  yet  their 


1  Washington  County  was  incorporated  as  King's  County,  June  16, 1729.     The  name  was  changed 
to  Washington  County,  Oct.  29, 1781. 


128  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  III. 

whole  subscription  doth  not  exceed  ours,  from  which  it  is  quite  plain  that  their  zeal  for 
the  College,  even  when  whetted  by  their  aversion  to  Providence,  has  fallen  greatly  short 
of  ours  in  the  conditional  subscriptions  also. 

From  all  which  reasons,  with  some  others  too  invidious  to  mention,  but  which  will 
naturally  occur  to  all  who  are  acquainted  with  the  proceedings  in  this  matter,  it  must 
be  very  evident  the  College  edifice  will  be  much  sooner  built  and  the  Institution  much 
more  encouraged  and  supported,  if  it  be  left  in  the  care  of  the  people  at  Providence, 
who  have  from  the  beginning  shown  so  much  zeal  and  attention  to  it,  than  if  it  should 
be  removed  and  put  under  the  care  of  those  people  of  Newport  who  have  shown  so 
little  regard  for  it  in  any  other  light  than  in  making  a  matter  of  contention  about  it. 

The  Chancellor  alludes  to  the  "  unreasonable  enmity ' '  of  the  people 
of  Newport  to  Providence.  It  is  a  matter  of  history  that  there  had 
long  existed  an  unpleasant  state  of  feeling  between  the  two  towns ; 
and  it  is  evident  that  this  feeling  entered  into  the  contest  respecting 
the  final  location  of  the  College.  The  famous  Ward  and  Hopkins  con- 
troversy commenced  in  1755,  and  continued  for  thirteen  years  with  all 
the  bitterness  of  the  most  partisan  strife,  served,  doubtless,  to  stimu- 
late the  zeal  and  passions  of  the  parties  contending  for  the  College. 
Governor  Ward,  who  was  an  active  member  of  the  Corporation,  repre- 
sented the  people  in  the  southern  counties  of  the  State,  while  the  voters 
in  the  northern  counties  supported  his  more  successful  rival.  The 
reasons  "  too  obvious  to  mention  "  which  determined  the  final  vote,  can 
readily  be  inferred  by  the  readers  of  our  narrative.  The  decided  pref- 
erence of  the  President  for  Providence,  as  indicated  in  his  anonymous 
letter  to  Nicholas  Brown,  doubtless  had  great  influence  with  his  friends, 
especially  with  those  of  his  own  religious  denomination. 

And  now  comes  another  phase  of  this  celebrated  contest  which  the 
writer  would  gladly  omit ;  but  historical  accuracy  and  a  desire  to  state 
all  the  facts  require  the  details.  In  circumstances  like  these  the  sup- 
pressio  veri,  as  President  Sears  happily  remarks  in  his  Centennial  Dis- 
course, would  be  as  culpable  in  the  historian  as  the  suggestio  falsi.  The 
decision,  says  Edwards,  to  locate  the  College  at  Providence,  "  touched 
the  jealousy  and  piqued  the  pride  of  the  Islanders,  so  as  to  make  them 
enemies  to  the  Institution  itself."     The  opponents  at  once  moved  for 


nm-ino.  and  manning.  129 

another  college  to  be  located  at  Newport.  In  a  letter  to  Manning, 
Edwards  adds: — When  the  College  "had  a  locality  and  the  beginning 
of  existence  at  Providence,  did  they  not,  with  some  misled  Baptists, 
attempt  to  get  another  college  to  destroy  yours?"  The  leader  in 
this  movement  appears  to  have  been  William  Ellery.  This  we  learn 
from  Dr.  Stiles.  In  his  diary,  under  date  of  Feb.  23,  1770,  we  read :  — 
"Mr.  Ellery  came  to  discourse  about  the  charter  of  another  college, 
on  the  plan  of  equal  liberty  to  Congregationalists,  Baptists,  Episco- 
palians, Quakers."  And  April  1,  1770,  he  adds: — "There  is  now 
pending  before  the  General  Assembly  of  Rhode  Island,  a  petition  for 
a  charter  for  a  college  here  in  Newport,  since  the  first  Rhode  Island 
College  is  fixed  at  Providence.     College  enthusiasm  !  'n 

Judge  Staples,  in  his  "Annals  of  Providence,"  thus  states  the 
case :  — « One  of  the  results  of  the  location  of  this  Institution  at 
Providence,  was  an  application  to  the  General  Assembly,  by  another 
set  of  petitioners,  for  another  college.  At  the  February  session,  1770, 
a  charter  for  an  academy  and  college,  to  be  located  at  Newport,  passed 
the  Lower  House  of  the  Assembly  by  twenty  majority.  The  applica- 
tion was  not  favorably  received  in  the  Upper  House,  where  it  was  either 
rejected  or  indefinitely  postponed."  It  was  neither  rejected  nor  indefi- 
nitely postponed,  but  referred  to  the  next  session,  through  the  influence, 
perhaps,  of  Judge  Jenckes  and  Moses  Brown,  two  of  the  Representatives 
to  the  General  Assembly  from  Providence.  A  writer  in  the  Newport 
Mercury  for  March  12,  1770,  who  signs  himself  CD.,  after  speaking 
of  the  want  of  good  schools,  which  the  inhabitants  of  the  town  had  long 
felt,  and  of  their  efforts  to  have  the  Baptist  College  here,  frustrated 
"solely  by  the  unwearied  pains  taken  to  represent  it  as  a  party  scheme," 
proceeds  to  give  a  concise  account  of  the  affair  as  follows  :  — 

A  plan  was  then  formed  for  founding  a  good  school,  the  principal  design  of  which 
was  to  educate  the  youth  in  the  most  necessary  branches  of  learning,  especially  in  the 
English  language,  in  writing,  in  arithmetic,  and  in  such  sciences  as  are  most  useful  in 


1  Quoted  by  President  Sears,  in  his  Centennial  Discourse,  page  100.    Dr.  Sears  was  permitted  to 
consult  the  Stiles  Papers,  from  which  he  has  made  several  quotations. 

17 


130  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  III. 

a  maritime  town.  But  as  there  are  generally  about  forty  scholars  here,  who  study  the 
learned  languages,  several  of  whom  (if  it  could  be  done  with  cheapness  and  con- 
venience) would  probably  be  educated  in  the  higher  branches  of  learning,  it  was 
thought  best  to  enlarge  the  plan,  and  form  a  seminary  to  consist  of  a  college  and  a 
school  together ;  the  more  especially  as  the  conferring  such  literary  honors  upon  the 
pupils  as  they  should  merit,  would  be  an  inducement  to  gentlemen  without  the  Colony 
to  bring  up  their  children  upon  this  healthy  and  delightful  spot. 

A  charter  was  accordingly  drawn  and  agreed  upon ;  by  which  the  government  of  this 
seminary  is  equally  divided  among  the  four  leading  denominations  of  Christians  in  the 
Colony ;  and  every  possible  precaution  taken  to  preserve  that  equality  forever.  This 
charter  was  presented  to  the  General  Assembly  at  the  last  session  and  granted  by  the 
Lower  House  ;  but  was  by  the  Upper  House  referred  to  the  next  session. 

As  some  of  the  gentlemen  who  were  managers  for  the  town,  have  been  unjustly 
accused  of  being  actuated  by  party  views,  in  pressing  the  Upper  House  to  a  concur- 
rence with  the  Lower  House,  instead  of  consenting  that  the  petition  should  be  referred ; 
and  as  this  present  attempt  to  establish  a  seminary  of  learning  here,  pregnant  with  so 
many  advantages  to  the  town  and  Colony,  must  inevitably  meet  with  the  same  fate  as 
the  former,  if  it  be  thought  that  some  of  the  principal  undertakers  in  it  have  nothing 
in  view  but  the  interest  of  a  party,  it  is  necessary  to  give  an  account,  and  explain  the 
true  reasons  of  their  conduct. 

After  every  argument  that  could  be  suggested,  was  made  use  of  to  induce  the  Upper 
House  to  a  concurrence  with  the  Lower  House,  it  was  proposed  by  some  of  the  mem- 
bers to  refer  the  petition  to  the  next  session.  Upon  this  the  managers  for  the  town 
very  justly  observed,  that  the  referring  the  petition  was  absolutely,  to  all  intents  and 
purposes,  the  same  as  a  non-concurrence.  For  it  is  the  known  and  established  rule  and 
practice  of  the  Parliament  of  Great  Britain,  and  of  every  Assembly  upon  this  continent, 
that  all  business  begun  by  one  branch  of  the  Legislature,  and  not  concurred  with  by 
the  other  branch  or  branches  at  the  same  session,  dies  of  itself.  And,  if  ever  revived, 
must  originate  anew,  and  receive  the  concurrence  and  assent  of  all  the  branches,  at  the 
same  session ;  otherwise  it  cannot  pass  into  a  law.  The  reasons  why  this  rule  should 
never  be  departed  from,  are  so  clear,  that  they  need  not  be  mentioned.  Exceptions,  it 
is  true,  there  have  been  in  this  Colony,  owing  to  the  loose  and  hasty  manner  in  which 
business  has  sometimes  been  done.  But  even  here,  this  rule  hath  been  generally 
adhered  to;  the  contrary  practice  having  always  been  esteemed  irregular.  And  in 
cases  of  importance,  when  votes  have  been  by  one  House  referred  to  the  next  session, 
they  have,  in  consequence  of  an  application  of  the  other  House,  upon  this  rule  been  acted 
upon  and  finished  the  same  session.  It  was  further  observed  to  the  Upper  House,  that 
a  reference  would  prove,  at  least,  as  fatal  as  an  absolute  non-concurrence.    For,  if  the 


1769-1770.  AND    MANNING.  131 

vote  of  the  Lower  House,  passed  at  February  session,  should  he  concurred  with  by  an 
Upper  House  to  he  chosen  in  May  following,  when  the  Lower  House,  who  originated 
and  passed  the  vote,  would  be  dissolved,  and  there  would  be  a  perfect  new  Assembly, 
no  one  would  imagine  that  such  a  concurrence  would  make  a  regular  and  legal  act. 
And  therefore  it  could  not  be  supposed,  that  any  gentlemen  in  their  senses,  if  they 
weighed  the  matter,  would  expend  large  sums  of  money  upon  so  uncertain  and  preca- 
rious a  foundation,  as  a  charter  so  obtained. 

The  generous  disposition  that  prevails  for  establishing  a  seminary  of  learning  here, 
which  will  prove  beneficial  not  only  to  the  present,  but  to  all  future  generations,  must 
give  a  sensible  pleasure  to  every  friend  to  the  town  and  the  Colony. 

There  is  the  highest  reason  to  expect  that  the  General  Assembly,  at  their  next  ses- 
sion, will  grant  the  Charter.  To  give  weight  to  our  application,  a  handsome  subscrip- 
tion will  be  necessary,  and  accordingly  one  will  be  opened  the  day  after  proxing  for 
General  Officers.  It  is  put  off  until  that  time,  to  prevent  any  appearance  or  suggestion 
of  party  motives  in  prosecuting  so  noble  an  undertaking. 

Why  the  General  Assembly  did  not  grant  the  Charter,  as  the  writer 
of  the  article  says  there  was  "  the  highest  reason  to  expect,"  at  its  next 
session,  which  was  held  in  Newport  on  the  first  Wednesday  in  May  suc- 
ceeding, may  be  best  explained  by  the  following  action  of  the  Corpora- 
tion :  — 

At  a  special  meeting  held  in  Warren,1  on  the  25th  of  April,  1770,  it 
was,  as  appears  from  the  records, 

Resolved,  That  this  Corporation  make  application  to  the  General  Assembly  and  pray 
that  a  petition  now  before  the  Assembly  for  granting  a  charter  for  another  college  may 
be  rejected. 


aThe  following  citation  for  this  meeting  appeared  in  the  Providence  Gazette  for  April  7, 1770:  — 

"  This  is  to  notify  the  members  of  the  Corporation  of  the  College  in  the  Colony  to  meet  together 
at  Warren,  on  Wednesday,  the  25th  of  this  instant,  April,  to  take  into  consideration  sundry  matters 
of  importance,  very  interesting  to  the  Institution,  which  will  he  laid  before  them. 

James  Manning,  President. 
Edward  Upham,     \ 
Thomas  Eyres,        >  Fellows. 
Jabez  Bowen,  Jr.,  ) 


132  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  III. 

Voted,  That  the  Chancellor,  the  President,  the  Hon.  Darius  Sessions,  the  Rev.  Samuel 
Stillman,  Col.  Joh  Bennet,  and  the  Secretary,  he  a  committee  to  draw  a  memorial  to  the 
General  Assembly  pursuant  to  the  preceding  resolution. 

The  record  continues :  — 

The  committee  appointed  to  prepare  the  remonstrance  to  the  General  Assembly  pre- 
sented a  draft,  which  being  twice  read,  and  approved,  the  Secretary  is  directed  to  make 
a  fair  copy,  sign  it,  and  deliver  it  to  the  committee  which  will  be  appointed  to  present  it 
to  the  General  Assembly. 

Voted,  That  the  Hon.  Stephen  Hopkins,  Hon.  Samuel  Ward,  Hon.  Darius  Sessions, 
Col.  Job  Bennet,  Moses  Brown,  Judge  Daniel  Jenckes,  John  Tillinghast,  Oliver  Arnold, 
and  James  Mitchel  Varnum,  be,  and  they,  or  the  major  part  of  them  are  appointed  a 
committee  to  present  to  the  General  Assembly  and  enforce  the  said  remonstrance. 

This  memorial  or  remonstrance,  which  we  are  happy  to  be  able  to 
present  to  our  readers,  is  preserved  on  file  among  the  College  papers. 
On  the  back  of  it,  in  the  handwriting  of  President  Manning,  is  the 
following :  —  "  Copy  of  a  Remonstrance  of  ye  Copn  to  ye  G.  Assembly 
against  a  new  college.  1770."  The  handwriting  within  is  probably 
that  of  Stephen  Hopkins,  chairman  of  the  committee.  It  is  an 
exceedingly  valuable  official  document,  inasmuch  as  it  settles  points 
in  regard  to  the  origin  of  the  College  which  have  sometimes  been  dis- 
puted, giving  the  reasons  why  it  was  founded,  stating  clearly,  in  con- 
nection with  previous  narratives  or  accounts,  by  whom  it  was  founded, 
when  it  was  founded,  and  where  the  plan  originated.  Two  of  the 
committee,  it  will  be  observed,  Doct.  Eyres  and  Colonel  Bennet, 
belonged  in  Newport.  Governor  Sessions  was  a  Congregationalist 
from  Providence.  Chancellor  Hopkins  was  a  Quaker.  President 
Manning,  the  second  one  named  on  the  committee,  was  familiar,  of 
course,  with  all  the  facts  in  the  case.  Chancellor  Hopkins,  it  may  be 
added,  the  chairman  of  the  committee  to  prepare  the  remonstrance, 
and  also  chairman  of  the  committee  to  present  it  to  the  General  Assem- 
bly and  enforce  it,  was  appointed  one  of  the  Representatives  from 
Providence  to  the  following  May  and  October  sessions.     The   other 


1769-1770.  AND    MANNING.  133 

three  Representatives  were  Judge  Daniel  Jenckes,  Moses  Brown,  and 
Benjamin  Man :  — 

To  the  Honorable  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Colony  of  Rhode  Island,  to  sit  at 
Newport  on  the  first  Wednesday  in  May,  1770:  — 

The  Remonstrance  of  the  Trustees  and  Fellows  of  the  Corporation  of  the  College  in 
said  Colony  humbly  sheweth :  — 

That,  the  several  denominations  of  Baptists  residing  in  most  of  the  British  North- 
ern Colonies  are,  taken  collectively,  a  considerable  body  of  Christians ;  and  these 
people,  having  of  late  years  taken  into  consideration,  that  there  are  no  public  semina- 
ries for  the  education  of  youth,  where  those  of  that  persuasion  can  enjoy  equal  freedom 
and  advantages  with  others,  were  thereby  induced  to  form  a  resoluton  to  erect  a  col- 
lege, and  institute  a  seminary  for  the  education  of  youth  somewhere  in  North  America, 
to  be  effected  chiefly,  if  not  altogether,  by  the  application,  and  at  the  cost  and  expense 
of  the  Baptist  churches. 

That,  having  proceeded  thus  far,  they  began  to  enquire  after  the  most  convenient 
place  for  executing  their  design ;  and,  on  deliberation,  finding  that  the  Colony  of  Rhode 
Island  was  first  settled  chiefly  by  Baptists,  that  a  very  considerable  part  of  its  inhab- 
itants are  still  of  that  persuasion,  and  that  a  universal  toleration  of  liberty  of  con- 
science hath  from  the  beginning  taken  place  in  it,  they  had  great  hope  it  would  prove 
a  proper  place  for  founding  a  College,  and  in  which  the  infant  Institution  might  be 
most  encouraged ;  and  accordingly  applied  to  the  General  Assembly  of  said  Colony  for 
a  charter  of  incorporation,  which  they  thankfully  acknowledge  was  freely  granted 
them. 

That,  in  forming  this  charter  care  was  taken,  that  notwithstanding  the  burden  of 
expense  was  to  fall  chiefly  on  the  Baptists ;  yet,  no  other  Christian  society  should  be 
excluded  from  the  benefits  of  it ;  and  accordingly,  a  sufficient  number  from  each  of  the 
principal  of  them  were  taken  in  to  be  Trustees  and  Fellows  in  the  Corporation  as 
might  be  able  to  take  care  of,  and  guard  their  interest  in  it,  in  all  time  to  come.  And 
the  youth  of  every  denomination  of  Christians  are  fully  entitled  to,  and  actually  enjoy, 
equal  advantages  in  every  respect,  as  the  Baptists  themselves,  without  being  burdened 
with  any  religious  test  or  constraint  whatsoever. 

That,  since  granting  the  charter  aforesaid,  several  considerable  men  among  the 
Baptists  have  taken  great  pains,  as  well  in  Europe  as  America,  to  solicit  benefactions 
for  endowing  said  College,  and  have  collected  considerable  sums  for  that  purpose ; 
and  many  others  of  the  same  Society  have  been  very  large  contributors  toward  the 
expense  of  erecting  the  College  edifice. 

All  this  being  known  and  understood,  we  confess  our  surprise  at  the  thoughts  of 


134  BROWN    UNIVERSITY  Ohap.  III. 

those  who  are  pleased  to  look  upon  this  as  a  very  contracted  plan ;  and  this  surprise 
becomes  a  real  concern  on  being  informed,  that  a  petition  hath  been  set  on  foot,  and 
subscribed  by  a  great  number  of  persons,  praying  the  General  Assembly  to  grant 
another  charter  for  instituting  a  college  within  the  said  Colony,  different  and  separate 
from  that  already  granted  and  established,  and  pretended  to  be  on  a  more  liberal  and 
Catholic  plan ;  and  our  concern  is  increased  to  a  real  anxiety  on  perceiving  the 
General  Assembly  entertained  the  said  petition  with  somewhat  of  approbation. 

Permit  us  therefore  to  remonstrate,  that,  as  we  had  firm  reliance  on  the  lasting  faith 
and  credit  of  the  Legislative  Body  of  the  Colony  of  Rhode  Island,  that  faith  and  credit 
hath  by  us  as  a  Corporation  been  asserted  and  pledged,  in  most  parts  of  England  and 
Ireland,  and  in  many  parts  of  America ;  and,  on  that  foundation  large  sums  of  money 
have  been  given,  and  more  subscribed,  toward  this  Institution.  That,  should  a  charter 
be  granted  for  erecting  another  Corporation  of  the  same  kind  in  this  Colony,  all  those 
who  have  been  benefactors  to  this  will  think  themselves  deluded  and  deceived  ;  not- 
withstanding we  have  acted  under  the  faith  of  the  Government ;  and  all  those  that 
hereafter  might  become  benefactors  will  be  discouraged  and  hindered.  That,  the 
granting  of  our  charter,  being  for  erecting  and  endowing  a  College  in  the  Colony  of 
Rhode  Island,  must,  rational  and  justly,  be  considered  as  exclusive  of  any  other 
college  being  erected  within  it. 

Therefore,  your  remonstrants  humbly  pray  that  you  would  be  pleased  to  counte- 
nance and  encourage  the  present  Institution  and  College  in  this  Colony,  and  not  per- 
mit, or  suffer,  any  other  to  be  set  and  established  to  rival  and  ruin  it. 

And  your  remonstrants  will  ever  pray. 

This  remonstrance,  presented  and  "  enforced "  by  such  men  as 
Stephen  Hopkins,  Daniel  Jenckes,  and  Moses  Brown,  proved  effectual. 
The  charter  for  another  college  was  not  granted.  The  manuscript  of 
the  proposed  charter,  in  the  handwriting  of  Dr.  Stiles,  was  for  a  long 
time  in  the  possession  of  the  late  Dr.  David  King,  of  Newport,  a  grad- 
uate of  the  University,  and  for  thirty  years  the  honored  President  of 
the  Newport  Historical  Society.  He  died  in  1882,  leaving  behind  a 
large  and  costly  collection  of  books  on  English  and  American  history. 
Into  whose  hands  the  manuscript  has  since  fallen,  we  are  not  informed. 
The  writer  has  an  impression  of  the  college  seal,  which  was  made  in 
anticipation  of  the  granting  of  the  charter.  It  is  in  size  like  a  silver 
dollar.  In  the  centre  is  the  English  crown,  surmounted  by  the  cross, 
with  several  devices  underneath.     Around  the  centre  are  the  Latin 


1769-1770.  AND    MANNING.  135 

WOrds:  —  "Sig.  Col.  Cust.  Rhod.  Ins.  et  Prov.  in  Nov.  Ang."  The 
seal  was  for  many  years  in  the  possession  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Wyatt,  for- 
merly Rector  of  St.  Paul's  Parish,  Baltimore,  from  whom  it  came  into 
the  hands  of  his  son,  Charles  H.  Wyatt,  Esq.,  Attorney-at-law." l 

The  final  decision  to  locate  the  College  at  Providence,  although 
a  wise  one,  as  the  result  has  proved,  seems  unaccountable  aside  from 
the  considerations  already  adduced,  in  view  of  the  relative  importance 
of  the  rival  towns.  Providence  was  comparatively  a  small  town, 
while  Newport,  with  its  eleven  thousand  inhabitants,  was  the  second 
city  in  New  England,  and  the  centre  of  opulence,  refinement,  and 
learning.  "She  had,"  says  the  historian,2  "seventeen  manufactories 
of  sperm  oil  and  candles,  five  rope-walks,  three  sugar  refineries,  one 
brewery,  and  twenty-two  distilleries  of  rum,  an  article  which  in  those 
days  was  deemed  essential  to  the  health  of  the  sailor  and  the  soldier, 
and  all  hard  working  men.  Her  foreign  commerce  found  employment 
for  nearly  two  hundred  ships,  and  her  domestic  trade  for  between  three 
and  four  hundred  coasting  craft.  A  regular  line  of  packets  kept  open 
her  communications  with  London  for  passengers  and  mails.  Her  soci- 
ety had  never  lost  the  intellectual  impulse  given  it  by  Berkeley."  Doct. 
Waterhouse,  in  a  newspaper  article  published  in  1824,  which  has  been 
frequently  quoted,  describes  "the  Island  of  Rhode  Island,  from  its  salu- 
brity and  surpassing  beauty  before  the  Revolutionary  War  so  sadly 
defaced  it,"  as  "  the  chosen  resort  of   the  rich  and  philosophic  from 


»  The  following  letter  from  Mr.  Wyatt  may  be  of  interest  in  this  connection:  — 

Baltimore,  Dec.  18, 1888. 
Mb.  R.  A.  Guild,  Librarian  Brown  University,  Providence,  R.  I. 

My  Dear  Sir  :  —  Enclosed  I  send  you  an  impression  taken  from  an  old  seal  now  in  my  posses- 
sion, which  I  am  led  to  think  may  be  an  old  seal  of  Brown  University,  and  should  be  glad  to  know 
from  you  if  this  is  a  fact.  From  boyhood  I  remember  this  seal  as  being  in  or  upon  the  desk  of  my 
father,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Wyatt,  for  many  years  rector  of  St.  Paul's  Parish,  Baltimore,  and  of  its  being 
used  as  a  paper  weight.  Of  its  history  I  know  nothing,  and  cannot  imagine  how  it  came  into  his 
possession.  If  it  should  prove  to  be  the  seal  of  the  University,  and  there  is  any  interest  attaching 
to  it,  I  should  be  glad  to  send  it  to  them.  If  it  is  not,  you  may  be  able  to  tell  me  where  it  orig- 
inated. 

Yours  respectfully, 

Charles  Handfield  Wyatt. 
1  Greene's  "  Short  History  of  Rhode  Island,"  page  203. 


136  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  III. 

nearly  all  parts  of  the  civilized  world."  Among  the  arguments  advanced 
by  the  Newport  contestants  in  favor  of  the  College,  was  the  advantage 
to  be  derived  by  the  professors  and  students  from  the  Redwood  Library, 
which,  at  this  early  period,  was  the  second  library  in  the  country,  con- 
taining choice  books  in  the  arts  and  sciences,  and  especially  rich  in  classi- 
cal and  theological  lore.  Dr.  Stiles  was  for  many  years  the  librarian, 
and  from  its  precious  stores  he  gathered  much  of  the  knowledge  for 
which  he  was  so  justly  renowned.  Providence,  on  the  other  hand,  had 
no  such  literary  advantages.  But  her  situation  was  more  convenient, 
and  in  case  of  a  rupture  with  the  British  Government,  she  was  much 
less  exposed  to  an  invasion  or  attack.  Her  inhabitants,  too,  were  more 
patriotic  than  the  inhabitants  of  Newport.1  Moreover,  the  great  apostle 
of  civil  and  religious  freedom  had  found  a  shelter  from  oppression  in 
Providence  ;  here  he  founded  a  colony  and  a  church ;  and  here  his  lib- 
eral Baptist  sentiments  had  always  prevailed.  And  so  the  well  known 
preferences  of  the  President,  and  the  "Baptist  Society  "  at  large,  the 
great  influence  of  Stephen  Hopkins,  and  the  resolute  and  adventurous 
spirit  of  the  Browns  and  the  Jenckes  carried  the  day.  The  College  was 
removed  to  Providence,  and,  in  May,  1770,  the  corner  stone  of  the 
building  now  known  as  "University  Hall,"  was  laid. 

The  committee  appointed,  in  the  language  of  the  records,  "to  fix  a 
suitable  place  for  building  the  edifice,"  consisted  of  John  Brown,  John 
Jenckes,  Joseph  Russell,  Job  Bennet,  and  John  Warren,  any  three  of 
them  to  constitute  a  quorum.  The  first  three  resided  in  Providence ; 
the  last  two  in  Newport.  The  lot  finally  selected  by  this  committee 
comprised  originally  about  eight  acres,  and  included  the  "home-lot"  of 
Chad  Brown,  the  great  ancestor  of  the  Brown  family  in  Providence,  who 
was  an  elder  in  the  church,  and  according  to  tradition,  the  "  first  Bap- 
tist elder  in  Rhode  Island."     Mr.  Moses  Brown,  in  an  interesting  let- 


1  "  There  was  still  another  class  of  readers  whom  Stephen  Hopkins  had  in  mind,  in  sending  out 
to  the  public  these  carefully  considered  arguments.  (The  Rights  of  Colonies  Examined,  etc.)  It 
was  that  of  the  Loyalists,  whose  numbers  were  at  this  time  (1765)  really  formidable.  They  were 
specially  numerous  in  Newport  and  the  Narragansett  County."  See  Foster's  "  Stephen  Hopkins  a 
Rhode  Island  Statesman,"  Vol.  2,  page  59. 


1769-1770.  AND   MANNING.  137 

ter  to  President  Wayland,  under  date  of  May  25,  1833,  thus  writes 
concerning  this  lot :  — 1 

"When  the  fixing  of  the  College  edifice  here  was  firmly  settled,  rather  than  at 
Warren,  Newport,  or  East  Greenwich,  which  all  claimed  the  preference,  our  house,  then 
composed  of  four  hrothers,  viz. :  Nicholas,  Joseph,  John,  and  Moses  Brown,  concluded 
to  take  charge  of  building  the  necessary  buildings,  purchasing  land  for  the  same,  etc. 
At  that  time  gardens  and  buildings  were  to  be  purchased  and  removed,  besides  the 
site  for  the  College ;  for  we  then  knew  the  lot  from  Main  street  to  the  neck  road 
on  the  east  was  the  original  home-lot  of  our  ancestor,  Chad  Brown,  of  whom  we  had 
the  tradition  that  he  was  the  first  Baptist  Elder  in  Providence.  Doct.  Edwards, 
when  collecting  materials  for  the  history  of  the  Baptists  here,  and  examining  all  the 
elderly  people  he  could  find  here,  on  which  business  I  accompanied  him,  was  informed 
that  Chad  Brown  was  the  first  elder,  although  Roger  Williams,  being  a  preacher  before 
he  came  here,  was  a  preacher  and  continued  it  here  for  some  time.  Richard  Scott  says 
he  was  with  him  in  the  Baptist  way  three  or  four  months,  when  Roger  left  them  and 
went  in  a  way  of  seeking.  Roger's  testimony  respecting  Chad  Brown  I  have  under  his 
own  hand,  in  a  plea  of  his  before  the  Court  of  the  four  New  England  Colonies,  saying, 
"  Chad  Brown  a  wise  and  godly  soul  (now  with  God),  with  myself  brought  the  first 
twelve  and  the  after  comers  to  a  oneness  by  arbitration."  Chad  and  his  wife  were 
buried  in  their  own  lot  near  the  northwest  corner  of  the  now  town  house,  and  had  a 
large  square  monument  of  granite  over  them,  till  by  the  request  of  the  town  to  widen 
that  street,  their  bones  were  taken  up  and  interred  in  the  North  Burying  Ground,  and 
head  and  foot  stones  were  erected  over  them  by  the  town.  I  saw  their  remains  when 
taken  up.  His  son,  John  Brown  (his  eldest),  was  also  a  preacher,  but  not  an  elder,  and 
was  the  father  of  James  Brown,  long  a  Baptist  elder  until  his  death.  Thou  may  see 
by  all  this,  our  family  had  an  interest  in  promoting  the  Institution  now  called  Brown 
University,  besides  the  purchase  of  the  name  by  my  worthy  nephew,  Nicholas. 

The  following  extract  from  the  Record  of  Deeds,  book  19,  page 
108,  presents  a  clear  and  accurate  account  of  the  southern  half  of  the 
original  college  premises  :  — 

To  all  people  to  whom  these  presents  shall  come:  We,  John  Brown  and  Moses 
Brown,  both  of  Providence,  in  the  County  of  Providence  and  Colony  of  Rhode  Island 
and  Providence  Plantations,  merchants,  send  greeting :  — Know  ye,  that  we,  the  said 
John  and  Moses  Brown,  for  and  in  consideration  of  the  sum  of  three  hundred  and  thirty 


1  Documentary  History  of  Brown  University,  page  207. 
18 


138  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  III. 

dollars,  to  us  in  hand  already  paid  by  the  Trustees  and  Fellows  of  the  College  or  Univer- 
sity in  the  English  Colony  of  Rhode  Island  and  Providence  Plantations,  in  New  England 
in  America,  the  receipt  whereof,  by  a  discount  out  of  the  sums  we  have  severally  sub- 
scribed to  the  College,  we  do  hereby  acknowledge,  have  given,  granted,  bargained,  sold, 
aliened,  enfeoffed,  conveyed,  and  confirmed,  and  by  these  presents  do  give,  grant,  sell, 
alien,  convey,  and  confirm  unto  said  Trustees  and  Fellows,  and  to  their  successors  and 
assigns  forever,  one  certain  piece  or  parcel  of  land  lying  in  the  town  of  Providence, 
bounded  .  .  .  which  said  piece  of  land  contains  about  four  acres,  and  became  the 
property  of  us,  said  Moses  and  John  Brown,  by  a  deed  of  bargain  and  sale  from  Samuel 
Fenner,  of  Cranston,  who  received  it  as  one  of  the  legatees  of  Daniel  Abbott,  Esq.,  late  of 
said  Providence,  deceased,  who  received  the  northerly  third  part  thereof  from  his  father, 
Daniel  Abbott,  by  descent,  who  purchased  the  same  of  James  Brown,  who  received  it  of 
his  brother  John  Brown,  the  present  grantor's  great-grandfather,  who  received  it  by 
descent  from  his  father  Chad  Brown,  who  was  one  of  the  original  proprietors  after  the 
native  Indians  of  whom  it  was  purchased,  and  is  the  middle  part  of  that  which  was  his 
house-lot  or  home-share  of  land  so  called ;  the  other  two-thirds  being  the  middle  part  of 
the  original  house-lot  or  home-share  of  George  Rickard,  since  called  John  Warner's, 
which  part  was  conveyed  by  the  said  Rickard  to  the  said  Chad  Brown,  from  whom  it 
descended  to  his  aforesaid  son  John,  who  conveyed  it  to  his  brother,  Jeremiah  Brown, 
who  conveyed  the  same  to  the  aforesaid  Daniel  Abbott  the  elder,  from  whom  it 
descended  to  Daniel  Abbott  the  younger,  and  became  Samuel  Fenner 's  as  aforesaid :  the 
whole  of  this  piece  of  land  making  the  southern  half  of  the  lot  and  highway  leading  to 
it  whereon  the  College  edifice  is  now  erecting. 

The  northern  half  of  the  original  College  premises,  consisting  of 
about  four  acres  of  land,  was  purchased  by  the  Corporation,  as  per  deed 
recorded  in  the  aforesaid  book,  page  106,  of  Oliver  Bowen,  of  Provi- 
dence, one  of  the  legatees  of  the  aforesaid  Daniel  Abbott,  Esq.,  for  the 
sum  of  four  hundred  dollars.  Mr.  Abbott,  says  the  record,  "  took  it  by 
descent  from  his  father  Daniel  Abbott,  who  received  two-thirds  part  of 
it,  being  on  the  north  side,  from  Robert  Williams,  by  deed  of  gift,  who 
purchased  it  by  deed  of  bargain  and  sale  of  Robert  Morrice,  who  pur- 
chased of  Daniel  Abbott  the  first,  who  was  an  original  proprietor  after 
the  native  Indians.  The  other  third  part  the  second  named  Daniel 
Abbott  purchased  by  deed  of  bargain  and  sale  from  his  brother  John 
Brown,  who  took  it  by  descent  from  his  father  Chad  Brown."  It  will 
thus  be  seen  that  Chad  Brown  originally  owned,  or  came  into  the  posses- 


1769-1770.  AND    MANNING.  139 

sion  of  all  the  land  which  constituted  the  original  college  premises,  with 
the  exception  of  a  small  portion  which  at  first  belonged  to  Daniel 
Abbott. 

The  following  appeared  in  the  Providence  Gazette  for  March  31, 
1770  :  — 

Monday  last  (March  26th)  the  gentlemen  of  the  committee  for  determining  on  a  place 
to  erect  the  College  edifice  within  this  Colony,  met  here,  when  after  viewing  several 
spots  proposed,  unanimously  agreed  upon  the  lot  lately  helonging  to  Daniel  Abbott, 
Esq.,  deceased ;  and  accordingly  on  Tuesday  (March  27th)  a  number  of  workmen  began 
to  break  the  ground,  in  order  to  lay  the  foundation  for  that  seminary  of  learning. 

The  "  committee  to  carry  on  the  building  of  the  College  edifice  "  con- 
sisted of  Stephen  Hopkins,  John  Brown,  John  Jenckes,  John  Warren, 
and  Sylvester  Child,  any  three  of  them  to  be  a  quorum.  The  first  three 
resided  in  Providence  ;  Warren  belonged  in  Newport,  and  Child  in 
Warren.  This  committee  prosecuted  its  work  with  remarkable  energy 
and  zeal.  In  the  Providence  Gazette  for  Feb.  10,  1770,  only  two  days 
after  the  adjournment  of  the  Corporation,  appears  the  following  :  — 

The  Corporation  of  the  College  established  by  charter  in  this  Colony,  met  the  7th 
instant  at  Warren,  in  order  to  consider  the  claims  of  the  several  parts  of  the  Colony 
concerning  the  location  of  said  College.  All  parties  being  fully  heard,  and  their  sub- 
scriptions, bonds,  and  deeds  lodged,  it  was  put  to  vote,  whether  to  recede  from  their 
former  vote  of  the  16th  of  November  last,  or  not.  Which  passed  in  the  negative,  twenty- 
one  to  fourteen ;  and  therefore  said  College  edifice  was  voted  to  be  built  in  Providence, 
according  to  the  draft  then  exhibited,  and  there  to  remain  forever.  Therefore  all 
persons  in  the  country,  who  have  been  so  public  spirited  as  to  become  subscribers  to  this 
valuable  Institution,  are  desired  to  call  on  us,  who  are  a  committee  for  the  building  of 
said  College,  and  take  memorandums  in  writing  to  procure  timber,  plank,  boards, 
joists,  etc.,  etc.,  as  we  may  agree ;  as  said  building  will  begin  as  soon  as  may  be  in  the 

spring. 

Stephen   Hopkins,  \ 

John  Brown,  >  Committee. 

John  Jenckes,        ' 

At  the  meeting  of  the  Corporation  held  Sept.  7,  1769,  the  Chancel- 
lor, the  President,  and  Mr.  Joseph  Brown  were  appointed  a  "  committee 
to  prepare  a  complete  model  of  the  building."     Naturally  the  commit- 


140  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  III. 

tee  took  for  its  model,  Nassau  Hall,  in  Princeton,  where  President 
Manning  had  been  educated.  This  was  regarded  as  the  finest  building 
of  the  kind  in  the  country,  as  it  was,  in  point  of  fact,  the  largest.  Its 
dimensions  were  fifty-four  by  one  hundred  and  seventy-six  feet ;  it  had 
a  projection  of  four  feet  in  front  and  twelve  feet  in  the  rear ;  it  had 
three  stories  and  a  basement ;  and  the  middle  was  surmounted  by  a 
cupola.  Ground  was  broken  for  its  erection  July  29,  1754,  and  the 
roof  was  raised  in  1755.  It  was  named  Nassau  Hall  in  honor  of  King 
William  the  Third,  a  branch  of  the  illustrious  House  of  Nassau. 

After  the  final  vote  on  the  location  of  the  College,  the  "draft  was 
exhibited,"  whereupon  it  was  "  voted,  that  the  College  edifice  be  built 
according  to  the  following  plan,  viz. :  —  That  the  house  be  one  hundred 
and  fifty  feet  long,  forty-six  feet  wide,  with  a  projection  of  ten  feet  on 
each  side  (10  by  30)  ;  and  that  it  be  four  stories  high." 

Meanwhile  the  President  was  prayerfully  considering  the  sundering 
of  his  connection  with  the  church  which  he  had  been  instrumental  in 
founding ;  an  event  in  which  his  tenderest  and  best  feelings  were 
involved.  This  was  his  first  pastorate.  For  six  years  he  had  faithfully 
proclaimed  to  the  people  the  glorious  truths  of  the  Gospel,  and  broken 
to  them  the  bread  of  life.  Many,  through  his  agency  were  becoming 
wiser  and  better  for  time  and  for  eternity,  and  how  could  he  find  it  in 
his  heart  to  leave  them  ?  They  were  attached  to  his  ministry,  had  con- 
tributed liberally  towards  his  support,  and  earnestly  desired  his  continu- 
ance with  them.  On  the  other  hand,  the  College  which  he  had  served 
so  faithfully  was  still  in  its  infancy,  with  an  uncertain  future.  For 
four  years  it  had  been  without  funds,  and  he  had  been  compelled  to  rely 
upon  his  Latin  school  and  the  Church  for  the  support  of  himself  and 
family.  It  is  true  the  Corporation  had  voted  him,  at  the  recent  Com- 
mencement, the  sum  of  £50,  lawful  money,  to  be  paid  him  "  out  of  the 
interest  money  supposed  to  be  due  "  from  the  subscriptions  obtained  in 
England.  Again  the  times  were  perilous,  and  should  a  war  with  the 
»  mother  country  ensue,  what  would  be  the  fate  of  an  institution  of 
learning,  concerning  the  location  of  which  there  had  been  such  conten- 
tion and  strife  ? 


1769-1770.  AND   MANNING.  141 

One  of  the  final  acts  of  the  meeting  which  decided  the  location  of 
the  College,  was  to  appoint  all  the  Baptist  ministers  present,  namely, 
Messrs.  Upham,  Backus,  Stillman,  Thurston,  Maxson,  Mason,  and 
Winsor,  "a  committee  to  wait  upon  Mr.  President  Manning,  and 
inform  him  of  the  hearty  approbation  we  have  of  his  conduct,  care, 
and  government  of  the  College,  and  request  him  still  to  sustain  the 
office  he  hath  discharged  with  so  much  honor,  and  to  go  with  the  Col- 
lege to  Providence  when  it  shall  be  removed.  And  that  they  treat 
with  the  Congregation  of  which  the  President  is  Pastor,  and  inform 
them  of  this  request,  and  endeavor  to  procure  their  consent  to  his 
removal ;  and  that  report  be  made  to  the  next  Corporation  meeting." 
"This  cautious  delicacy,"  remarks  Professor  Goddard,  "with  which 
the  Corporation  interfered  with  President  Manning's  existing  rela- 
tions," presents  a  somewhat  grateful  contrast  to  the  unceremonious 
and  otherwise  questionable  modes  of  procedure,  which,  under  similar 
circumstances,  are  now  sometimes  adopted.  In  his  letter  to  Smith, 
which  we  have  given  in  connection  with  this  meeting,  Manning 
writes  :  —  "I  must  consult  my  Western  friends  in  a  matter  of  so  much 
consequence  as  moving  or  not  moving  with  the  College."  One  of  his 
Western  friends  to  whom  he  would  naturally  first  write  was  the  Rev. 
Morgan  Edwards.  Mr.  Edwards's  reply  is  given  in  part  by  Judge 
Howland :  — l 

I  cannot  help  being  angry  with  you  when  you  talk  of  another  President.  Have  you 
endured  so  much  hardship  in  vain?  We  have  no  man  that  will  do  so  well  as  you. 
Talk  no  more,  think  no  more  of  quitting  the  presidency,  unless  you  have  a  mind  to  join 
issue  with  those  projectors  and  talkers  who  mean  no  more  than  to  hinder  anything  from 
being  dono.  If  you  go  to  Providence,  the  Warren  people  may  have  a  supply;  if  they 
were  willing  to  part  with  you,  it  is  likely  the  College  would  have  no  reason  to  covet 
you. 

At  the  special  meeting  of  the  Corporation  held  in  Warren,  April 
25,  1770,  it  was  voted, 


1  Biographical  sketch  of  the  Rev.  James  Manning.    See  the  Rhode  Island  Literary  Repository 
for  January,  1815. 


142  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  III. 

That  the  President  of  the  College  he  allowed  a  salary  of  one  hundred  pounds,  lawful 
money,  out  of  the  Corporation  treasury,  and  that  the  time  of  payment  he  computed 
from  the  last  Commencement;  that  the  Institution  he  removed  to  Providence,  and  that 
the  students  at  their  return,  after  this  vacation,  do  assemble  in  that  town  with  their 
proper  officers ;  that  Joseph  Russell,  David  Harris,  Esq.,  and  Mr.  Daniel  Tillinghast, 
they,  or  the  major  part  of  them,  he  a  committee  to  hire  a  suitable  habitation  for  the 
President  in  Providence,  till  one  can  be  built  for  him,  and  that  it  be  at  the  charge  of  the 
Corporation. 

Neither  Harris  nor  Tillinghast  were  members  of  the  Corporation. 
The  President  had  now  made  up  his  mind  to  go  with  the  College,  and 
had  probably  so  expressed  himself  previous  to  the  foregoing  votes. 
He  at  once  handed  his  resignation  to  the  church,  "to  the  wonderment 
of  his  people,  he  being  greatly  admired  and  renowned."  This  is  the 
language  of  the  records.  Truth  compels  us  to  state  that  the  good 
pastor's  resignation  was  not  well  received  by  his  people,  that  the 
church  positively  refused  to  give  its  assent  to  his  leaving,  and, 
according  to  the  records,  seriously  contemplated  putting  him  under 
discipline.     We  copy  from  the  records  the  following  :  — 

February  4, 1770.  This  evening  the  church  met  and  had  a  conference  with  Mr.  James 
Manning,  as  they  had  once  before  within  three  months,  to  know  whether  he  was  deter- 
mined to  leave  the  church  and  follow  the  College  to  Providence ;  and  he  satisfied  the 
church  that  he  would  not.  But  it  was  requested  of  him  that,  if  he  should  alter  his 
mind,  he  would  give  the  church  timely  notice,  and  he  promised  he  would  give  them 
timely  notice.  But,  April  25th  the  Corporation  met,  and  the  next  morning  he  gave  his 
answer  to  serve  as  President  of  the  College  at  Providence,  and  removed  the  4th  of  May, 
without  calling  the  church  together  to  acquaint  or  advise  with  them,  which  doing  of 
his  is  contrary  to  his  promise  with  the  church. 

May  31.  The  church  met  as  usual.  Treating  about  Mr.  Manning  leaving  the 
church,  it  was  agreed  that  Bro.  Ebenezer  Cole  should  write  to  Mr.  Manning  to  come 
to  our  church  meeting  the  last  Thursday  of  June  next,  to  give  his  reasons  why  he  left 
the  church. 

June  28.  The  church  met  as  usual ;  Mr.  James  Manning  came,  but  gave  the  church 
no  satisfactory  reason  why  he  left  the  church  destitute  of  a  pastor  or  elder. 

In  this  connection  we  may  give  an  extract  from  the  diary  of  Dr. 


1769-1770.  AND   MANNING.  143 

Stiles,  as  quoted  by  President  Sears.     Under  date  of  May  5,  1770,  he 

thus  writes :  — 

i 

The  Baptist  College  was  last  week,  or  week  before,  removed  to  Providence,  and  the 
Browns  and  Jenckes  intend  to  turn  off  Elder  Windsor  and  put  in  President  Manning 
for  their  minister.  Upon  the  Corporation  insisting  on  an  answer  from  Manning 
respecting  his  removal,  he  applied  to  his  church  and  congregation  at  Warren  for  dis- 
mission from  his  pastoral  relation  to  them.  This  they  utterly  refused.  He,  however, 
the  same  day  answered  the  Corporation  that  he  would  go,  and  has  violently  rent  him- 
self from  his  church. 

On  Friday,  May  4,  1770,  as  the  church  records  of  Warren  state, 
President  Manning,  with  Professor  Howell,  and  the  students,  left 
Warren,  and  commenced  the  College  in  Providence.  "  On  Dr.  Man- 
ning's taking  up  his  abode  here,"  says  Howland,1  "he  lived  in  the  old 
house  of  Benjamin  Bowen,  which  stood  on  the  lot  at  the  foot  of  Bowen 
Street,  on  which  Mr.  S.  K.  Richmond's  brick  house  now  stands.  Mr. 
Howell  was  unmarried  and  boarded.  The  students  boarded  in  private 
families,  at  one  dollar  and  a  quarter  per  week.  There  they  studied, 
and  at  certain  hours  met  in  one  of  the  chambers  of  the  old  brick 
school-house,  with  the  officers,  for  recitation."  This  house,  which  is 
on  Meeting  Street,  is  still  standing,  and  was  long  known  as  the  house 
for  the  Meeting  Street  colored  school.  It  is  at  present  used  for  a  ward 
room. 

Mr.  Howland's  recollections  are  so  interesting  that  we  cannot  refrain 
from  giving  another  quotation :  — 

In  May,  1770,  one  month  after  my  arrival,  the  College  which  had  been  located  in 
Warren,  was  removed  to  Providence.  .  .  .  There  were  only  four  in  the  Senior  class. 
The  Commencements  for  the  first  five  years  were  held  in  Mr.  Snow's  meeting-house, 
that  being  then  the  largest  in  the  town.  Governor  Wanton  always  attended  from 
Newport,  till  Governor  Cooke  succeeded  him.  He  headed  the  procession  with  the 
President.  The  Governor's  wig,  which  had  been  made  in  England,  was  of  the  size  and 
pattern  of  that  of  the  Speaker  of  the  House  of  Commons,  and  so  large  that  the  shallow 
crowned  hat  could  not  be  placed  on  his  head  without  disturbing  the  curls.    He  there- 


iLife  and  Recollections  of  John  Howland.    By  Edwin  M.  Stone.     12mo.     .Providence,  1857, 
page  159. 


144  BEOWN   UNIVERSITY.  Chap.  III. 

fore  placed  it  under  his  left  arm,  and  held  his  umbrella  in  his  right  hand.  This  was 
the  first  umbrella  ever  seen  carried  by  a  gentleman  in  Providence,  though  they  had 
been  some  time  in  use  by  ladies  on  a  sunny  day.  Governor  "Wanton  was  the  most 
dignified  and  respectable  looking  man  we  had  ever  seen.  The  white  wig  of  President 
Manning  was  of  the  largest  dimensions  usually  worn  in  this  country. 

We  close  this  chapter  with  another  quotation  from  the  chaste  and 
appropriate  memoir  of  Professor  Goddard:  — l 

Dr.  Manning  now  entered  upon  a  theatre  of  enlarged  and  responsible  action.  The 
College  was  yet  in  its  infancy,  and  demanded  his  paternal  supervision ;  its  funds  were 
scanty,  and  needed  to  be  recruited ;  its  actual  system  of  discipline  and  instruction  was 
imperfect,  and  required  not  only  to  be  improved,  but  to  be  adapted  to  the  new  circum- 
stances under  which  it  was  hereafter  to  be  administered.  To  these  important  objects  he 
devoted  himself,  with  patience  and  energy,  and  with  that  spirit  of  self-denial  which  is 
essential  to  the  success  of  great  enterprises,  and  which  great  enterprises  are  apt  to 
inspire.  In  the  beneficent  work  of  establishing,  within  the  little  Colony  of  Rhode 
Island,  "a  public  seminary  for  the  education  of  youth  in  the  vernacular  and  learned 
languages,  and  in  the  liberal  arts  and  sciences,"  he  was  aided  by  the  efficient  co-opera- 
tion of  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Edwards,  Smith,  Stillman,  Backus,  Gano,  and  others  of  his 
clerical  brethren.  It  is,  however,  perhaps  not  too  much  to  say,  that,  but  for  the  enlight- 
ened zeal  and  substantial  liberality  of  a  few  Baptist  laymen,  citizens  of  Providence,  the 
College  would  have  been  slow  in  winning  its  way  to  general  repute.  These  public- 
spirited  men,  though  strangers  themselves  to  the  discipline  of  schools  of  learning,  knew 
how  to  prize  the  benefits  of  high  intellectual  culture.  Though  self-educated,  they  were 
without  a  particle  of  hostility  to  the  distinctions  of  learning,  or  of  that  affected  con- 
tempt for  learned  men  with  which  the  uncultivated  sometimes  seek  to  console  their 
deficiencies.  Moved  by  a  generous  ardor,  they  determined  that  their  children  and  the 
children  of  their  contemporaries  should  enjoy,  to  the  remotest  generations,  opportuni- 
ties for  intellectual  improvement  denied  to  themselves.  "Well  have  they  been  repaid 
for  their  efforts  in  this  good  cause.  Their  activity  and  enterprise  in  the  accumulation 
of  wealth  are  now  well-nigh  forgotten ;  but  still  fresh  is  the  memory  of  all  their  deeds  in 
behalf  of  science  and  letters  and  religion. 


»  Memoir  of  the  Rev.  James  Manning,  D.  D.,  with  biographical  notices  of  some  of  his  pupils. 
Originally  published  in  the  American  Quarterly  Register.    Pamphlet.    8vo.    Boston,  1839. 


CHAPTER   IV. 


1770-1771. 

Hezekiah  Smith  appointed  by  the  Corporation  to  solicit  subscriptions  for  the  College  in 
South  Carolina  and  Georgia — Credentials  —  Sketch  of  Smith — Account  of  his  mis- 
sion—  Letter  from  Oliver  Hart — Action  of  the  Corporation  on  Smith's  final  report  — 
Vote  of  the  Corporation  in  favor  of  the  children  of  Jews  —  Corner  stone  of  the  College 
edifice  laid  —  Progress  of  the  building — Extracts  from  Corporation  records  and  the 
Providence  Gazette — Report  of  Nicholas  Brown  &  Co.  in  behalf  of  the  Building  Com- 
mittee, March  11,  1771  —  Account  of  receipts  and  expenditures  —  Report  of  the 
auditing  committee  —  Hon.  Nicholas  Cooke  —  Further  extracts  from  the  records 
respecting  the  building  —  Manning's  correspondence  —  Samuel  Stennett,  of  London  — 
Manning's  letter  and  Stennett's  reply  —  Hollis  family — Eliphalet  Smith  —  Samuel 
Shepard — William  Gordon  —  Rev.  Joseph  Snow  —  Commencements  held  in  Snow's 
meeting-house  —  Account  of  Commencement  for  1770 — Meeting  of  "Warren  Associa- 
tion in  Bellingham,  Tuesday  after  Commencement  —  Appeal  to  the  Baptists  pub- 
lished in  Providence  Gazette  —  Committee  on  Grievances  —  Hezekiah  Smith  chosen 
agent  to  the  Court  of  Great  Britain  to  seek  redress  from  oppressions  on  the  part  of 
the  Standing  Order  — Circular  Letter  for  1770  —  Ascribed  to  Manning — Dr.  Stennett's 
influence  with  His  Majesty's  Commissioners  in  disallowing  acts  of  oppression  in  the 
Province  of  Massachusetts  Bay  respecting  Ashfield  —  Extracts  from  "Acts  and 
Resolves" — Backus  on  the  repeal  of  the  Ashfield  law  —  Letter  from  Manning  illus- 
trating his  methods  of  discipline  —  Letter  to  Smith  —  Letter  to  John  Ryland  — 
Ryland's  reply  —  Rev.  Dr.  John  Ryland  —  List  of  men"  recommended  for  College 
honors  —  Bitterness  of  the  "New  England  Presbyterians,"  or  Congregationalists, 
towards  the  College  —  Letter  to  Stennett — Trials  and  discouragements  in  connec- 
tion with  the  College  —  Account  of  Commencement  in  1771  —  Smith's  diary — Presi- 
dent's address  to  the  graduating  class  —  Letter  to  Thomas  Llewelyn  —  Bristol 
Academy  —  Letter  from  Nicholas  Brown  to  Hezekiah  Smith  —  Affair  of  the  Ga3pee — 
John  Brown  —  Letter  to  Ryland  —  Lotteries— Latin  School  —  Commencement  for 
1772  —  Smith's  diary  —  Account  of  Commencement  from  Providence  Gazette — Corpo- 
ration records  —  Need  of  funds  —  Letter  to  Ryland — "Inveterate  enmity  of  the  New 
England  Clergy " —Donation  to  the  Library  from  Dr.  Gill— Letter  to  Stennett  — 
Manning  attends  a  remarkable  funeral  in  Swansea — Esek  Brown. 

At  the  annual  meeting  of  the  Corporation  held  in  Warren,  Wednes- 
day, Sept.  6,  1769,  and  adjourned  from  day  to  day  until  the  8th,  it  was 

Voted,  That  the  Rev.  Hezekiah  Smith  be  desired  by  this  Corporation  to  solicit  benefac- 
tions for  their  use  in  the  Southern  and  Western  Provinces  of  this  Continent  or  elsewhere, 
19 


146  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  IV. 

and  that  suitable  credentials  be  given  him  for  this  purpose,  signed  by  the  Chancellor, 
and  President,  with  the  seal  of  the  Corporation  annexed. 

The  following  is  a  copy  of  the  "credentials,"  from  a  rough  draft  on 
file:  — 

By  the  Honorable  Stephen  Hopkins,  Esquire,  Chancellor,  and  the  Reverend  James 
Manning,  President  of  the  College  or  University  in  the  English  Colony  of  Rhode  Island 
and  Providence  Plantations,  in  New  England,  in  America. 

To  the  Reverend  Hezekiah  Smith,  of  Haverhill,  in  America, 

Greeting  :  — 
Whereas,  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Colony  aforesaid,  taking  into  consideration 
the  many  advantages  derived  to  society  from  educating  youth  in  useful  literature,  did 
grant  a  charter  incorporating  the  persons  therein  named  in  a  body  politic,  and  empow- 
ering them  to  erect,  found,  and  endow  a  College  or  University  in  said  Colony:  —  And 
whereas,  the  said  Corporation  from  the  smallness  of  their  funds,  have  found  themselves 
under  a  necessity  of  requesting  the  generous  assistance  of  the  friends  of  religion  and 
learning  without  the  said  Colony:  — And  whereas,  the  said  Corporation  at  their  annual 
meeting  at  "Warren,  on  the  first  Wednesday  in  September,  instant,  being  well  convinced 
of  your  affection  and  regard  to  the  said  College  or  University,  and  of  your  integrity  and 
ability,  did  unanimously  appoint  and  request  you  to  solicit  and  receive  benefactions  in 
any  part  of  America  for  the  benefit  of  the  said  Institution.  These  are,  therefore,  to 
empower  and  authorize  you,  the  said  Hezekiah  Smith,  to  receive  all  such  charitable 
donations  as  shall  be  made  in  America,  for  the>erecting,  founding,  or  endowing  the  said 
College  or  University ;  assuring  the  donors  that  their  benefactions  shall  be  religiously 
applied  by  the  said  Corporation  to  the  purposes  they  shall  direct. 

In  testimony  whereof,  we,  the  said  Chancellor  and  President,  have  hereunto  set  our 
hands,  and  caused  the  seal  of  the  said  College  or  University  to  be  affixed,  this 

[L.  S.]  eighth  day  of  September,  in  the  ninth  year  of  the  reign  of  His  Most  Sacred 
Majesty,  George  the  Third,  by  the  Grace  of  God,  King  of  Great  Britain,  etc. 
Anno  Domini,  1769. 

By  order,  Stephen  Hopkins,  Chancellor. 

James  Manning,  President. 

Mr.  Smith,  whose  relations  with  Manning  down  to  the  close  of  life 
were  those  of  the  greatest  intimacy,  and  whose  name  frequently  occurs 


1770-1771.  AND    MANNING.  147 

throughout  these  pages,  was  born  in  Hampstead,  Long  Island,  New- 
York,  on  the  21st  of  April,  1737.  In  his  youth  he  became  pious,  and 
at  the  age  of  nineteen  joined  the  Baptist  Church  in  Morristown,  New 
Jersey,  then  under  the  pastoral  care  of  the  Rev.  John  Gano.  He  com- 
menced his  classical  learning  at  the  Hopewell  Academy,  entered  the 
College  of  New  Jersey  at  Princeton,  and  was  graduated  in  1762  in  the 
same  class  with  Manning.  After  leaving  college  he  travelled  through 
the  Southern  Provinces,  partly  in  order  to  recover  his  health,  which 
had  become  somewhat  impaired  by  a  too  close  confinement  to  his 
studies.  In  a  single  year  he  rode  on  horseback  upwards  of  four  thou- 
sand miles,  and  preached  two  hundred  sermons,  often  to  crowded  and 
deeply  affected  congregations.  He  thus  laid  the  foundations  of  lasting 
friendship  with  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Hart,  Pelot,  and  others  of  a  kindred 
spirit,  whose  intercourse  and  correspondence  proved  a  delight  to  him 
in  his,  riper  years.  On  Tuesday,  Sept.  20,  1763,  he  was  publicly 
ordained  at  Charleston  as  an  evangelist,  and  set  apart  for  the  work 
of  the  Christian  ministry.  The  Baptist  Church  in  Haverhill,  Massa- 
chusetts, gathered  through  his  instrumentality,  was  organized  on  the 
9th  of  May,  1765,  and  he  was  chosen  the  pastor.  Here  he  labored  as 
an  educator,  a  zealous  patriot,  and  an  earnest  and  effective  preacher 
of  the  Gospel  during  a  period  of  forty  years,  or  until  his  death,  which 
occurred  Jan.  22,  1805.  During  the  War  of  the  Revolution  he  served 
as  Chaplain,  and  was  present  at  the  battles  of  Bunker  Hill,  Long 
Island,  and  Stillwater,  and  also  at  Saratoga,  when  Burgoyne  surren- 
dered to  the  American  forces  under  General  Gates.  For  a  full  account 
of  his  life,  see  "Chaplain  Smith  and  the  Baptists." 

Mr.  Smith  left  home  on  his  important  mission  for  the  College,  Oct. 
2,  1769,  and  returned  June  8,  1770,  having  been  absent  from  the 
people  of  his  charge  a  little  over  eight  months.  He  travelled  exten- 
sively through  South  Carolina  and  Georgia,  preaching  as  he  had  oppor- 
tunity, and  prosecuting  with  energy  and  zeal  the  work  to  which  he  had 
been  appointed.  His  fervid  piety,  his  eloquence,  his  commanding  pres- 
ence and  genial  manners,  made  him  everywhere  a  welcome  guest,  and 
enabled  him  to  overcome  opposition  and  indifference.     He  succeeded 


148  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  IV. 

in  collecting  about  twenty-five  hundred  dollars,  most  of  which  was 
expended  upon  the  College  building,  agreeably  to  a  suggestion  made 
by  Manning  in  his  anonymous  letter  to  Nicholas  Brown,  published  in 
the  preceding  chapter  on  the  location.  In  a  letter  to  Dr.  Stennett, 
dated  June  7,  1770,  Manning  writes :  — "  Our  brother,  Hezekiah 
Smith,  of  Haverhill,  has  collected  and  obtained  subscriptions  in  South 
Carolina  and  Georgia,  from  whence  he  has  just  returned,  to  the  amount 
of  about  <£500  sterling." 

The  following  is  from  the  Providence  Gazette  for  Jan.  13,  1770  :  — 

We  hear  the  Rev.  Hezekiah  Smith  has  collected  three  hundred  pounds  sterling  in 
South  Carolina,  for  the  College  intended  to  he  erected  in  this  Colony.  This  sum,  we 
are  told,  would  have  heen  more  than  doubled,  had  it  not  been  for  a  proposal  lately 
made  there  to  found  one  in  Charleston.  The  high  opinion  that  people  abroad  entertain 
of  this  Institution,  which  they  manifest  by  their  benevolent  donations,  cannot  but 
excite  the  same  commendable  spirit  in  those  of  ability  in  the  more  adjacent  polonies, 
particularly  in  this,  and  stimulate  them  to  imitate  actions  so  truly  laudable. 

The  following,  taken  from  a  Charleston  paper,  dated  Oct.  26,  1769, 
shows  that  his  mission  was  regarded  with  somewhat  of  distrust,  and 
perhaps  with  disfavor,  by  not  a  few  of  the  good  people  of  the  South :  — 

In  the  sloop  Sally,  Captain  Schermerhorn,  from  New  York,  who  arrived  here  last 
Friday,  came  no  less  than  forty-five  passengers  ;  amongst  them,  John  Smith,  Esq.,  and 
Mrs.  Smith,  of  New  York;  Capt.  Elijah  Steel,  Mr.  Thomas  Ivers,  of  this  place;  and 
the  Rev.  Hezekiah  Smith,  who,  we  hear,  is  commissioned  to  solicit  benefactions 
towards  establishing  a  College  at  Warren,  Rhode  Island  Government,  while  such  a 
necessary  institution  is  entirely  neglected  here.  Surely,  charity  should  begin  at 
home. 

According  to  the  account  submitted  by  Mr.  Smith  to  the  Corpora- 
tion, at  the  annual  meeting  held  in  Providence,  Thursday,  Sept.  6, 
1770,  he  had  collected  of  "  sundry  benefactors  "  in  South  Carolina  and 
Georgia,  as  per  special  account  rendered  and  remitted  to  the  Treasurer 
at  various  times,  .£2,523-8-6,  South  Carolina  currency,  £5  being 
equal  to  £1  sterling.     This  would  be,  as  already  stated,  about  twenty- 


1770-1771.  AND   MANNING.  149 

five  hundred  dollars  ;  a  large  sum  of  money  in  those  early  days  of 
poverty  and  distress.  While  the  £888  10s.  2d.  sterling,  obtained  in 
England  and  Ireland  by  Mr.  Edwards,  was  constituted  a  permanent 
fund  for  the  support  of  the  President,  the  money  obtained  by  Mr. 
Smith  Was  expended  in  supplying  the  immediate  needs  of  the  College. 
This  we  infer  from  the  fact  that  in  1775,  when  Colonel  Bennet  resigned 
his  office  as  Treasurer,  the  permanent  funds  amounted  to  but  £1,349 
14s.  8d.,  lawful  money,  or  about  forty-five  hundred  dollars.  Of  the 
balance  of  subscriptions  due,  amounting,  according  to  Mr.  Smith's 
report,  to  XI, 316  17s.,  only  a  small  part  was  ever  collected ;  the  dis- 
turbances of  the  times  and  the  war  with  England  that  ensued  probably 
preventing. 

A  small  duodecimo  manuscript  of  twenty-six  pages,  in  the  hand- 
writing of  Mr.  Smith,  is  on  file  among  the  College  archives.  It  is  enti- 
tled, "An  exact  list  of  benefactions,  etc.,  to  the  Rhode  Island  College, 
collected  and  got  subscribed  in  South  Carolina  and  Georgia,  by  Heze- 
kiah  Smith."  It  gives  not  only  the  names  of  benefactors,  with  the 
several  amounts  subscribed,  but  also  the  names  of  others  upon  whom 
Mr.  Smith  called,  with  remarks  added,  such  as,  "No  money,"  "  Doubt- 
ful," "Probable,"  "Call again,"  "Out  of  town,"  "  Go  thy  way  for  this 
time,"  etc.  This  interesting  document,  which  the  writer  published  in 
1867  in  his  "Documentary  History  of  Brown  University,"  was  obtained 
through  the  late  Rev.  Ebenezer  Thresher,  of  Dayton,  Ohio,  a  graduate 
of  the  University  in  the  class  of  1827. 

The  following  letter  from  the  Rev.  Oliver  Hart,  shows  how  Mr. 
Smith  was  received  at  the  South,  and  how  he  performed  the  delicate 
and  responsible  duties  of  his  mission :  — 

Charleston,  April  17,  1770. 
Dear  Mr.  Manning: 

As  our  good  friend  Mr.  Smith  is  now  almost  ready  to  embark  for  your  Northern 
clime,  I  embrace  the  opportunity  of  sending  you  a  few  lines,  which  I  hope  you  will 
accept  as  a  superadded  token  of  my  unfeigned  regard.  I  am  sorry  that  Mr.  Smith  is 
obliged  to  leave  us  so  soon.  His  labors  have  been  acceptable  to  my  people  universally, 
and  many  others  have  constantly  crowded  to  hear  him.  Some,  I  trust,  have  received 
advantage  by  his  faithful  preaching.    Two  young  men  were  to  see  him  last  night  under 


150  BROWN    UNIVERSITY  Chap.  IV. 

soul  concern.  May  the  good  work  be  carried  on  in  their  hearts,  and  may  we  yet  hear  of 
many  more  being  awakened  to  a  sense  of  their  lost  state  by  nature.  As  to  his  endeavors 
to  serve  the  College,  they  have  been  indefatigable,  and  his  success  has  been  more  than 
equal  to  what  could  have  been  expected,  all  things  considered.  I  am  sure  he  has 
merited  the  grateful  acknowledgments  of  the  Corporation.  No  man  could  have  done 
more,  and  few  would  have  done  so  much  as  he  has,  to  serve  the  Institution.  He  has  met 
with  much  opposition,  and  borne  many  reflections,  but  none  of  these  things  have  dis- 
couraged him.  I  heartily  wish  the  benefactions  of  this  Province  may  greatly  promote 
the  welfare  of  the  College.    Great  grace  be  with  you. 

I  am,  yours,  etc., 

Oliver  Hart. 

After  the  reading  of  Mr.  Smith's  account,  the  Corporation 

Voted,  That  the  accounts  presented  by  the  Rev.  Hezekiah  Smith,  of  the  donations 
and  subscriptions  by  him  received  in  the  Provinces  of  South  Carolina  and  Georgia  be 
accepted,  and  that  the  Corporation  highly  approve  of  his  conduct,  and  return  him  their 
hearty  thanks  for  his  great  and  generous  services. 

Voted,  also,  That  as  Mr.  Smith  was  long  absent  from  his  people  -in  the  service  of  the 
Corporation,  and  his  salary  in  that  time  would  have  amounted  to  sixty-six  pounds, 
thirteen  shillings  and  four  pence,  that  the  Corporation  would  willingly  make  up  that 
sum  to  him ;  but  as  he  generously  refuses  to  receive  anything  on  that  account  more  than 
a  remission  of  his  subscription  of  forty  dollars  to  the  College,  the  said  subscription  is 
accordingly  remitted,  and  the  Corporation  gratefully  consider  the  remainder  of  said 
sum  which  he  would  have  received  for  his  salary,  as  a  donation  to  the  Institution. 

The  sum  of  twenty  pounds  having  been  reported  as  a  subscription 
from  Mr.  Moses  Linds,  a  Jewish  merchant,  of  Charleston,  it  was  there- 
upon 

Voted,  That  the  children  of  Jews  may  be  admitted  into  this  Institution,  and  entirely 
enjoy  the  freedom  of  their  own  religion  without  any  constraint  or  imposition  whatever. 
And  that  the  Chancellor  and  President  do  write  to  Mr.  Moses  Linds,  of  Charleston, 
South  Carolina,  and  give  him  information  of  this  resolution. 

We  resume  now  our  account  of  the  College  building.  The  names 
of  the  Building  Committee,  as  given  in  the  previous  chapter,  were  the 
Hon.  Stephen  Hopkins,  John  Brown,  John  Jenckes,  Sylvester  Child, 
and  Capt.  John  Warren.     "The  gentlemen  appointed  for  carrying  on 


1770-1771.  AND   MANNING.  151 

the  building  of  the  College  edifice,"  says  the  record,  "appeared  before 
the  Corporation  and  generously  offered  to  do  the  same  without  charg- 
ing any  commissions  therefor."  These  gentlemen  were  the  "  Four 
Brothers,"  Nicholas,  Joseph,  John,  and  Moses  Brown,  who,  after  the 
final  vote  on  the  location,  "concluded  to  take  charge  of  building  the 
necessary  buildings,  purchasing  land  for  the  same,  etc."  This  we  learn 
from  the  letter  from  Moses  Brown  to  his  "esteemed  friend,  Francis 
Wayland."1  The  following  from  the  Providence  Gazette  of  May  19, 
1770,  may  be  regarded  as  an  official  statement  of  the  laying  of  the 
corner  stone,  which,  according  to  Mr.  Howland,  was  at  the  bottom  of 
the  cellar  wall,  in  the  southwest  corner  of  the  building :  — 

Monday  last  (May  14)  the  first  foundation  stone  of  the  College  ahout  to  be  erected 
here,  was  laid  by  Mr.  John  Brown,  of  this  place,  merchant,  in  presence  of  a  number  of 
gentlemen,  friends  to  the  Institution.  About  twenty  workmen  have  since  been 
employed  on  the  foundation,  which  number  will  be  increased,  and  the  building  will  be 
completed  with  all  possible  dispatch. 

Tradition  adds  that  Mr.  Brown,  in  accordance  with  the  customs  of 
the  times,  generously  treated  the  crowd  with  punch,  in  honor  of  the 
joyful  occasion.  Doct.  Solomon  Drowne,  an  early  graduate  of  the 
College,  in  his  diary,  gives  one  or  two  interesting  items: — "March  26, 
1770.  This  day  the  Committee  for  setting  the  spot  for  the  College  met 
at  the  new  Brick  School  House,  when  it  was  determined  it  should  be 
set  on  the  hill  opposite  Mr.  John  Jenckes,  up  the  Presbyterian  Lane. 
March  27.  This  day  they  began  to  dig  the  cellar  for  the  College. 
May  14.  This  day  the  first  stone  was  laid  for  the  foundation  of  the 
College."  The  work  now  proceeded  rapidly,  and  the  enthusiasm  of 
the  people  appears  to  have  been  very  general  and  intense.  As  in  the 
building  of  the  Tabernacle  of  old,  contributions  of  labor  and  materials 
were  freely  given.  The  progress  of  the  building  was  greatly  accel- 
lerated  by  the  disturbances  in  Boston,  and  the  consequent  interrup- 
tions of  business,  enabling  the  Committee  to  secure  from  that  place  an 
ample  supply  of  skilful  workmen.     As  early  as  June  7,  1770,  Man- 


1  See  Moses  Brown's  letter  to  Francis  Wayland  in  previous  chapter,  page  137. 


152  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  IV. 

ning  writes :  —  "  The  building  proceeds  faster  than  could  have  been 
expected,  its  magnitude  considered,  which  is  one  hundred  and  fifty  by 
forty-six,  with  a  projection  in  the  middle  of  ten  feet  on  each  side  (east 
and  west  sides,  ten  by  thirty  feet),  for  the  public  rooms.  It  is  to  be 
four  stories  high,  with  an  entry  of  twelve  feet  through  the  middle  of 
each,  and  is  to  be  built  of  brick.  The  town  of  Providence  itself  has 
nearly  provided  for  the  building,  as  they  have  raised  by  subscription 
near  four  thousand  pounds,  lawful  money,  at  six  shillings  per  dollar. 
The  beneficence  of  a  few  Baptists  in  this  place,  their  fortunes  consid- 
ered, is  almost  unparalled." 

At  the  annual  meeting  of  the  Corporation,  held  on  Thursday,  Sep- 
tember 6,  1770,  it  was 

Voted,  That  the  Corporation  do  approve  of  what  the  committee  for  building  the  Col- 
lege and  the  President's  house  have  done  in  that  business.  That  they  be  empowered 
to  cause  the  stones  on  the  College  land  to  be  made  into  a  wall ;  to  fill  up  the  holes  from 
whence  said  stones  were  dug ;  to  remove  and  repair  the  barn  on  said  land ;  and  to  make 
such  other  improvements  thereon  as  shall  be  thought  by  them  necessary. 

The  following  vote  will  be  read  with  interest,  showing  the  great 
crowd  of  people  that  attended  the  exercises  of  the  first  Commencement 
at  Providence  : — 

Voted,  That  the  thanks  of  the  Corporation  be  given  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Snow  and  his 
society,  for  the  use  of  the  meeting-house  yesterday,  and  that  they  repair  all  damages 
that  were  occasioned  by  the  throng,  and  that  the  President  and  the  Committee  for 
carrying  on  the  building  of  the  College  edifice  do  perform  the  same  accordingly. 

From  the  report  finally  rendered,  it  appears  that  Benjamin  Mann  was 
paid  by  the  Committee  four  shillings  and  eight  pence  "  for  setting  seven 
squares  of  glass  in  Mr.  Snow's  meeting-house,  broke  at  Commence- 
ment."    The  following  appeared  in  the  Gazette  for  September  15th  :  — 

The  Corporation  of  the  College  in  this  Colony,  at  their  last  session,  observing  the 
extraordinary  forwardness  of  the  College  edifice  and  the  immediate  necessity  of  money 
to  defray  the  expenses,  as  the  timber  for  the  fourth  floor  is  now  on,  take  this  oppor- 
tunity to  request  the  severallsubscribers  immediately  to  pay  their  subscriptions  to  the 


1770-1771.  AND   MANNING.  153 

treasurer  of  the  Corporation,  or  the  Committee  for  carrying  on  the  building,  or  any 
others  who  may  be  empowered  to  receive  the  same. 

Another    notice    from   the    Building   Committee   appears    in    the 
G-azette  for  Jan.  19,  1771  :  — 

The  Committee  for  building  the  College  desire  all  persons  who  are  subscribers  to 
pay  their  subscriptions  immediately,  as  the  workmen  are  now  daily  calling  for  their 
money.  As  advertising  is  attended  with  expense  to  the  College,  it  is  earnestly 
requested  that  it  need  not  be  repeated. 

N.  B.  Some  inch  and  quarter  plank  and  floor  boards  are  yet  wanted,  and  will  be 
received  in  lieu  of  money,  if  brought  immediately. 

The  building  had  now  approached  completion,  and  a  full  account  of 
the  receipts  and  expenditures  up  to  March  11,  1771,  was  presented  by- 
Nicholas  Brown  &  Co.  in  behalf  of  the  Building  Committee,  at  the 
Corporation  meeting  in  September  following.  The  amount  expended 
for  the  President's  house  and  the  College  edifice,  for  the  two  buildings 
were  carried  on  together,  was  according  to  this  account,  two  thousand 
eight  hundred  and  forty-four  pounds,  five  shillings,  three  and  one-quar- 
ter pence,  lawful  money,  equal  to  about  ten  thousand  dollars.  This 
original  account  of  "sundry  supplies  "and  "  sundry  subscriptions  "  is 
now  on  file.  It  is  an  exceedingly  interesting  document,  written  in  a 
large,  plain  hand,  and  filling  sixteen  pages  of  folio  ledger  paper.  Some 
of  these  items  of  expenditure  are  curious  and  interesting,  illustrating 
the  progress  of  the  buildings,  and  throwing  light  on  the  habits  and  cus- 
toms of  our  fathers :  — 

1770.    Jan.     1.    To  cash  paid  Robert  Currie,  for  passage  of  Joseph  Brown, 
Jonathan  Hamman,  and  Zeph.  Andrews  to  Cambridge, 

to  view  the  colleges,  12  dollars £3    12    0 

"  "     To  cash,  Joseph  Brown  paid  the  expenses  in  said  journey       2    16    0 

To  John  and  Moses  Brown's  horses  to  Samuel  Fenner's  to 
purchase  the  lot  for  the  College,  and  from  thence  to 
Jonathan  Randall,  Esq.,  and  then  to  Fenner's  again, 

in  all  seven  miles 5    3 

"  "     To  John  Brown's  horse  and  ferriage  to  Elisha  Burr's,  in 

Rehoboth,  to  contract  for  brick,  nine  miles 3    7 

20 


Chap.  3 

[V. 

l 

6 

l 

6 

15 

6i 

1 

4 

154  BROWN   UNIVERSITY 

1770.    Jan      1.    To  Nicholas  Brown's  horse  to  Jeremiah  "Williams 

"  "To  cash  paid  for  the  postage  of  a  letter  to  the  Corporation. . 

April    2.     To  cash,  Zeph.  Andrews   paid   for  expenses    in    Boston, 

besides  what  Joseph  Brown  paid 

"                    7.    To  postage  of  a  letter  from  the  Architect  of  Philadelphia,. 
"                  17.    To  paid  Wm.  Compton  for  calling  a  meeting  of  the  sub- 
scribers   2    6 

"  "    To  paid  ditto  for  his  attendance  at  a  meeting  at  the  Court 

House,  and  bill 3  00 

"  "    To  refuse  boards  judged  by  Hammon  to  be  worth,  to  stick 

boards  on,  etc 4    0 

"  "       To  one-quarter-load  of  wood  of  N.  B.  to  lay  boards  on 1    6 

"         May  17.    To  3  qts.  rum,  allowed  Cole  &  John  Jenckes 1    8 

"  24.    To  3  pts.  rum  allowed  John  Jenckes  for  the  scow  men 6  10 

11  25.    To  Town  scow  two  days  fetching  stones 6    0 

"      May    25.    To  one-half  day's  work  of  Earle's  negro 1    6 

"  "      To  cash  paid  Comstock  for  one-half  day's  carting  with  three 

creatures 3    0 

"       June     1.    To  paid  Henry  Paget,  Esq.,  for  twelve  and  one-half  days' 

work  of  his  negro  Pero,  and  bill  at  3s 1    17    6 

' '  9.    To  one  wheelbarrow,  new,  but  broke  to  pieces  in  the  service .  10    6 

"  19.    To  paid  James  and  Abraham  Littlehale  for  one  month's 

work  of  each  at  30s.,  at  the  foundation 3      0    0 

"  "      To  one  pail  allowed  A.  Cole  for  the  people  to  carry  water 

to  drink  in 1    6 

"  "      To  \  gall.  West  India  rum  for  the  digging  of  the  well 1    9 

"  "      To  1  qt.  ditto  allowed  by  John  Jenckes 1    0 

"  21.    To  \  gall,  ditto  at  twice  for  the  well 2    0 

"  28.     To  \  gall,  rum  for  the  well  diggers 1    1 

"  "     To  1  gall.  "West  India  rum  when  laying  the  first  floor 3    6 

"       Aug.     2.    To  2  galls,  ditto  and  2  lbs.  sugar,  second  floor 8    0 

"                    6.    To  3  pints  ditto  allowed  Simmons  for  "  extraordinary  ser- 
vices"   1    6 

"  21.    To  2  galls,  good  rum  and  2  lbs.  sugar  when  raising  the 

President's  house 9    8J 

"  25.    To  4  galls.  West  India  rum,  very  good  and  old,  and  1  lb. 

sugar,  third  floor 15    1\ 

"       Sept.   14.    To  4  galls,  ditto  and  1  lb.  sugar,  fourth  floor 14    7 


1770-1771.  AND    MANNING.  155 

1770.  Sept.  14.    To  1  pt.  ditto  allowed  the  carpenters  gratis 0    7 

"       Oct.      9.    To  7|  galls,  old  West  India  rum  and  2  lbs.  sugar  when 

raising  the  fifth  floor 1      8    4 

"  13.    To  3  galls.  West  India  rum  when  raising  roof 10    6 

1771.  Jan.      7.    To  cash  paid  Oliver  Bowen  for  the  College  land,  the  remain- 

der, £30  15s.  7d.,  paid  by  John  Jenckes,  the  whole  £84..  53  4  5 
"  "      To  5  acres  land  bought  of  Samuel  Fenner,  at  90  dollars  per 

acre,  is  £135 ;  to  one  year's  interest,  8s.  2d 143      2    0 

"       Feb.      7.    To  1  box  glass  for  President's  house 3      3    0 

"  "      To  paid  Benjamin  Mann,  for  setting  seven  squares  glass  in 

Mr.  Snow's  meeting  house,  broke  at  Commencement.. .  4    8 

"      March  8.    To  paid  Ebenezer  Leland,  for  painting  the  College  and 

President's  house 9      0    0 

From  the  foregoing  account,  it  will  appear,  that  the  amount  paid 
for  the  original  College  lands,  comprising  about  eight  acres,  was  two 
hundred  and  nineteen  pounds,  or  seven  hundred  and  thirty  dollars ; 
being  ninety  dollars  per  acre,  for  what  is  now  valued  at  one  dollar  and 
upwards  per  square  foot.  The  last  item  is  for  painting.  It  was  hoped 
that  the  building  would  be  ready  for  the  students  in  the  fall.  Dr. 
Stiles,  however,  in  his  diary  for  November,  1771,  thus  writes  :  —  "  On 
Monday  I  went  to  visit  the  College,  where  five  or  six  lower  rooms  are 
finished  off.  They  have  about  twenty  students,  though  none  are  yet 
living  in  the  College  edifice." 

A  few  more  extracts  from  the  records  touching  the  College  edifice, 
and  we  pass  to  other  subjects.  The  auditing  committee  of  the 
accounts  presented  by  Nicholas  Brown  &  Co.  thus  reported :  — 

We,  the  subscribers,  being  appointed  by  the  Corporation  of  the  College  at  their 
meeting  in  April  last,  to  audit  the  accounts  of  the  Committee  for  building  said  Col- 
lege :  — 

Have,  in  obedience  to  said  order,  carefully  examined  their  respective  accounts, 
with  the  several  vouchers  thereto  annexed ;  and  we  find  a  balance  from  the  subscribers 
for  building  said  College  due  to  Nicholas  Brown  &  Co.,  of  six  hundred  and  twenty- 
three  pounds,  five  pence,  and  one  farthing,  lawful  money,  agreeably  to  the  above 
account  current. 

And  here  upon  this  occasion,  we  think  it  our  duty  to  inform  all  the  benefactors  to 


156  BROWN    UNIVERSITY  Chap.  IV. 

this  Institution,  that  the  materials  for  said  College,  appear  to  us  to  have  been  pur- 

•chased,  collected,  and  put  together  with  good  judgment,  prudence,  and  economy;  and 

that  this  Committee,  for  this  great  application,  disinterestedness,  and  activity,  are 

justly  entitled  to  the  thanks  of  every  one  who  wishes  well  to  so  arduous  and  important 

an  undertaking. 

Nicholas  Cooke, 

Darius  Sessions, 

Joseph  Russell. 
Providence,  March  11, 1771. 

Which  report,  being  read,  was  unanimously  accepted  and  ordered 
to  be  recorded. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretary  give  a  fair  copy  of  the  above  report  to  each  of  the  Com- 
mittee for  purchasing  materials  and  building  said  College,  as  a  testimony  of  their 
entire  approbation  of  their  conduct. 

The  Hon.  Nicholas  Cooke,  whose  name  here  appears  as  chairman 
of  the  auditing  committee,  took  his  engagement  as  a  Trustee  in  1769. 
Backus  states  that  "he  was  a  Baptist  himself,  though  in  communion 
with  a  Congregational  church."  The  Rev.  Dr.  James  G.  Vose,  in  his 
"Sketches  of  Congregationalism  in  Rhode  Island,"  says  that  Mr. 
Cooke's  name  appears  on  the  records  of  "Father  Snow's  Church," 
now  the  "Beneficent  Church,"  in  February,  174T.  In  the  account 
which  Backus  in  his  third  volume  gives  of  Manning,  we  find  the  fol- 
lowing, which  illustrates  the  peculiar  condition  of  some  of  the  Provi- 
dence churches  in  the  early  days  :  —  "And  when  Governor  Cooke  was 
chosen  member  of  the  College  Corporation,  and  some  scrupled  whether 
he  could  properly  be  denominated  a  Baptist,  because  he  was  a  member 
of  a  Congregational  church,  he  informed  them  that  he  was  ever  a  Baptist 
on  principle,  and  was  baptized  by  immersion,  and  should  have  joined 
the  Baptist  Church  in  Providence,  if  such  doctrine  had  been  preached 
therein  then  as  there  was  now."  "Baptism  by  immersion,"  Dr.  Vose 
adds,  in  his  history  of  the  Beneficent  Church,1  "  was  frequently  practised 
by  Father  Snow ;  and  the  Providence  River,  then  much  wider  and  purer 


1 12mo.    Boston,  1894.    See  page  103. 


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1770-1771.  AND    MANNING.  157 

than  now,  witnessed  many  such  scenes  on  either  bank,  from  the  shore 
in  front  of  the  First  Baptist  Meeting-house  to  that  on  or  near  the  site 
of  the  present  City  Hall.  Many  of  the  early  members,  and  some  in 
later  times  were  thus  baptized."  Nicholas  Cooke's  name  appears  as 
one  of  the  subscribers  for  the  erection  of  the  College  building  to  the 
amount  of  forty-five  pounds,  or  one  hundred  and  fifty  dollars. 

Thursday  Sept.  3,  1772.  Voted,  That  the  tiles  for  covering  the  College  edifice  shall 
be  retained  for  that  use. 

Whereas,  a  sum  of  money  is  immediately  wanted  to  defray  the  expense  of  slating 
the  College  edifice,  it  is 

Resolved,  That  the  Rev.  John  Gano  be  appointed  to  solicit  donations  for  that  purpose 
in  this  or  the  other  colonies ;  and  that  he  be  requested  to  proceed  upon  that  business  as 
soon  as  may  be. 

Voted,  That  the  sum  of  five  dollars  be  taken  for  the  use  of  each  room  in  the  College 
edifice  annually,  from  those  who  live  in  them. 

Thursday,  Sept.  2,  1773.  Voted  and  Resolved,  That  the  offer  of  the  Secretary  (Doct. 
Thomas  Eyres)  be  accepted,  that  he  would  pay  the  interest  of  one  hundred  dollars  for 
three  years  to  any  gentleman  who  will  advance  said  sum  towards  finishing  the  rooms 
in  the  College  edifice,  after  the  balance  in  Mr.  Howell's  hands  was  expended,  the 
Corporation  being  security  for  the  original  sum. 

The  accompanying  engraving  presents  a  southwest  view  of  the  Col- 
lege, together  with  the  President's  house  and  garden.  It  was  photo- 
graphed from  a  painting  in  the  possession  of  the  family  of  the  late  Presi- 
dent Messer.  College,  Prospect,  and  Waterman  streets  were  not  laid  out 
when  the  painting  was  made.  The  older  graduates  will  remember  the 
well  at  the  southeast  corner,  from  whence  such  cool  refreshing  water 
was  drawn.  The  stone  walls  on  the  east  and  north  are  the  walls  to  which 
Manning  refers  in  his  "trying  experiences,"  as  narrated  by  Dr.  Water- 
house.  "I  made,"  says  Manning,  "my  own  garden,  and  took  care  of 
it,  and  repaired  my  dilapidated  walls."  The  little  building  south  of  the 
house  is  the  barn  where  he  kept  his  horse,  with  which  he  was  accus- 
tomed to  journey  during  vacations.  The  little  tower  on  the  hill  in  the 
distance  must  be  the  "signal  post,"  or  beacon,  erected  in  1775,  pursu- 
ant to  the  recommendations  of   Congress,   for  the  purpose  of  giving 


158  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  IV. 

notice  to  the  surrounding  country,  in  case  of  an  attack  on  the  town. 
It  was  fired  on  the  17th  of  August.  Its  light,  says  Staples,  was  seen 
in  Newport,  New  London,  Norwich,  Pomfret,  Prospect  Hill  in  Cam- 
bridge, and  in  almost  all  the  towns  within  the  same  distance  from  Prov- 
idence. 

The  following  extract  shows  that  Mr.  Gano,  Manning's  brother-in- 
law,  was  specially  active  in  advocating  the  interests  of  the  College :  — 

Thursday,  Sept.  8,  1774.  Voted,  That  the  thanks  of  the  Corporation  he  presented  to 
the  Rev.  John  Gano,  for  his  having  used  his  hest  endeavors  to  promote  a  suhscription 
for  this  College  in  the  Southern  colonies ;  —  that  the  manner  in  which  he  has  proceeded 
is  approved  hy  the  Corporation ;  and  he  is  hereby  requested  to  proceed  upon  the  same 
business  in  any  other  places  and  methods  which  he  shall  judge  most  beneficial  towards 
the  advancement  of  the  College ;  and  the  Secretary  is  ordered  to  give  him  a  copy  of 
this  vote. 

One  of  the  characteristic  votes  passed  at  the  meeting  of  the  Corpo- 
ration in  1770,  reads  asfollows  :  — "  Voted,  That  the  Chancellor,  the 
President,  and  the  Secretary,  be  a  Committee  to  authorize  any  gentle- 
man to  take  and  collect  subscriptions  in  any  part  of  the  world."  "It 
is  to  be  hoped,"  President  Sears  playfully  remarks,  "that  the  same 
liberal  spirit  in  regard  to  receiving  subscriptions,  will  always  be  mani- 
fested in  this  University."  Perhaps  it  was  this  vote  that  encouraged 
Manning  to  secure  by  correspondence  the  co-operation  and  assistance  of 
friends  in  England.  For  this  purpose  the  line  of  packets  owned  by 
the  Browns,  and  running  regularly  to  and  from  London,  afforded  good 
facilities.  In  pursuance  of  this  plan,  which  he  continued  through  life, 
he  now  addressed  a  letter  to  the  Rev.  Dr.  Samuel  Stennett,  whom  we 
shall  presently  mention,  as  chairman  of  the  committee  to  act  in  conjunc- 
tion with  the  Standing  Committee  on  Grievances.  Dr.  Stennett  was 
for  thirty-seven  years  the  faithful  and  affectionate  pastor  of  the  Baptist 
church  in  Little  Wild  Street,  London,  and  was  regarded  as  one  of  the 
most  eminent  ministers  of  his  own  denomination.  His  various  con- 
nections with  Protestant  Dissenters  generally,  and  with  members  of  the 
Established  Church,  gave  him  an  opportunity  to  commend  Baptists  on 


Samuel  Stennett. 


1770-1771.  AND   MANNING.  159 

occasions  when  they  required  special  aid.  One  of  his  constant  hearers 
was  the  philanthropist,  John  Howard,  whom  Burke  has  so  highly  eulo- 
gized. George  III.,  it  is  said,  was  on  terms  of  intimacy  with  him, 
frequently  calling  at  his  house  on  Muswell  Hill.  He  was  remarkable, 
says  his  biographer,  for  the  ease  and  suavity  of  his  manners,  for  the 
good  breeding,  the  polished  language,  and  the  graceful  ways  of  the  true 
gentleman.  As  a  scholar  and  an  author,  he  had  no  small  repute.  His 
Works,  edited  by  the  Rev.  William  Jones,  were  published  in  1824,  in 
three  octavo  volumes.  These  works,  says  Ivimey,  display  the  author's 
proficiency  in  Greek,  Latin,  and  the  Oriental  tongues,  and  establish  his 
reputation  for  learning  and  genius.  His  father,  Dr.  Joseph  Stennett, 
his  grandfather,  Joseph  Stennett,  his  great-grandfather,  Edward  Sten- 
nett, his  brother,  Joseph  Stennett,  and  his  son,  Joseph  Stennett,  were 
all  Baptist  ministers. 

The  accompanying  portrait  is  from  an  engraving  in  Rippon's  Bap- 
tist Register. 

To  the  Rev.  Dr.  Stennett. 

Providence,  June  7, 1770. 
Reverend  and  Dear  Sir: 

Although  unknown  to  you,  I  take  the  freedom  to  trouble  you  with  reading  a  letter 
from  an  unworthy  friend.  I  was  urged  to  this  partly  by  the  desire  of  our  common 
friend,  Mr.  Henry  Williams,  merchant  of  New  York,  and  partly  because  I  have  often 
heard  that  you  are  a  lover  of  our  nation,  and  are  engaged  to  further  the  interests  of  the 
Baptist  Society ;  as  also  that  you  may  be  informed  of  the  state  of  our  College,  the  inter- 
ests of  which  I  am  told  you  have  at  heart.  Of  this  the  late  very  acceptable  present  of 
your  two  volumes  of  Sermons  is  an  additional  proof.  I  heartily  wish  that  your  example 
may  be  followed  by  others  of  our  friends  who  have  written  for  the  public. 

It  was  resolved,  after  long  deliberation,  to  place  the  College  edifice  in  the  town  of 
Providence,  in  this  Colony,  as  most  conducive  to  the  ends  of  its  institution.  This,  how- 
ever, has  been  attended  with  considerable  difficulty ;  but  I  forbear  to  trouble  you  with 
the  recital  of  our  little  affairs.  The  foundation  of  the  College  is  now  laid,  and  the 
building  proceeds  faster  than  could  have  been  expected,  its  magnitude  considered, 
which  is  one  hundred  and  fifty  by  forty-six,  with  a  projection  in  the  middle,  of  ten  feet 
on  each  side,  for  the  public  rooms.  It  is  to  be  four  stories  high,  with  an  entry  of  twelve 
feet  through  the  middle  of  each,  and  is  to  be  built  of  brick.  It  will  contain  fifty-six 
rooms  in  all.    The  town  of  Providence  itself  has  nearly  provided  for  the  building,  as 


160  BEOWN   UNIYEKSITY  Chap.  IV. 

they  have  raised  hy  subscription  near  £4,000,  lawful  money,  at  six  shillings  per  dollar. 
The  beneficence  of  a  few  Baptists  in  this  place,  their  fortunes  considered,  is  almost 
unparalleled.  I  should  rejoice  to  find  many  elsewhere  like-minded.  "We  should  then  see 
the  College  properly  endowed,  as  well  as  founded.  This  we  must  expect  from  abroad. 
Added  to  the  sum  collected  by  Mr.  Edwards  in  Europe,  our  Brother  Hezekiah  Smith,  of 
Haverhill,  has  collected  and  obtained  subscriptions  in  South  Carolina  and  Georgia, 
from  whence  he  has  just  returned,  to  the  amount  of  about  £500  sterling. 

It  would  be  happy  for  us  if  we  could  find  in  England  a  family  of  Hollises1  to  patro- 
nize our  college ;  but  I  fear  the  Baptists  are  not  to  expect  such  an  instance  of  public 
spirit  in  their  favor,  although  I  have  heretofore  indulged  such  hopes,  and  am  yet 
unwilling  to  give  them  up. 

Two  young  men  have  already  engaged  in  the  ministry  who  have  been  assisted  by 
this  Institution,  and  both  from  their  beginnings  give  promise  of  usefulness.  Their  first 
attempts  have  thus  far  been  highly  acceptable  to  the  public.  May  the  Lord  of  the  har- 
vest thrust  out  many  more  faithful  laborers.  In  this  part  of  the  world  the  field  for  labor 
is  very  large,  while  the  faithful  and  well-furnished  laborers  are  truly  few.  To  my  great 
satisfaction,  I  lately  received  certain  information  of  the  conversion  to  Baptist  princi- 
ples of  a  young  Presbyterian  minister,  eminent  for  his  piety  and  success  as  a  preacher. 
The  manner  in  which  this  was,  by  Divine  Providence,  brought  about,  is  somewhat  sin- 
gular. He  was  preaching  upon  John  xiv.  15,  when  truth  was  let  into  his  mind  with 
such  vividness  as  compelled  him  to  open  the  nature  of  the  ordinance  of  baptism  so 
clearly  as  to  convince  the  church,  of  which  he  was  pastor,  that  believer's  baptism  by 
immersion  only  is  a  divine  institution.  In  consequence  of  this,  they  sent  a  messenger 
to  me  to  come  and  administer  the  ordinance  to  both  minister  and  people,  the  most  of 
whom  expect  immediately  to  submit  thereto.  As  they,  however,  are  more  than  one 
hundred  miles  distant  from  me,  and  near  Mr.  Smith,2  he  has  engaged  to  supply  my 


1  Concerning  the  Hollis  family,  who  for  nearly  a  century  continued  their  henefactions  to  Harvard 
College,  we  may  here  state  in  hrief ,  what  Pierce  and  Quincy  have  given  at  length  in  their  histories 
of  the  University.  Thomas  Hollis,  the  father  of  the  "  benefactor,"  was  horn  in  1634,  and  died  in  1718. 
His  son,  called,  hy  reason  of  his  donations  to  Harvard,  Thomas  Hollis,  1st,  died  in  1731.  A  second 
son,  Nathaniel,  died  in  1738.  A  third  son,  John,  was  a  partner  in  business  with  his  brother  Thomas. 
Thomas  Hollis,  2d,  son  of  Nathaniel,  died  in  1735.  The  total  amount  of  the  benefactions  of  this 
family  up  to  this  date,  "  exceeded,"  says  Quincy,  "£6,000  currency  of  Massachusetts,  which,  consid- 
ering the  value  of  money  at  that  period,  and  the  disinterested  spirit  by  which  their  charities  were 
prompted,  constitutes  one  of  the  most  remarkable  instances  of  continued  benevolence  upon  record." 
Thomas  Hollis,  3d,  was  born  in  1720,  and  died  in  1774.  His  donations  to  Harvard  College  during  his 
lifetime  exceeded  £1,400  sterling.  Timothy  Hollis  died  in  1791,  at  an  advanced  age.  He  gave  £20 
sterling  for  the  library.  Thomas  Brand  Hollis,  the  last  of  the  benefactors,  was  born  in  1719,  and 
died  in  1804.  His  Memoirs  were  published  in  1808,  in  two  handsome  quarto  volumes,  by  his  friend 
the  Rev.  John  Disney. 

2  Rev.  Hezekiah  Smith.  In  his  diary,  we  find  the  following :  "  Wednesday,  June  13th.  Went  to 
Deerfield,  and  preached  from  Acts  xi.  23 :  "  Who,  when  he  came,  and  had  seen  the  grace  of  God, 


1770-1771.  AND   MANNING.  161 

place.  I  am  also  told  that  God  is  doing  marvellous  things  in  Virginia  and  North  and 
South  Carolina  amongst  the  Baptists,  bringing  multitudes  to  suhmit  to  baptism  accord- 
ing to  Christ's  instructions.  And  we  are  not  quite  forsaken  in  New  England.  In 
several  towns  on  Cape  Cod  God  is  at  work,  although  in  general  we  have  reason  to  cry, 
"  Our  leanness,  our  leanness !  " 

My  situation  in  the  centre  of  American  intelligence,  especially  as  I  have  travelled 
through,  and  have  correspondents  in,  most  of  the  principal  towns,  furnishes  me  with 
an  opportunity  of  knowing  almost  everything  interesting  to  the  Baptists,  of  whose 
affairs,  should  you  be  disposed  to  hear,  you  may  depend  upon  receiving  the  best 
accounts  I  can  collect,  whenever  you  lay  your  commands  in  this  way.  However 
agreeable  the  like  from  you  would  be  respecting  affairs  in  Britain,  yet,  amidst  your 
more  important  connections  and  engagements,  the  utmost  I  presume  to  ask  is  your 
indulgence  for  interrupting  you  by  this  tedious  epistle,  and  beg  leave  to  subscribe, 

Dear  sir,  your  most  unworthy  brother, 

James  Manning. 
To  this  letter  Dr.  Stennett  thus  replies  :  — 

London,  Aug.  10, 1770. 
Reverend  and  Dear  Sir: 

I  received  your  favor  of  June  7th,  and  take  this  opportunity  of  returning  to  you  my 
sincere  thanks  for  it,  and  of  assuring  you  that  a  correspondence  with  Mr.  Manning, 
for  whose  character,  before  I  received  this  expression  of  his  friendship,  I  had  great 
respect,  will  afford  me  a  particular  pleasure.  I  write  by  Mr.  Gordon,1  a  minister  of  the 
Independent  persuasion  of  this  city,  who  intends  settling  in  America.  He  is  a  very 
sensible  and  worthy  man,  and  has  ample  recommendations  with  him.    His  political 


was  glad,  and  exhorted  them  all  that  with  purpose  of  heart  they  would  cleave  unto  the  Lord." 
After  the  sermon  I  examined  the  Rev.  Eliphalet  Smith  and  a  number  of  his  hearers  for  baptism. 
Thursday,  14th,  I  preached  in  Mr.  Smith's  meeting-house  from  Col.  ii.  11, 12.  After  sermon  I  bap- 
tized fourteen  persons,  whose  names  are  as  follows :  Rev.  Eliphalet  Smith  and  his  wife  Nancy,  Dea. 
Wadley  Cram  and  his  wife  Elizabeth,  Samuel  Winslow  and  his  wife  Jane,  James  Philbrick  and  his 
wife  Elizabeth,  Jeremiah  Present,  Moses  Clough,  William  Tirrill,  Hannah  Polsiper,  Nancy  Folsom, 
and  Isaac  Blasdel,  of  Chester,  the  rest  of  Deerfleld,  who  the  same  day  were  embodied  into  a  Baptist 
church.  A  good  day  it  was,  indeed.  The  goings  of  the  Lord  were  very  evident."  Two  days  after- 
wards Mr.  Smith  baptized  seven  persons,  one  of  whom  was  Dr.  Samuel  Shepard,  who,  in  1771,  was 
ordained  as  pastor  over  the  church  at  Stratham.  Mr.  Stillman,  of  Boston,  preached  the  sermon, 
Mr.  Smith  gave  the  charge,  and  President  Manning  the  right  hand  of  fellowship.  Dr.  Shepard 
became  a  very  active  and  highly  honored  minister  of  the  Baptist  denomination.  A  sketch  of  his 
life  appears  in  Sprague's  Annals  of  the  American  Pulpit.  He  was  converted  to  Baptist  sentiments, 
it  seems,  by  reading  Norcott's  work  on  Baptism. 

1  William  Gordon,  D.  D.  He  settled  in  Roxbury,  Massachusetts,  and  afterwards  wrote  a  history 
entitled  "The  Rise,  Progress,  and  Establishment  of  the  Independence  of  the  United  States  of 
America,"  published  in  1778,  in  four  octavo  volumes.  For  a  more  extended  notice  of  Gordon,  see 
later  on. 

21 


162  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  IV. 

speculations  in  favor  of  America,  and  some  little  misunderstanding  with  his  people, 
occasioned  by  his  not  knowing  how  conscientiously  to  baptize  all  the  children  of  those 
who  attended  his  ministry,  have  engaged  him  to  leave  us,  and  spend  the  remainder 
of  his  life  with  you.  Where  he  shall  settle  I  believe  he  has  not  himself  determined, 
but  I  imagine  somewhere  about  Philadelphia  or  New  York.  Should  he  take  a  tour 
your  way,  I  have  no  doubt  he  will  meet  with  a  friendly  and  brotherly  reception  at 
Providence.  I  was  educated  at  the  same  academy  with  him,  and  have  a  great  esteem 
and  affection  for  him.  Indeed,  he  is  well  known  and  esteemed  by  all  denominations 
here. 

I  am  glad  your  College  is  in  such  forwardness,  and  that  the  design,  which  is  truly 
important,  meets  with  so  much  encouragement  among  our  friends  on  your  side  of  the 
water.  The  groundless  prejudices  which  have  a  long  time  prevailed  among  many 
good  people  of  our  persuasion,  will,  I  hope,  in  time  subside ;  and  nothing  will  con- 
tribute so  much  to  the  removing  of  them  as  the  zeal,  good  behavior,  and,  with  the 
blessing  of  God,  success  of  the  first  young  persons  you  send  out  into  the  ministry.  I 
look  upon  it  as  a  very  kind  Providence  that  hath  set  you  at  the  head  of  this  College ; 
and  as  I  am  sensible  you  must  have  many  difficulties  to  contend  with,  so  I  heartily 
pray  you  may  have  strength  according  to  your  day.  The  success  you  have  already  met 
with  is  a  circumstance  which  I  doubt  not  affords  you  no  small  encouragement,  and  I 
hope  you  will  still,  my  dear  sir,  meet  with  a  great  deal  more.  I  shall  rejoice  to  help 
forward  your  design  in  any  way  that  I  am  able.  But  you  are  sensible  we  have  not  a 
great  deal  of  wealth  in  our  denomination,  and  few  of  the  Baptists,  as  I  hinted  before, 
are  very  warm  advocates  for  learning.  Dr.  Llewelyn  is  your  very  good  friend,  and  I 
am  persuaded  would  be  glad  of  an  acquaintance  with  Professor  Manning.  I  speak  not 
from  any  intimation  on  his  part,  but  from  the  particular  knowledge  I  have  of  bis 
character,  and  his  good  dispositions  towards  your  plan.  We  have  had  a  great  loss  in 
Mr.  Roffey,1  who  died  in  April  last,  and  through  whose  further  good  offices  I  hoped 
your  College  would  have  been  considerably  benefited.  But  God  will,  I  hope,  raise  up 
friends. 

I  cannot  now  be  so  particular  as  I  wish,  as  I  write  in  a  hurry.  By  the  hand  that 
conveys  this  I  have  written  to  Mr.  Stillman,  of  Boston,  whom  I  have,  I  fear,  wearied 
with  a  very  long  scrawl.  I  rejoice  in  the  agreeable  account  you  have  favored  me  with, 
of  the  success  of  the  Gospel  in  many  parts,  and  that  the  truth  with  respect  to  baptism 
prevails.    May  the  knowledge  of  Christ  and  of  His  ways  spread  far  and  wide.    We  are 


i  Mr.  Roffey,  it  appears,  was  a  benefactor  of  Rhode  Island  College.  From  the  records  we  find 
that  at  a  meeting  of  the  Corporation  held  at  Newport,  Nov.  16, 1769,  it  was  voted  "  That  the  thanks 
of  this  Corporation  be  transmitted  to  Mr.  Samuel  Roffey,  for  his  generous  benefaction  to  this 
Institution,  by  the  Secretary." 


1770-1771.  AND    MANNING.  163 

not  without  some  instances  of  the  power  and  grace  of  God  among  us ;  and  I  think  the 
interest  in  many  places  revives.  New  associations  of  ministers  and  congregations  are 
lately  set  up  in  the  country  where  there  were  none  before. 

As  to  Dr.  Moore's  scheme,  he  has  met  with  considerable  success,  though  as  yet  but 
little  has  been  collected  among  the  Baptists.  I  believe  about  £1,000  is  raised ;  we  have 
obtained  also  £1,000  of  the  King.  Trustees  are  appointed  for  the  management  of  the 
moneys  collected,  among  whom,  of  the  Baptists,  are  Mr.  Stead,  Dr.  Llewelyn,  and 
myself,  who  consider  ourselves  as  particularly  obliged  to  look  after  the  interests  of  our 
friends  in  Nova  Scotia. 

As  to  political  matters,  my  time  will  allow  me  to  say  but  little  now.  The  sov- 
ereignty of  Parliament  over  all  the  British  dominions  seems  to  be  the  great  object  of 
Government ;  and  yet  I  believe  they  would  be  glad  to  have  peace  and  harmony  restored. 
I  made  use  of  the  argument  of  policy,  as  well  as  of  the  goodness  of  the  cause  itself,  in 
favor  of  the  discussion  in  Nova  Scotia,  and  it  was  duly  attended  to.  I  hope  the  dis- 
couragements the  Baptists  have  lately  met  with  in  America  are  removed,  and  their 
grievances  in  some  degree  at  least  redressed.  I  am  sure,  however,  it  would  be  good 
policy,  to  say  no  more  of  it,  in  the  other  denominations  with  you,  to  treat  them  well. 
And  our  friends,  I  hope,  see  the  importance  and  reasonableness  of  taking  every  united 
step  that  our  divine  religion  teaches,  before  they  proceed  further.  But  I  must  not  run 
on  any  further  at  present. 

It  will,  I  assure  you,  my  dear  friend,  afford  me  a  very  sensible  pleasure,  to  hear 
from  you  quickly,  and  often ;  and  you  will  oblige  me  much  by  favoring  me  with  all  the 
news  you  can.  My  sincere  Christian  regards  to  Mr.  Hezekiah  Smith,  for  whose  char- 
acter I  have  a  high  esteem,  and  all  inquiring  friends.    I  am,  dear  sir, 

Your  very  affectionate  friend  and  brother, 

Samuel  Stennett. 

The  first  Commencement  in  Providence  was  held  in  the  meeting- 
house of  the  Society,  now  known  as  the  Beneficent  Congregational 
Society,  on  the  west  side  of  the  river.  This  house,  as  Mr.  Howland 
states,  was  the  largest  in  town,  and  the  congregation  was  largely  Baptist 
in  sentiment,  two-thirds  being  Baptist,  according  to  Dr.  Stiles,  and  one- 
third  Presbyterian.  The  Pastor,  Rev.  Joseph  Snow,  had  formerly  been 
a  deacon  in  Mr.  Cotton's  church.  In  1743,  he  with  others,  constituting 
at  the  time,  according  to  Staples,  a  large  part  if  not  a  majority  of  the 
church,  seceded  from  the  First  Congregational  Society,  having  become 
what  were  termed   "New  Lights"  or  Separatists.     This  was  at  the 


164  BROWN  UNIVERSITY  Chap.  IV. 

time  of  the  great  awakening  throughout  New  England,  in  consequence 
of  the  labors  of  Whitfield,  when  multitudes  like  Backus  left  the  Stand- 
ing Order,  and  afterwards  joined  themselves  to  the  Baptists.  A  new 
society  was  formed,  a  house  of  worship  was  built  on  the  lot  where  the 
present  house  stands,  and  in  1747  Mr.  Snow  was  ordained  as  the  pastor. 
This  relation  he  continued  to  sustain  to  a  beloved  and  united  people  for 
many  years.  Hezekiah  Smith,  whenever  he  visited  Providence,  was 
accustomed  to  preach  part  of  the  time  for  Dr.  Manning,  and  part  of 
the  time  for  Mr.  Snow.  In  1793  Mr.  Snow  and  his  adherents  withdrew 
from  the  Beneficent  Congregational  Church  and  formed  what  is  now 
known  as  the  Richmond  Street  Church.  He  died  in  1803  in  his 
eighty-ninth  year.  Dr.  Stephen  Gano,  of  the  First  Baptist  Church, 
preached  his  funeral  sermon. 

All  subsequent  Commencements  were  held  in  Mr.  Snow's  meeting- 
house, until  the  completion  of  the  new  Baptist  meeting-house,  in  1776. 
At  this  first  Commencement  in  Providence  but  four  young  men  were 
graduated,  one  of  whom,  Hon.  Theodore  Foster,  represented  Rhode 
Island  for  thirteen  years  in  the  Senate  of  the  United  States,  and  at  his 
death  left  many  fruits  of  antiquarian  research  connected  with  Rhode 
Island  history.  For  the  following  account  we  are  again  indebted  to  the 
Providence  Gazette:  — 

Providence,  Sept.  8,  1770. 

On  Wednesday  was  celebrated  here  the  second  Commencement  in  Rhode  Island 
College.  The  parties  concerned  met  at  the  court-house,  about  ten  o'clock,  from  whence 
they  proceeded  to  the  Rev.  Joseph  Snow's  meeting-house,  in  the  following  order:  First 
the  grammar  scholars ;  then  the  under  classes,  the  candidates  for  degrees,  the  Bache- 
lors, the  Trustees  of  the  college,  the  Fellows,  the  Chancellor,  the  Governor  of  the 
Colony,  and  lastly,  the  President.  When  they  were  seated,  the  President  introduced 
the  business  of  the  day  by  prayer;  then  followed  the  salutatory  oration  in  Latin,  by 
Mr.  Dennis,  and  a  forensic  dispute,  with  which  ended  the  exercises  of  the  forenoon. 

Those  of  the  afternoon  began  with  an  intermediate  oration  on  Catholicism,  pro- 
nounced by  Mr.  Foster;  then  followed  a  syllogistic  disputation  in  Latin,  wherein  Mr. 
Foster  was  respondent,  and  Messieurs  Nash,  Read,  and  Dennis,  opponents.  After  this, 
the  degree  of  Bachelor  of  Arts  was  conferred  on  Messieurs  John  Dennis,  Theodore 
Foster,  Samuel  Nash,  and  Seth  Read ;  and  the  degree  of  Master  on  the  Rev.  Isaac  Eaton, 


1770-1771.  AND   MANNING.  165 

Messieurs  William  Bowen,  Benjamin  West,  David  Williams,  Joseph  Brown,  and  Abel 
Evans ;  also  on  the  Rev.  Messieurs  Hugh  Evans,  Daniel  Turner,  Samuel  James,  Benja- 
min Beddome,  Benjamin  Wallin,  John  Reynolds,  and  Isaac  Woodman.  To  which  suc- 
ceeded a  valedictory  oration  by  Mr.  Reed,  and  then  a  charge  to  the  graduates. 

The  business  of  the  day  being  concluded,  and  before  the  assembly  broke  up,  a 
piece  from  Homer  was  pronounced  by  Master  Billy  Edwards,1  one  of  the  grammar 
school  boys,  not  nine  years  old.  This,  as  well  as  the  other  performances,  gained 
applause  from  a  polite  and  crowded  audience,  and  afforded  pleasure  to  the  friends  of 
the  Institution.  But  what  greatly  added  to  their  satisfaction,  was  an  opportunity  of 
observing  the  forwardness  of  the  college  edifice,  the  first  stone  of  which  was  laid  not 
longer  since  than  the  latter  end  of  May  last,  and  'tis  expected  the  roof  will  be  on  next 
month.  It  is  a  neat  brick  building,  one  hundred  and  fifty  feet  by  forty-six,  four  stories 
high,  with  a  projection  in  the  middle  of  ten  feet  on  each  side,  containing  an  area  of 
sixty-three  feet  by  thirty,  for  a  hall  and  other  public  uses.  The  building  will  accommo- 
date upwards  of  a  hundred  students.  Its  situation  is  exceedingly  pleasant  and  healthy, 
being  on  the  summit  of  a  hill  the  ascent  easy  and  gradual,  commanding  an  extensive 
prospect  of  hills,  dales,  plains,  woods,  water,  islands,  etc.  Who  hath  despised  the  day  of 
small  things  ? 

In  a  previous  chapter  an  account  has  been  given  of  the  formation  of 
the  Warren  Association  through  the  agency  of  Manning,  and  of  the 
steps  taken  at  the  anniversary  meeting  in  1769,  to  seek  a  remedy  for 
the  oppressive  measures  pursued  by  the  Standing  Order  in  Massachu- 
setts and  Connecticut.  This  was  to  be  done  by  petition  and  memorial, 
accompanied  by  full  statements  of  grievances  through  a  committee,  of 
whom  the  Rev.  Samuel  Stillman,  of  Boston,  was  the  chairman.  The 
next  meeting  of  the  Association  was  to  be  held  in  Bellingham,  in 
September,  1T70,  the  Tuesday  after  Commencement.  In  accordance 
with  the  course  now  recommended,  the  following  from  this  committee 
appeared  in  the  Providence  Grazette  for  Aug.  11,  1770.  It  also  after- 
wards appeared  in  the  Boston  JEvening  Post :  — 

To  the  Baptists  in  the  Province  of  Massachusetts  Bay,  who  are  and  have  been 

oppressed  in  any  way  on  a  religious  account : 

It  would  be  needless  to  tell  you,  that  you  have  long  felt  the  effects  of  the  laws,  by 
which  the  religion  of  the  government  in  which  you  live  is  established;  your  purses 


1  Son  of  the  Rev.  Morgan  Edwards.    He  was  graduated  in  the  class  of  1776. 


166  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  IV. 

have  felt  the  burdens  of  ministerial  rates,  and  when  these  would  not  satisfy  your 
enemies,  your  property  hath  been  taken  from  you  and  sold  for  half  its  value.  These 
things  you  cannot  forget.  You  will  therefore  readily  hear  and  attend,  when  you  are 
all  desired  to  collect  your  cases  of  suffering  and  have  them  well  attested ;  such  as  taxes 
you  have  paid  to  build  meeting-houses,  to  settle  ministers  and  support  them,  with  all 
the  time,  money,  and  labor  you  have  lost  in  waiting  on  courts,  feeing  lawyers,  etc.  And 
bring  or  send  such  cases  to  the  Baptist  Association  to  be  held  at  Bellingham,  the 
Tuesday  next  after  the  first  "Wednesday  in  September,  when  measures  will  be  reso- 
lutely adopted  for  obtaining  redress  from  another  quarter  than  that  to  which  repeated 
application  hath  been  made  unsuccessfully.  Nay,  complaints,  however  just  and 
grievous,  have  been  treated  with  indifference,  and  scarcely,  if  at  all,  credited.  "We  deem 
this  our  conduct  perfectly  justifiable,  and  hope  you  will  pay  a  particular  regard  to  this 
desire,  and  be  exact  in  your  account  of  your  sufferings,  and  punctual  in  your  attend- 
ance at  the  time  and  place  above  mentioned. 

At  this  meeting  of  the  Association  in  Bellingham,  Mr.  Smith  pre- 
sided as  moderator,  and  Mr.  Stillman  acted  as  clerk,  after  having 
preached  the  Introductory  Sermon.  The  records,  which  exist  only  in 
manuscript,  read  as  follows  in  reference  to  the  matter  of  "  oppression  " 
and  "redress  "  :  — 

A  committee  was  chosen  to  seek  redress  of  all  grievances  of  the  Baptists,  consisting 
of  the  Rev.  Samuel  Stillman,  Rev.  Hezekiah  Smith,  Rev.  John  Davis,  Rev.  Isaac 
Backus,  Rev.  Noah  Alden,  Philip  Freeman,  Philip  Freeman,  Jr.,  Nathan  Plimpton, 
and  Richard  Gridley.  The  Rev.  Hezekiah  Smith  was  chosen  agent  to  the  Court  of 
Great  Britain,  to  act  in  conjunction  with  the  Rev.  Dr.  Samuel  Stennett,  Rev.  Benjamin 
Wallin,  and  Thomas  Llewelyn,  LL.  D.,  of  London. 

This  committee,  which  was  continued  from  year  to  year,  \vith 
changes  in  the  membership,  was  long  known  as  the  Committee  on 
Grievances,  or  the  Standing  Committee  of  the  Baptists  for  New 
England. 

In  accordance  with  the  notice  in  the  papers,  the  following  cases  of 
suffering  were  reported,  viz. :  From  Ashfield ;  two  cases  from  Prince- 
ton, Worcester  County  ;  two  cases  from  Berwick,  York  County  ;  also 
from  Douglass  in  Worcester  County  ;  from  Colchester,  New  Hamp- 
shire ;    from   Montague,    Hampshire   County ;    and  three   cases   from 


1770-1771.  AND   MANNING.  167 

Enfield  in  Connecticut.     The  Circular  Letter1  for  this  year  reads  as 
follows :  — 

Circular  Letter  of  the  Warren  Association.    1770. 

The  Elders  and  Messengers  met  in  association  at  Bellingham,  September  11th,  12th, 
and  13th.  To  the  churches  they  represent,  and  all  others  of  the  denomination  of 
Baptists,  send  greeting: 

"We  met  in  peace,  and  upon  reading  the  letters  from  the  several  churches,  found  that 
they  were  generally  at  peace  among  themselves,  some  of  them  having  had  considerable 
additions,  —  the  number  of  which,  in  all  the  churches,  amounts  to  fifty-six.  "We  find 
that  God  hath  not  left  himself  without  a  witness,  but  is  still  carrying  on  the  work  of 
grace  in  the  churches.  We  would  not  despise  the  day  of  small  things ;  yet  at  the  same 
time  desire  you  to  unite  in  solemn  prayer  to  the  great  Head  of  the  Church,  that  he 
would  hasten  the  time  when  converts  shall  come  as  the  clouds,  and  fly  as  doves  to 
their  windows.  Oh  happy  period,  which  God  in  his  wisdom  has  given  us  reason  to 
expect,  when  the  whole  world  shall  be  filled  with  the  knowledge  of  the  Lord!  We 
have  however  to  inform  you,  dearly  beloved,  that  some  of  our  churches  are  sorely 
oppressed  on  account  of  religion.  Their  enemies  continue  to  triumph  over  them ;  and 
as  repeated  applications  have  been  made  to  the  courts  of  justice  and  to  the  general 
courts  for  redress  of  such  grievances,  but  as  yet  have  been  neglected,  it  is  now  become 
necessary  to  carry  the  affair  to  England  in  order  to  lay  it  before  the  King.  It  is  there- 
fore warmly  recommended  to  you  to  endeavor  to  collect  money  to  defray  the  expense 
which  will  arise  from  such  a  proceeding.  Should  you  not  contribute  to  this  matter, 
some  of  our  brethren  must  unavoidably  be  ruined  as  to  this  world ;  especially  our 
brethren  at  Ashfield,  some  of  whose  lands  have  been  taken  from  them  and  sold  for  a 
trifle.  Brethren,  make  the  case  your  own,  and  then  do  as  you  would  be  done  by.  We 
also  recommend  to  you  to  search  for  promising  gifts  among  yourselves,  and  bring 
them  to  the  trial,  as  there  is  a  great  want  of  ministerial  help  in  the  churches.  In  fine, 
brethren,  live  in  love;  preserve  the  unity  of  the  Spirit  in  the  bonds  of  peace;  keep 
your  garments  unspotted  by  the  flesh,  and  may  the  God  of  peace  and  love  be  with  you. 

P.  S.  —  The  churches  are  requested  to  be  expeditious  in  sending  their  contributions 
to  the  Rev.  Samuel  Stillman,  of  Boston,  who  is  appointed  treasurer,  and  to  take  his 
receipts.    If  our  agent,  Mr.  Hezekiah  Smith,  should  not  go  to  England,  the  money 


1  This  letter  was  found  among  the  Smith  papers  and  printed  for  the  first  time  in  "  Life,  Times, 
and  Correspondence  of  Manning."  The  authorship  is  not  positively  known,  although  it  has  been 
ascribed  to  Manning.  It  was  the  custom  in  the  early  days  before  the  minutes  were  printed,  for 
pastors  and  delegates  to  secure  a  manuscript  copy  of  the  Circular  Letter  and  read  it  to  their 
churches  on  returning  from  the  Association. 


168  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  IV. 

will  be  returned  when  demanded.  It  is  also  requested  that  the  churches  will  unite  in 
keeping  the  first  Thursday  in  October  next  as  a  day  of  fasting  and  prayer,  to  entreat 
God  to  favor  our  undertaking  to  obtain  liberty  of  conscience,  and  to  save  our  property, 
and  consequently  our  families,  from  ruin ;  also  that  He  will  be  graciously  pleased  to 
revive  religion,  and  to  deliver  our  nation  from  its  present  difficulties. 

Had  Mr.  Smith  gone  to  London  as  agent  of  the  Association,  he 
would  without  doubt  have  had  a  cordial  reception  among  his  English 
brethren.  His  multiplied  cares  and  increasing  responsibilities  obliged 
him  eventually  to  decline  a  service  which  required  so  much  time  and 
labor ;  and  at  the  meeting  of  the  Association  in  1771,  the  Rev.  John 
Davis  was  appointed  in  his  place.  That  he  corresponded  with  Dr. 
Stennett,  and  that  the  committee  of  which  Dr.  Stennett  was  chairman, 
succeeded  in  aiding  the  cause  of  truth,  and  in  removing  oppression, 
may  be  seen  from  the  following  taken  from  "Acts  and  Resolves  of  the 
Province  of  Massachusetts  Bay,"  Vol.  4,  page  1045  :  — 

Wednesday,  May  22,  1771.  At  a  meeting  of  His  Majesty's  Commissioners  for  Trade 
and  Plantations.  Present.  Mr.  Eliot,  Mr.  Fitzherbert,  Mr.  Roberts,  Mr.  Whately. 
Read  a  memorial  of  Dr.  Stennett,  praying  their  Lordships  to  recommend  to  His 
Majesty  to  disallow  an  Act  passed  in  the  Province  of  Massachusetts  Bay  in  June,  1768, 
by  which  the  Antipedobaptists  and  Quakers  are  compelled  to  pay  to  the  support  of  a 
different  persuasion.  Their  Lordships  thereupon  read  and  considered  said  Act,  and  it 
was  ordered  that  the  draught  of  a  representation  to  His  Majesty  should  be  prepared, 
proposing  that  it  may  be  disallowed. 

At  the  Court  of  St.  James,  the  31st  day  of  July,  1771.  Present.  The  King's  Most 
Excellent  Majesty  in  Council.  Whereas  the  Great  or  General  Court  or  Assembly  of 
His  Majesty's  Province  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay,  in  New  England,  did  in  June,  1768, 
pass  an  Act  which  hath  been  transmitted,  entitled  as  follows:  —  viz.:  An  Act  in 
addition  to  an  Act  entitled  an  Act  for  creating  the  New  Plantation  called  Huntstown 
in  the  County  of  Hampshire  into  a  town  by  the  name  of  Ashfield. 

Which  Act,  together  with  a  representation  from  the  Lords'  Commissioners  for  Trade 
and  Plantations,  thereupon  having  been  referred  to  the  consideration  of  a  Committee 
of  the  Lords  of  His  Majesty's  Most  Honorable  Privy  Council  for  Plantation  Affairs, 
the  said  Lords  of  the  Committee  did  this  day  report  as  their  opinion  to  His  Majesty 
that  the  said  Act  ought  to  be  disallowed.  His  Majesty  taking  the  same  into  consid- 
eration, was  pleased  with  the  advice  of  His  Privy  Council  to  declare  his  disallowance 


1770-1771.  AND   MANNING.  169 

of  the  said  Act ;  and  to  order  that  the  said  Act  he  and  it  is  herehy  disallowed  and 
rejected: — Whereof  the  Governor,  Lieutenant  Governor,  or  Commander-in-Chief  of 
His  Majesty's  said  Province  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay  for  the  time  heing,  and  all  others 
whom  it  may  concern,  are  to  take  notice  and  govern  themselves  accordingly. 

Backus,  in  speaking  of  the  rejection  by  the  Legislature  of  a  bill  to 
repeal  the  Ashfield  law,  says :  —  "And  what  a  cloud  was  hereby 
brought  over  an  oppressed  people  !  On  the  side  of  the  oppressors  was 
power,  but  they  seemed  to  have  no  helper.  But,  behold  !  In  a  Boston 
paper  of  October  21,  (1771,)  it  was  declared  that  the  King  in  Council 
had  disannulled  that  law.  What  a  surprise  did  this  occasion  !  How 
could  so  despicable  a  people  get  access  to  the  throne,  and  obtain  such 
an  act,  especially  in  so  short  a  time  !  " 

The  following  letter  was  originally  published  in  Staples's  Annals  of 
Providence.  It  affords  a  good  illustration  of  the  early  discipline  of  the 
College  under  the  care  and  management  of  its  first  President :  — 

Providence,  Dec.  12, 1770. 

Sir  :  —  You  may  think  it  strange  that  I,  a  stranger  to  you,  should  address  you  by  this 
epistle ;  hut  you  will  excuse  me  when  I  give  the  reason ;  which  is,  an  information  that 
I  have  received  that  one  Scott,  a  youth  under  my  tuition,  some  time  ago  riding  through 
Smithfield,  in  company  with  one  Dennis,  of  Newport,  rode  up  to,  and  in  a  most  auda- 
ciously wicked  manner,  hroke  the  windows  of  the  Friends'  meeting-house  in  said  town, 
of  which  meeting  I  understand  you  are  clerk.  Upon  the  first  hearing  of  this  scanda- 
lous conduct,  I  charged  him  with  the  fact,  which  he  confessed,  with  no  small  degree  of 
apparent  penitence ;  whereupon  I  thought  good  to  inform  you,  and  hy  you  the  meeting, 
that  they  shall  have  ample  reparation  of  damages  and  such  other  satisfaction  as  they 
shall  think  proper ;  heing  determined  to  punish  with  the  utmost  rigor  all  such  perverse 
youth  as  may  he  intrusted  to  my  care,  as  I  hold  such  hase  conduct  in  the  greatest  detes- 
tation. 

You  will  he  so  good  as  to  let  me  know  when  the  first  meeting  of  business  is  held, 
that  I  may  send  him  up  to  appear  before  them,  and  make  not  only  reparation,  but  such 
a  confession  before  the  meeting  as  shall  be  fully  satisfactory.  I  choose  to  mortify  him 
in  this  way,  and  should  be  very  glad  that  some  of  the  heads  of  the  meeting  would 
admonish  him  faithfully  and  show  him  the  evil  of  such  doings,  if  this  would  be  agree- 
able to  them;  but  I  speak  this,  not  to  direct  them  in  the  matter,  but  what  would  be 
agreeable  to  me.  When  this  is  settled,  we  shall  discipline  him  with  the  highest  punish- 
22 


170  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  IV. 

ment  we  inflict,  next  to  banishment  from  the  society,  and  with  that  if  he  does  not  com- 
ply with  the  above. 

The  youth  has  been  but  few  months  under  my  care,  is  a  child  of  a  respectable  family 
in  Kingston,  Massachusetts  Bay,  and  had  his  school-learning  in  New  Haven.  I  am 
sorry  for  his  friends,  and  that  it  happened  to  fall  to  my  lot  to  have  such  a  thoughtless, 
vicious  pupil ;  but  I  am  determined  this  shall  be  the  last  enormity,  one  excepted,  of 
which  he  shall  be  guilty  while  under  my  care.  I  hope  the  meeting  will  inform  me  how 
he  complies  with  these  injunctions,  if  they  think  proper  to  take  these  or  any  other 
methods.    Please,  by  the  first  opportunity,  favor  me  with  a  line  in  answer  to  the  above 

requests,  and  you  will  do  a  favor  to 

A  real  friend, 

James  Manning. 
Mr.  Thomas  Lapham,  Jr.,  in  Smithfield. 

The  young  man,  Judge  Staples  adds,  appeared  before  the  meeting, 
according  to  the  direction  of  the  President,  made  a  suitable  acknowl- 
edgment of  what  he  had  done,  paid  the  damage  done  to  the  windows, 
received  some  wholesome  admonition  and  advice,  and  returned  to  his 
College  duties,  it  is  to  be  hoped,  a  better  man.  Whether  his  associate 
was  the  Dennis  who  was  graduated  the  September  previous  to  this 
occurrence,  we  are  not  informed.  It  is  certain  that  he  was  not  a  youth 
over  whom  Manning  at  this  time  had  special  control. 

Manning  thus  writes  to  his  friend  Smith,  of  Haverhill.  As  we  have 
before  remarked,  he  uses  not  unfrequently  the  term  Presbyterians  for 
Congregationalists.  This  perhaps  was  natural,  coming  as  he  did  from 
the  Jerseys.  Edwards  and  others  did  the  same.  The  two  denomina- 
tions are  far  more  distinct  at  the  present  day  than  they  were  a  century 
ago. 

Newport,  May  1, 1771. 
Dear  Sir: 

I  perceive,  by  an  application  made  to  a  neighboring  Baptist  church,  that  the  people 
in  Richmond,  in  Hampshire  Government  (I  mean  the  Baptist  church  there),  are  in 
great  distress  on  account  of  the  taxes  for  the  clergy ;  and  so  are  the  Baptists  in  sundry 
other  towns  thereabouts.  The  charter  gave  a  farm  to  the  first  settled  minister  in  that 
town ;  and  Mr.  Balow,  the  Baptist  minister,  was  the  first,  though  a  Friend  speaker  was 
there  before  him.  Now  the  Friends  have  united  with  the  Presbyterians,  and  voted  the 
farm  for  the  use  of  the  town.  Upon  the  whole  they  seem  troubled  much,  and  some  are 
likely  to  be  totally  ruined  by  the  Presbyterians.    Now  if  you  can  lend  any  aid  or  assist- 


1770-1771.  AN©   MANNING.  171 

ance,  you  will  do  them  a  singular  favor ;  and  I  have  been  urged  to  write  to  you,  that,  if 
possible,  you  might  make  interest  with  the  Governor,  or  some  of  the  great  men,  to 
redress  these  grievances.  I  received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Edwards,  dated  March,  which 
informs  me  that  he  has  a  law  of  New  Hampshire  which  obliges  the  Baptists  to  pay  their 
ministers,  —  that  is,  Presbyterian  ministers, — and  he  is  greatly  afraid  they  will  fall 
into  the  snare.  Pray  do  your  utmost  to  prevent  the  Baptists  from  taking  the  benefit  of 
that  law ;  for  the  Presbyterians  will  triumph  in  that  case.  Mr.  Rogers,  the  bearer,  will 
give  you  information  of  my  affairs,  and  other  matters  in  these  parts ;  so  that  nothing 
remains  but  to  desire  you  with  Mrs.  Smith  to  pay  us  a  visit  soon,  to  whom  with  yourself 
I  give  my  sincere  love,  and  remain,  sir, 

Your  very  loving  friend, 

James  Manning. 

The  following  letter  was  the  commencement  of  a  correspondence 
with  the  Rev.  John  Ryland,  of  Northampton,  England,  a  graduate  of 
the  Bristol  Academy  under  the  care  of  the  celebrated  Bernard  Foskett, 
and  for  many  years  principal  of  a  flourishing  academy.  Mr.  Ryland 
was  a  distinguished  scholar  as  well  as  a  Baptist  preacher,  and  was  held 
in  high  esteem  by  Dr.  Johnson  and  other  eminent  men  of  his  time. 
He  published  "Contemplations  on  the  Beauties  of  Creation,"  in  three 
volumes  octavo,  "Essay  on  the  Advancement  of  Learning,"  and  various 
sermons  and  pamphlets.     He  died  in  1792. 

Providence,  June  1,  1771. 
Reverend  Sir: 

By  the  Rev.  Morgan  Edwards,  last  year,  I  was  directed  to  draw  upon  you,  the  first 
of  June,  for  five  guineas,  which  you  proposed  to  contribute  annually  to  the  support  of 
the  President  of  Rhode  Island  College  during  life,  if  your  circumstances  would  admit 
of  it.  I  drew  accordingly  in  favor  of  Messrs.  Joseph  and  William  Russell,  merchants 
of  Providence ;  and,  according  to  my  instructions,  have  done  the  like  this  year,  in  favor 
of  the  same  gentlemen. 

Your  zeal  for  the  welfare  of  this  young  Seminary,  discovered  in  this  as  well  as  many 
other  instances,  has  gained  you  the  high  esteem  of  all  the  true  friends  of  the  College 
here  ;  but  the  particular  favor  done  me  herein  has  laid  me  under  the  strongest  obliga- 
tions of  gratitude,  of  which  I  hope  not  to  be  unmindful,  in  any  instance,  when  in  my 
power  to  express  a  proper  sense  of  them ;  and  at  present  I  can  only  do  this  by  the 
strongest  expressions  of  thankfulness,  and  fervent  prayer  to  God  that  he  would 
abundantly  reward  your  beneficence  in  this  and  in  the  life  to  come. 


172  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  IV. 

I  was  particularly  obliged  in  your  favoring  me  with  the  patterns  of  the  regular 
Greek  and  Latin  nouns  and  verbs,  etc.,  and  find  it  tbe  most  easy  method  of  leading 
boys  into  a  general  notion  of  grammar  in  a  short  time.  The  College  in  this  place  con- 
sists of  twenty-three  youths,  five  of  whom  are  to  leave  us  in  the  fall;  though  we  hope 
to  have  some  additions  at  that  time.  The  Institution  calls  for  the  vigorous  exertions  of 
all  its  friends,  as  well  on  account  of  the  smallness  of  its  funds  as  the  unreasonable 
opposition  made  against  it  by  Pedobaptists ;  especially  the  New  England  Presbyterians 
in  general,  who  express  the  greatest  bitterness  on  every  occasion.  The  part  I  have  had 
to  act  in  the  matter  has  exposed  me  to  numberless  difficulties  hitherto  ;  although  I  am 
cheerful  under  the  hopes  of  its  rising,  at  some  future  period,  to  be  the  joy  of  its  friends 
and  the  denomination,  as  well  as  the  mortification  of  its  ungenerous  enemies.  The 
state  of  religion  in  New  England  is  at  a  low  ebb  in  general,  except  in  a  few  places, 
amongst  which  Mr.  Stillman's  of  Boston  is  one,  where  there  have  been  lately  large 
additions  to  the  church.  Should  there  be  any  gentlemen  of  your  acquaintance  in  Eng- 
land on  whom  diplomas  might  be  well  bestowed,  we  should  always  be  glad  to  be 
advised  thereof,  and  confer  them  accordingly.  Forgive  this  unsolicited  scrawl,  and 
believe  that  it  had  its  birth  in  the  unfeigned  gratitude  and  real  friendship  of,  sir, 

Your  humble  servant, 

James  Manning. 

To  this  letter  Mr.  Ryland  thus  replies :  — 

To   MY  WORTHY   FRIEND,   Mr.    JAMES   MANNING, 

President  of  Rhode  Island  College: 

Reverend  and  Dear  Sir:  —  I  received  your  letter  in  due  course  by  the  post  from 
London,  and  took  care  to  pay  your  draft  on  me  for  £5  5s.  when  it  came  for  payment, 
which  it  did  in  the  beginning  of  December.  "Where  it  lodged  all  that  time  after  you 
drew  it,  I  know  not. 

Be  assured  that  I  have  the  interests  of  your  College  deeply  at  my  heart ;  and  in  order 
to  serve  it  I  have  picked  out  the  enclosed  list  of  scholars,  for  whom  I  solicit  some  of 
your  academical  feathers,  to  the  end  that  we  may  attach  as  great  a  number  of  active 
and  learned  men  to  your  Seminary  as  we  can.  Who  knows  but  some  of  them  may  do 
you  more  service  in  the  long  run  than  we  can  at  present  imagine?  I  am  determined  to 
send  over  some  names  every  year  as  long  as  I  live ;  but  be  assured  I  shall  not  recom- 
mend one  that  shall  be  a  dishonor  to  your  College,  if  I  know  it. 

Have  you  had  a  short  account  of  the  ministers  and  churches  of  the  Baptist  denom- 
ination in  England?  If  not  I  shall  take  care  to  send  it.  At  present  I  would  just 
observe  that  we  have  about  two  hundred  and  fourteen  churches  and  ministers.  About 
twenty-four  ministers,  perhaps  twenty-six,  can  read  the  original  languages  in  which 


1770-1771.  AND    MANNING.  173 

the  Bible  was  written.  Amongst  them  I  have  a  son*  (John),  nineteen  years  of  age, 
who  was  called  to  the  ministry  last  year.  He  read  his  Greek  Testament  into  English 
all  through  before  he  was  nine  years  old,  and  is  very  ready  at  Hebrew,  Latin,  and 
French.  Grace  called  him  at  fourteen  years  of  age.  I  baptized  him  when  he  was  about 
fifteen,  and  we  received  him  into  the  church.  He  proves  a  good,  zealous  boy,  and  the 
people  of  God  love  to  hear  him  preach.  He  has  ventured  to  publish  a  volume  of  poems 
on  experimental  religion,  the  whole  edition  of  which,  five  hundred,  has  gone  off  in  less 
than  a  year.  If  I  can  procure  a  copy,  I  will  send  you  one  for  your  public  library. 
Perhaps  it  may  be  a  stimulus  to  some  lazy  student  on  your  side  of  the  water.  My 
opinion,  I  am  persuaded,  is  the  same  with  yours,  "that  young  boys  and  students  need 
all  sorts  of  motives  to  keep  them  in  a  steady,  regular,  resolute  pursuit  of  learning  and 
religion,"  and  for  this  purpose  academical  honoTs  were  wisely  instituted;  and  'tis  for 
this  reason  I  desire  for  my  brethren  in  the  ministry  who  desire  it  the  honors  of  your 
College,  in  order  to  incite  others  to  the  same  diligence.  I  am  sorry  to  say  it,  but  'tis 
too  true,  that  above  one  hundred  and  seventy  Baptist  ministers  in  England  have  been 
kept  from  reading  the  Hebrew  Bible  and  Greek  Testament  more  by  laziness  and 
cowardice  than  by  the  difficulty  of  attaining  it.  I  want  to  rouse  these  sluggards  into 
diligence,  and  for  that  purpose  I  earnestly  beg  your  assistance. 

N.  B.  Out  of  ten  thousand  clergy,  we  have  seventy  or  eighty  that  preach  the 
gospel.  The  Presbyterians  are  almost  all  gone  off  to  Socinianism.  "We  have  a  few  in 
London  that  are  excellent  men;  namely,  Dr.  Langford,  Dr.  Trotter,  Geo.  Stephens, 
A.  M.,  Mr.  Hunter,  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Spilsbury.  I  cannot  at  present  give  you  an  exact 
list  of  our  Independent  ministers  in  London  and  the  country,  but  shall  try  to  send  you 
an  account.  Let  me  be  sure  to  hear  from  you  four  times  a  year ;  that  is  to  say,  once 
every  quarter. 

WORTHY  MEN  OF  LEARNING  AND  CHARACTER  WHO  DESERVE  THE  HONORS  OF  RHODE 

ISLAND  COLLEGE. 

I.    Of  the  Established  Church  of  England. 
These  are         f  1.    Augustus  Montague  Toplady,  A.  B.,  Rector  of  Broad  Hemburg, 
most  excellent  Devon. 

men  as  •   2.    Henry  Foster  A.  B.,  Curate  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Romaine. 

scholars  3.    John  Newton,  Curate  of  Olney;  a  man  of  uncommon  wisdom, 

and  divines.       I         and  a  fine  writer. 


i  This  son,  the  Rev.  Dr.  John  Ryland,  received  the  honorary  degree  of  A.  M.  at  the  Commence- 
ment in  1772.  He  assisted  his  father  in  the  management  of  his  school,  and  eventually  became 
pastor  of  the  Baptist  Church  in  Northampton.  In  1792  he  became  President  of  the  Baptist  College 
at  Bristol.  For  upwards  of  thirty  years  he  was  the  most  eminent  Baptist  minister  in  the  west  of 
England.  He  died  May  25, 1825.  His  funeral  sermon,  preached  by  Robert  Hall,  is  regarded  as  one 
of  the  choicest  specimens  of  pulpit  eloquence  in  our  literature. 


174  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  IV. 

II.    Independents. 

1.  William  Porter,  minister  in  Camomile  Street. 

2.  John  Stafford,  successor  to  Dr.  Guise. 

3.  John  Pye,  minister  at  Sheffield,  Yorkshire. 

4.  William  Hextall,  successor  to  Dr.  Doddridge,  at  Northampton. 

5.  Moses  Gregson,  at  Rowell,  Northamptonshire. 

6.  Joshua  Symmonds,  at  Bedford.    Preaches  in  John  Bunyan's  pulpit. 

7.  Rev.  James  Jennings,  at  Islington,  near  London. 

8.  Samuel  Wilton,  at  Tooting,  in  Surrey. 

III.    Particular  Baptists. 

1.  Robert  Day,  of  Wellington,  Somersetshire. 

2.  John  Brown,  of  Kettering,  Northamptonshire. 

3.  John  Ash,  of  Pershore,  Worcestershire. 

4.  John  Poynting,  of  Worcester. 

5.  Benjamin  Fuller,  of  Devizes,  Wiltshire.      (An  old,  rich,  learned  man,  that  can 

leave  £100  to  the  college.) 

6.  John  Oulton,  of  Rawdon,  in  Yorkshire.1 

The  "bitterness  of  the  New  England  Presbyterians  in  general'* 
towards  the  College,  and  the  "  unreasonable  opposition  made  against 
it  by  Pedobaptists,"  to  which  Manning  in  his  letter  to  Ryland  here 
alludes,  are  illustrated  in  the  letter  addressed  to  him  by  his  friend 
Morgan  Edwards,  which  is  published  in  our  concluding  chapter  on  the 
Charter.  The  writer  supposes  the  President  to  have  expected  the 
friendship  and  help  of  the  Congregationalists  had  not  the  Baptists 
complained  of  oppressions  and  threatened  to  carry  their  complaints  to 
the  King.  He  adduces  facts  to  show  that  their  opposition  was  from  the 
beginning,  and  not  of  recent  origin.  Mr.  Edwards  has  been  accused 
of  undue  warmth,  but  the  reader  must  admit  that  a  little  severity  of 
expression  was  justifiable  under  the  circumstances.     These  ecclesiasti- 


1The  seventeen  names  mentioned  in  the  above  list  all  received  the  honorary  degree  of  A.  M.  at 
the  annual  Commencement  of  the  College  in  1773  and  in  1774.  (See  Triennial  Catalogue.)  It  does 
not,  however,  appear  that  Mr.  Ryland's  good  wishes  in  regard  to  the  benefit  which  the  College 
might  thereby  derive  were  ever  realized,  at  least  to  any  great  extent.  The  unhappy  feeling  engen- 
dered by  the  War  of  the  Revolution  was,  probably,  the  cause  of  this  apparent  neglect  or  indifference. 
The  College,  moreover,  was  closed  from  1776  until  1782,  and  correspondence  between  the  two 
countries  ceased. 


1770-1771.  AND   MANNING.  175 

cal  oppressions  and  this  sectarian  bitterness  towards  the  College  were 
in  keeping  with  the  opposition  and  unfriendliness  experienced  by 
Roger  Williams  and  his  free  Colony  in  the  early  days.  It  is  pleasant 
to  note  that  all  this  has  now  passed  away; — if  recalled  to  remembrance 
throughout  the  pages  of  the  present  narrative,  it  is  only  in  the  spirit  of 
kindness,  "as  impressive  admonitions  to  the  fuller  exercise  of  that 
charity  which  beareth  all  things."  As  matters  of  history,  they  must 
of  necessity  appear  conspicuous  in  any  faithful  account  of  Rhode  Island 
College,  or  of  the  life  and  times  of  its  first  President. 

The  following  letter  to  the  Rev.  Dr.  Stennett  gives  a  pleasing 
account  of  Manning's  feelings  in  view  of  the  responsibility  of  his 
position  as  head  of  the  College  and  pastor  of  the  Church :  — 

Providence,  June  5, 1771. 
Reverend  and  Dear  Sir: 

Your  most  agreeable  favor  of  Aug.  10th,  1770,  came  to  hand  the  19th  of  January,  1771, 
after  our  ships  had  sailed  for  London ;  and  consequently  I  have  had  no  opportunity  of 
acknowledging  the  receipt  of  it  before.  There  are  two  ships  from  this  town  which 
make  two  voyages  a  year  to  London,  besides  others  from  the  Colony,  by  which  letters 
will  have  a  safe  conveyance.  The  captains'  names  are  Shand  and  Gfilbert.  I  mention 
this  that  there  may  be  the  most  direct  conveyance. 

I  thank  you  for  the  expressions  of  kindness  and  respect  in  your  letter,  and  am  as 
desirous  as  before  to  keep  up  a  correspondence  as  often  as  opportunity  will  admit. 
Mr.  Gordon,  the  gentleman  by  whom  you  wrote,  has  never  called  on  me,  nor  can  I 
hear  any  direct  account  of  him  since  his  arrival  in  America.  Your  good  wishes  to  the 
College  are  very  acceptable,  and  we  doubt  not  your  readiness  to  contribute  all  in  your 
power  to  its  future  growth  and  increase.  The  popularity,  usefulness,  etc.,  of  our  first 
sons,  is  to  me  an  object  truly  desirable ;  but  these  things  I  leave  to  the  wise  conduct 
of  the  supreme  Governor  of  the  Church.  One  of  the  youth,1  graduated  at  our  first 
Commencement,  who  is  thought  to  be  savingly  brought  home  by  grace,  has  joined  Mr. 
Thurston's  church  in  Newport,  and  appears  eminently  pious.  As  soon  as  his  age  will 
admit,  for  he  is  quite  a  youth,  he  will  be  called  to  the  work  of  the  ministry,  with  hopes 
of  his  making  a  distinguished  figure  in  the  pulpit.  He  bears  the  greatest  resemblance 
to  Mr.  Hezekiah  Smith  of  any  person  I  know,  and  I  hope  will  make  such  another  son 
of  thunder.    I  am  constrained  to  think  that  Providence  placed  me  at  the  head  of  the 


William  Rogers. 


176  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  IV. 

College  ;  but  for  what  end  I  cannot  divine,  I  hope  for  good ;  for  iny  ease  and  worldly 
advantage  it  could  not  certainly  be,  for  I  have  been  constrained  to  forego  these,  and 
many  more  things  desirable  in  life,  on  this  account;  and  in  the  discharge  of  my  office 
here  I  have  found  my  way  strewn  with  thorns  hitherto. 

Dr.  Llewelyn's  friendship  for  the  College  is  highly  satisfactory  to  us.  He  has  it  in 
his  power,  and,  we  have  reason  to  believe,  in  his  heart,  to  do  it  great  service.  I  should 
highly  prize  a  correspondence  with  a  gentleman  of  his  merit,  were  a  door  properly  open 
for  it;  but  to  address  him  with  a  letter,  uninvited,  and  without  particular  cause  for  so 
doing,  might  be  deemed  too  great  forwardness  in  me.  I  therefore  choose  to  defer  it  at 
present.  We  were  sensibly  affected  at  the  news  of  Mr.  Roffey's  death,  as  he  promised 
usefulness  to  the  public;  but  God  can  raise  up  men  to  carry  on  his  own  cause,  in  an 
unexpected  way.  The  government  is  upon  His  shoulders ;  therefore  we  ought  to 
rejoice.  But  nothing  gives  one  such  satisfaction  as  the  account  you  give  me  of  the 
success  of  the  Gospel  in  England.  I  firmly  believe  there  are  yet  glorious  days  for  the 
church  militant,  and  that  the  doctrine  of  believer's  baptism  will  prevail  in  proportion 
to  the  prevalence  of  the  religion  of  the  heart.  I  do  not  imagine  this  only  from  my  own 
sentiments  that  it  is  an  important  and  glorious  ordinance  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  but  from 
facts ;  for  I  have  observed  for  some  years  past  that  in  this  country  it  has  been  invaria- 
bly the  case  where  there  has  been  a  powerful  moving  of  the  Spirit  of  God  upon  the 
minds  of  men.  I  will  give  you  a  recent  instance.  God  has  been  doing  wonders  in 
Virginia  and  North  Carolina  within  these  few  years  past.  Thousands  have  been  hope- 
fully converted  to  God  in  these  two  provinces;  and  my  Brother  Gano,  who  travelled 
through  these  provinces  last  summer  and  fall,  informs  me  that  not  less  than  two  thou- 
sand have  been  baptized  by  immersion,  upon  profession  of  their  faith.  And  it  has  been 
observed  there,  that  persons  were  no  sooner  brought  into  the  glorious  liberty  of  the 
Gospel  than  they  followed  the  example  of  their  Divine  Master  by  going  down  into  the 
water ;  and  that,  too,  where  the  name  of  Baptist  was  scarcely  known.  This  work,  I 
am  told,  still  continues,  and  extends  five  hundred  miles  in  length  through  the  country. 
Truly,  light  has  risen  to  those  who  were  in  the  region  and  shadow  of  death ;  for  when 
I  travelled  through  that  country  about  ten  years  ago,  I  thought  as  Abraham  did  of 
Zoar,  that  the  fear  of  God  was  not  in  that  place.1  To  me  it  seemed  to  be  the  rendezvous 
of  devils.  But  what  cannot  God  do  ?  This  indeed  is  all  my  consolation  when  I  view 
the  unpromising  appearance  of  religion  in  many  places,  —  that  God  not  only  can,  but 
will  work,  and  none  shall  let  or  hinder  it. 


1  As  has  already  been  stated,  Manning  spent  the  year  succeeding  his  graduation  travelling 
through  the  colonies,  with  a  view,  doubtless,  of  ascertaining  the  best  place  for  a  college,  and  on 
whom  he  could  rely  for  support.  In  going  to  South  Carolina,  where  his  friend  Hart  was  settled, 
he  would  of  course  pass  through  "Virginia,  as  he  here  states  in  his  letter. 


1770-1771.  AND   MANNING.  177 

There  is  a  gradual  increase  of  the  work  of  religion  in  sundry  places  in  New 
England.  Mr.  Smith,  I  am  told,  is  still  marvellously  owned  in  his  labors,  and  that  he 
was  lately  called  to  administer  baptism  to  numbers  at  a  distance  from  where  he 
resides,  and  to  constitute  two  or  three  Baptist  churches.  I  can  say  but  little  of  my  success 
in  the  vineyard  of  the  Lord,  although  I  hope  there  are  some  promising  appearances  of 
conviction  amongst  us.  The  last  Lord's  Day  there  appeared  an  unusual  solemnity  in 
the  assembly,  and  I  trust  God  enabled  me,  though  a  worm,  to  speak  with  some  happy 
degree  of  zeal  and  earnestness  in  warning  souls  of  their  danger;  and  if  flowing  eyes 
may  be  thought  a  presage  of  the  return  of  wanderers  to  God,  I  am  not  without  hope  of 
some  seals  of  my  ministry.  But  alas  my  unprofitableness ! — my  unworthiness  to  be 
employed  in  so  sacred  a  work!  If  ever  one  soul  is  converted  by  my  instrumentality,  it 
will  clearly  appear  that  the  excellency  of  the  power  is  all  of  God. 

But  I  cease  to  trouble  you  with  my  unprofitable  complaints,  and  proceed  to  give 
you  some  short  account  of  the  dispute  between  Baptists  and  Presbyterians  in  the 
provinces  of  Massachusetts  Bay,  New  Hampshire,  and  Connecticut ;  in  the  latter  of 
of  which,  I  am  told,  some  of  our  brethren  are  now  in  jail  for  ministerial  rates,  and  in 
the  other  two  many  are  forcibly  despoiled  of  their  property  for  the  same  purpose.  The 
Presbyterians,  I  believe,  are  determined,  when  they  have  the  power,  to  use  it  against 
us  to  prevent  our  growth ;  for  no  effectual  remedy  can  yet  be  obtained,  though  it  has 
been  carefully  and  industriously  sought.  They  are  afraid,  if  they  relax  the  secular  arm, 
their  tenets  have  not  merit  enough  and  a  sufficient  foundation  to  stand.  This  has 
been  so  plainly  hinted  by  some  of  the  committees  of  the  General  Court,  upon  treating 
with  our  people,  that  I  think  it  cannot  be  deemed  a  breach  of  charity  to  think  thus  of 
them.  However,  I  will  not  pretend  to  justify  everything  which  has  been  said  and 
done  by  Baptists  during  this  controversy.  I  fear  there  has  been  too  great  warmth  in 
some  publications  ;  yet  it  is  certain  that  there  has  been  great  provocation  to  write  and 
speak  some  bitter  things.  However,  I  am  far  from  believing  that  the  cause  of  God 
requires  acrimony  in  defending  it,  especially  as  the  great  Example  of  his  people 
"reviled  not  again  when  he  was  reviled."  Upon  the  whole,  it  is  very  uncertain  what 
will  be  the  issue  of  the  matter,  whether  we  must  address  the  throne  of  our  sovereign 
for  relief,  or  not.  The  contention  has  been  improved  as  an  argument  against  sending 
scholars  from  that  denomination  to  our  College.  How  long  this  will  continue  I  know 
not ;  but  at  present  the  clergy  use  all  their  endeavors  to  this  purpose. 

I  am  glad  to  hear  that  there  are  three  Baptists  in  the  trust  of  Dr.  Moore's  fund,  who 
will  see  that  the  money  is  appropriated  according  to  the  original  proposal ;  for  our 
brethren  of  that  denomination  need  good  looking  after  in  these  matters,  if  we  may 
judge  from  what  has  happened  before. 

I  suppose  you  have  heard  that  Dr.  Wheelock  has  obtained  a  charter  for  a  college  in 
23 


178  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  IV. 

the  province  of  New  Hampshire,  and  about  twenty  thousand  acres  of  land  as  an  endow- 
ment from  the  Governor,  and  other  gentlemen  who  are  largely  concerned  in  lands 
there.  He  has  begun  his  business,  and  carried  it  forward  with  great  rapidity.  In 
short,  from  what  I  can  gather,  it  is  to  be  a  grand  Presbyterian  college,  instead  of  a 
school  for  the  poor  Indians.  There  were  but  two  Indians  there  at  school  last  fall,  and 
they  were  Narragansetts  from  this  Colony,  brought  up  like  us.  Moreover,  it  is  more 
than  a  hundred  miles  distant  from  any  number  of  Indians.  I  have  conversed  with 
two  intelligent  gentlemen  from  that  part  of  the  country,  and,  from  what  I  can  gather, 
the  money  raised  in  England  by  Whitaker  and  Oakam  will  be  as  greatly  prostituted  as 
ever  the  fund  for  propagating  the  Gospel  in  foreign  parts  has  been  by  another  denom- 
ination of  Christians. 

As  to  political  matters,  all  is  peace  and  quietness  with  us,  though  we  hear  that  the 
city  of  London  and  the  House  of  Commons  have  proceeded  to  great  lengths  in  oppos- 
ing one  another,  and  that  the  Lord  Mayor  and  Alderman  Oliver  are  committed  to  the 
Tower.  We  are  anxious  for  the  result  of  this  procedure  ;  but  hope  that  God  will  order 
all  matters  for  the  best,  and  bring  good  out  of  evil. 

We  now  proceed  slowly  with  the  College,  as  our  succors  from  abroad  fail.  I  hope 
we  may  have  some  more  assistance  from  Great  Britain  as  soon  as  may  be. 

If  your  patience  is  not  quite  gone,  permit  me  to  request  the  favor  of  a  letter  by  our 

vessels  this  summer,  in  which  you  need  not  fear  trespassing  upon  my  patience,  though 

I  have  reason  to  fear  I  have  upon  yours,  and  therefore  subscribe,  what  I  am  in  truth, 

dear  sir, 

Your  very  affectionate  friend  and  brother  in  the  Lord, 

James  Manning. 

The  reader  who  has  followed  the  narrative  thus  far,  will  readily  see 
that  Manning,  as  President  of  the  infant  College,  had  been  exposed, 
as  he  states  in  his  previous  letter  to  Ryland,  "  to  numberless  difficulties 
hitherto ";  and  that  it  was  not  for  his  "ease  and  worldly  advantage  " 
that  " Providence  had  placed  him  at  the  head."  He  had  "been  con- 
strained," as  he  here  writes  to  Stennett,  "to  forego  these,  and  many 
more  things  desirable  in  life,  on  this  account ;  and  in  the  discharge  of 
the  duties  of  his  office  he  had  found  his  way  strewn  with  thorns  hith- 
erto." The  obtaining  of  the  charter  in  the  outset  was  a  struggle 
against  determined  opposition  ;  the  settlement  of  the  vexed  question  of 
final  location  caused  bitterness  of  feeling  and  alienation  on  the  part  of 
some  who  should  have  been  his  friends,  which  alienation  was  continued 


1770-1771.  AND    MANNING.  179 

during  his  lifetime  ;  the  church  in  Warren  never  fully  forgave  him  for 
leaving  it  to  go  with  the  College  to  Providence  ;  his  relations  with  the 
church  in  Providence,  as  we  shall  see  in  our  next  chapter,  caused  in  the 
outset  a  division,  and  led  to  the  establishment  of  a  new  Six  Principle 
church  in  Johnston ;  and  the  College  itself  was  persistently  and  bitterly 
opposed  by  the  "  Standing  Order "  in  the  adjoining  States  of  Massa- 
chusetts and  Connecticut.  Moreover,  his  salary  from  the  Latin  school 
the  College  and  the  church  combined,  was  meagre  and  insufficient  for 
a  generous  support.  Yet  he  faltered  not  in  his  work,  and  persevered 
bravely  to  the  end. 

The  third  Commencement  of  the  College,  and  the  second  held  in 
Providence,  occurred  on  Wednesday,  Sept.  4,  1771.  Among  the  Fel- 
lows present  were  Smith  from  Haverhill,  Stillman  from  Boston,  and 
Edwards  from  Philadelphia.  It  was  at  this  time  that  Mr.  Edwards, 
accompanied  by  Moses  Brown,  visited  the  elderly  people  of  the  town, 
and  obtained  information  respecting  Roger  Williams  and  the  Baptist 
Church,  which  he  has  embodied  in  his  "  Materials."  Mr.  Smith  came, 
as  was  his  usual  custom,  in  his  chaise,  accompanied  by  his  wife,  to 
whom  he  had  been  recently  married.  The  following  from  his  diary 
may  be  of  interest  in  connection  with  this  Commencement  week  :  — 

Wed.,  Aug.  28,  1771.  Went  to  Nicholas  Brown's  in  Providence.  Lodged  two  nights 
there.  Fri.,  30.  Went  to  Job  Bennet's  in  Newport,  where  we  stayed  till  Monday. 
Sat.,  31.  Preached  for  Mr.  Maxson  from  John  18:36,  and  in  the  evening  from  John 
13:11  in  Mr.  Thurston's  meeting-house.  Sab.,  Sept.  1.  Preached  for  Mr.  Thurston 
from  Isa.  44:22.  Mon.,  2.  Went  to  Warren  and  preached  that  evening  in  Mr.  Thomp- 
son's pulpit,  from  2  Cor.  5:19.  Tues.,  3.  Went  to  Nicholas  Brown's  in  Providence. 
Wed.,  4.  Attended  Commencement.  Thurs.,  5.  Met  with  the  Corporation.  Preached 
in  the  evening,  from  Rom.  3:25.  Fri.,  6,  Sat.,  7.  At  Providence.  Sab.,  8.  Preached 
in  the  forenoon  at  Mr.  Snow's  meeting-house,  from  2  Cor.  5: 19,  and  in  the  afternoon  at 
Mr.  Manning's  meeting-house,  from  Ps.  19: 14.    Mon.,  Sept.  9.    Set  out  for  Sutton. 

At  this  Commencement  six  young  men  took  their  Bachelor's  degree. 
Thomas  Arnold,  who  heads  the  list,  became  a  distinguished  lawyer  of 
Providence  and  Chief  Justice  of  the  Supreme  Court.  He  was  also  a 
Fellow  of    the  College,  and  Secretary  of    the  Corporation.     Thomas 


180  BROWN    UNIVERSITY  Chap.  IV. 

Ustick  became  a  prominent  teacher  and  preacher,  being  for  twenty 
years  pastor  of  the  First  Baptist  Church  in  Philadelphia.  Samuel 
Ward,  a  son  of  the  Hon.  Samuel  Ward,  served  with  distinction  in  the 
Revolutionary  War  as  Major  in  the  First  Rhode  Island  Regiment,  and 
afterwards,  as  Lieutenant-Colonel.  At  the  close  of  the  war  he  settled 
in  New  York,  and  became  a  prosperous  merchant.  From  1790  to  1800 
he  was  a  Trustee  of  the  College. 

From  the  account  of  this  Commencement  in  the  Providence  Gazette, 
we  present  an  abstract  from  the  President's  address :  — 

A  concise,  pertinent  charge  was  then  delivered  to  the  graduates  by  the  President,  in 
which,  besides  many  useful  instructions  and  cautions,  he  remarked  that  this  Institu- 
tion, though  liberal  and  catholic  in  its  foundation  and  government,  despising  the 
contracted  views  of  a  party,  aiming  at  the  good  of  mankind  in  general,  and  always 
studious  to  maintain  a  good  agreement  and  harmony  with  others  of  the  like  nature, 
had  not  been  so  happy  as  to  pass  altogether  without  censure  ;  and  that  not  only  from 
the  ignorant  and  pedantic,  but  even  from  some  of  those  whose  frienship  it  has  sought, 
and  would  highly  esteem,  could  it  consistently  be  obtained.  He  concluded  by  request- 
ing their  friendship  and  kind  offices  to  that  Seminary  of  learning  in  which  they  had 
received  their  education ;  and  with  great  energy  exhorted  them  that  if  they  could  not, 
by  their  joint  testimony  of  the  generovis,  free,  and  impartial  manner  in  which  they  had 
been  treated  in  the  course  of  their  studies,  silence  the  unreasonable  clamors  of  igno- 
rance and  enmity,  to  give  the  world  the  same  kind  of  proof  of  the  usefulness  of  the 
Institution  which  some  of  its  first  sons  now  do,  who  fill  public  stations  with  honor  to 
themselves  and  advantage  to  mankind. 

One  of  the  "  first  sons"  to  whom  Manning  here  alludes  was  the 
valedictorian,  Thompson,  who  was  now  preaching  in  Warren  as  his 
successor  in  the  ministry.  Varnum,  who  had  been  teaching  in  East 
Greenwich,  was  now  practising  his  profession  as  a  lawyer.  Stites  was 
a  lawyer  in  New  Jersey,  Williams  was  teaching  in  Warren,  and  Rogers 
was  teaching  and  preaching  in  Newport.  It  is  worthy  of  note  that  the 
President  in  a  public  baccalaureate  address,  speaks  of  the  College  as 
"  liberal  and  catholic,  aiming  at  the  good  of  mankind  in  general,"  and 
appeals  to  the  graduating  class  to  silence  if  possible  the  "  unreasonable 
clamors  of  ignorance  and  enmity,"  and  to  testify  to  "the  generous, 
free  and  impartial  manner  in  which  they  had  been  treated." 


1770-1772. 


AND   MANNING.  181 


The  following  letter,  addressed  to  Thomas  Llewelyn,  LL.  D.,  presents 
an  idea  of  the  condition  and  prospects  of  the  College,  and  especially  of 
the  Library,  at  this  time.  It  affords  an  illustration  of  the  author's  skill 
in  urging  the  claims  of  the  Institution  over  which  he  presided,  upon 
the  attention  of  strangers  of  reputed  benevolence  and  wealth.  Mr. 
Llewelyn  was  a  distinguished  Cambro-British  scholar  of  London.  He 
published,  in  1768,  a  History  of  the  Welsh  Versions  of  the  Bible,  and,  in 
the  following  year,  "  Historical  and  Critical  Remarks  on  the  British 
Tongue."  He  died  on  the  7th  of  August,  1783,  bequeathing  to  the 
Bristol  Academy,  where  he  pursued  his  early  studies,  his  large  and 
valuable  library.1  Dr.  Gibbons  was  accustomed,  says  Rippon,  to  speak 
of  him  "  as  the  first  scholar  among  the  Protestant  Dissenters." 


Providence,  Feb.  21, 1772. 
Dear  Sir  : 

I  am  emboldened  to  address  you,  botb  from  the  recommendation  of  Dr.  Stennett  to 
do  so,  and  from  my  knowledge  of  your  friendship  to  the  College  in  this  town,  of  which 
you  would  doubtless  be  glad  to  know  the  state. 

The  College  edifice  is  erected  on  a  most  beautiful  eminence,  in  the  neigborhood  of 
Providence,  commanding  a  most  charming  and  variegated  prospect;  a  large,  neat  brick 
building,  and  so  far  completed  as  to  receive  the  students,  who  now  reside  there,  the 
number  of  whom  is  twenty-two.  "We  have  the  prospect  of  further  additions ;  yet  our 
numbers  will  probably  be  small  until  we  are  better  furnished  with  a  library  and  philo- 
sophical apparatus.  At  present  we  have  but  about  two  hundred  and  fifty  volumes,  and 
these  not  well  chosen,  being  such  as  our  friends  could  best  spare.  Our  apparatus 
consists  of  a  pair  of  globes,  two  microscopes,  and  an  electrical  machine ;  to  this  we  are 
desirous  of  making  the  addition  of  an  air  pump,  if  one  respectable  can  be  purchased  for 
£22  10s.  sterling ;  a  sum  which  two  young  men  informed  me  they  intended  to  give 
towards  an  apparatus  or  the  Library.  If,  therefore,  it  would  not  be  too  much  trouble  to 
inform  me  whether  or  not  that  sum  is  sufficient,  I  shall  receive  it  as  a  particular  favor ; 
for  if  not,  we  shall  appropriate  it  to  some  other  use. 

Our  whole  College  fund  consists  of  about  £900  sterling,  being  the  whole  sum  collected 


1  In  the  second  volume  of  Rippon's  Baptist  Annual  Register,  is  a  history  of  the  Bristol  Academy, 
to  which  is  appended  a  copy  of  the  table  of  benefactors  in  the  Museum  belonging  to  the  Bristol 
Education  Society.  Under  date  1784,  we  find  the  following :  —  "  Thomas  Llewelyn,  Esq.,  LL.D., 
London  (a  legacy),  consisting  of  his  library,  which  cost  more  than  £1,500  "  sterling. 


182  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  IV. 

abroad;  for  no  money  collected  without  the  colonies  is  made  use  of  in  the  building,  but 
solely  applied  in  endowing  it,  with  the  strictest  regard  to  the  donors'  intent.  The 
interest  of  this  sum  is  quite  insufficient  to  provide  for  tuition,  as  two  of  us  are  now 
employed,  and  we  stand  in  need  of  further  help.  May  we  not  expect  some  further 
assistance  from  our  friends  in  England  ?  Or  must  we  conclude  that  the  Baptists  only 
are  inattentive  to  their  own  cause,  while  seminaries  of  other  denominations  have  the 
highest  reason  to  extol  their  generosity  ?  Or  is  it  because  we  use  less  industry  to  promote 
our  common  cause  than  others  ?  If  so,  what  might  another  personal  application  to 
England  do  on  this  head,  could  we  find  a  person  among  us,  of  public  spirit,  who  could 
forego  the  mortification  of  a  beggar,  etc.  ?  Mr.  Edwards  happened  in  England  at  a 
most  unfavorable  juncture,  or  we  should  have  expected  far  better  success.  If  you 
imagine  anything  considerable  can  be  done,  we  shall  strive  hard  to  obtain  some  person 
for  this  purpose ;  if  not,  permit  me  to  solicit  your  interest,  where  you  may  be  able  to 
serve  the  cause.  We  have  had  the  earliest  proofs  of  your  regard  for  the  infant  College, 
and  retain  a  grateful  sense  of  your  unsought  favors. 

I  shall  take  pleasure  in  communicating  any  intelligence  in  my  power,  whenever  you 
please  to  lay  your  commands.  My  present  situation  is  such  as  will  furnish  me  with  a 
general  acquaintance  with  the  state  of  the  Baptist  society  in  America,  especially  as  I 
have  travelled  through  the  greater  part,  and  hold  correspondence  with  some  in  almost 
all  the  provinces. 

The  ship  by  which  this  comes  is  bound  directly  back  to  Providence;  and  being 
owned  by  a  zealous  friend  of  the  College,  any  books,  or  other  things,  should  there  be 
anything  to  send  from  any  of  our  friends,  would  not  only  come  directly,  but  free  from 
the  expense  which  might  otherwise  attend  them. 

The  jealous  eye  with  which  other  denominations  of  Christians  behold  this  infant 
Seminary,  leaves  us  without  hope  of  any  assistance  from  any  but  Baptists  ;*  and  I  think 
if  we  could  but  unite,  and  the  whole  body  lend  a  helping  hand,  we  should  be  able,  with- 
out great  difficulty,  to  rear  the  tender  plant  to  a  degree  of  maturity  which  might  greatly 
subserve  the  cause  of  religion,  especially  in  our  society. 

Craving  your  indulgence  for  giving  you  this  interruption,  and  sincerely  wishing,you 
every  felicity  in  this  and  a  future  world,  I  remain,  dear  sir, 

Your  unworthy  brother  and  servant  in  the  gospel, 

James  Manning. 


1  The  candid  reader  of  all  histories  of  the  times  in  which  Manning  lived,  as  well  as  the  pages  of 
Backus,  the  diary  and  letters  of  Hezekiah  Smith,  and  the  minutes  of  the  Warren  Association,  will 
readily  see  why  even  so  liberal  an  institution  as  the  College,  was  looked  upon  generally  with 
disfavor  hy  those  who  were  outside  of  the  Baptist  denomination. 


1770-1772.  AND   MANNING.  183 

The  following  letter  from  Nicholas  Brown  to  Hezekiah  Smith  will 
be  read  with  interest,  not  only  because  of  the  expression  of  his  views 
and  feelings  in  regard  to  his  own  religious  state,  but  because  of  his 
allusion  to  the  efforts  of  the  enemies  of  the  College  to  prevent  students 
from  entering  it.     The  letter  is  preserved  among  the  Smith  papers :  — 

Providence,  March  30,  1772. 
Reverend  Sir: 

This  may  serve  to  acquaint  you  and  Mrs.  Smith  that  we  have  not  forgotten  you. 
We  have  received  none  of  your  favors  since  28th  September,  by  Mr.  Manning ;  yet  we 
have  no  excuse  for  not  writing  to  you  before,  except  that  of  not  having  any  particulars 
worthy  your  notice.  Mr.  Binney,1  a  worthy,  humble,  and  meek  young  Christian, 
having  been  the  evening  with  us,  I  engaged  to  forward  these  to  you  from  Boston,  as  he 
is  now  going  home  the  ensuing  vacation.  His  conversation  upon  Christianity  is 
really  entertaining,  and  we  sincerely  wish,  while  we  can  say  that  we  take  knowledge 
of  him  that  he  has  "  been  with  Jesus,"  that  the  same  might  be  said  of  ourselves.  This 
knowledge  we  are  still  waiting  for.  I  hope,  in  the  day  of  God's  power,  it  will  be  made 
manifest  in  us ;  and  I  take  this  opportunity  of  requesting  your  fervent  prayers  that 
God  will  remove  from  us  the  veil  of  ignorance  and  unbelief,  and  that  Christ  in  his 
fulness  may  be  savingly  applied  to  our  souls  through  faith,  which  we  believe  to  be  the 
gift  of  God,  as  saith  the  Scriptures.  It  is  a  very  dull  time  in  religion  here,  though  we 
have  to  rejoice  that  God  has  not  left  himself  wholly  without  a  witness.  We  are 
informed  that  in  Swansea,  among  the  Baptists  in  Messrs.  Mason's  and  Martin's  soci- 
eties, upwards  of  forty  have  been  baptized  since  January  came  in.  Some  additions 
have  been  made  to  the  Baptist  churches  in  Newport.  We  have  heard  from  Philadel- 
phia that  Rogers  was  much  liked  there,  and  that  his  preaching  has  been  blessed.  Mr. 
Edwards  has  gone  to  Carolina.  I  hope  he  may  be  able  to  promote  the  collection  of 
your  subscriptions  got  there,  as  they  are  much  needed.  There  is  nothing  new  here 
about  the  College.  The  lower  rooms  have  been  finished,  so  that  the  scholars  have 
live'd  in  them  this  winter.  The  enemies  to  the  Institution  are  doing  what  mischief 
they  can,  by  discouraging  scholars  from  coming  here,  which  fact  ought  to  stir  up 
every  friend  to  exert  himself  to  the  utmost.  Should  be  glad  to  hear  of  some  boys 
coming  here  from  your  quarter.  Mr.  President  is  well,  but  his  wife  is  poorly,  with 
her  old  complaints.    Pray  let  us  hear  of  your  welfare  by  every  opportunity. 

Your  most  respectful  and  obedient  servant, 

Nicholas  Brown. 

1  Barnabas  Binney,  who  graduated  in  1774. 


184  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  IV. 

And  now  occurred  an  event  known  in  history  as  the  affair  of  the 
Gaspee,  which,  from  its  boldness  and  the  high  character  of  its  actors, — 
including  the  leader,  John  Brown,  who  laid  the  corner-stone  of  the 
College  edifice  and  superintended  the  building,  —  attracted  wide  atten- 
tion. As  a  part  of  the  history  of  Manning  and  the  College,  we  have 
compiled  from  Staples,  Lossing,  Arnold,  and  other  writers,  the  follow- 
ing brief  account.  To  the  late  Hon.  John  Brown  Francis,  grandson 
of  the  principal  actor,  we  are  indebted  for  some  particulars  of  this 
memorable  transaction  not  found  in  the  published  narratives. 

In  March,  1772,  the  G-aspee,  a  British  armed  schooner,  first  appeared 
in  the  waters  of  Narragansett  Bay,  having  been  dispatched  hither  by 
the  Commissioners  of  Customs  at  Boston  to  prevent  infractions  of  the 
revenue  laws.  Her  appearance  disquieted  the  people,  and  her  inter- 
ference with  the  free  navigation  of  the  Bay  irritated  them.  Thereupon 
a  spirited  correspondence  ensued,  between  Deputy  Governor  Sessions 
and  Governor  Wanton  on  the  one  hand,  and  Lieutenant  Duddingston 
and  Admiral  Montague  on  the  other.  On  the  9th  of  June,  1772,  Cap- 
tain Lindsey  left  Newport  for  Providence  in  his  packet,  the  Hannah. 
The  Gaspee  as  usual  gave  chase,  but  ran  aground  on  Namquit,  since 
called  Gaspee  Point,  below  Pawtuxet;  the  Hannah  escaped,  arriving 
safely  at  Providence  about  sunset.  Captain  Lindsey  at  once  com- 
municated the  fact  of  the  grounding  of  the  Gaspee  to  Mr.  Brown,  who 
thought  this  a  good  opportunity  to  put  an  end  to  the  vexations  caused 
by  her  presence.  He  immediately  ordered  the  preparation  of  eight  of 
the  largest  long-boats  in  the  harbor,  to  be  placed  under  the  general 
command  of  Capt.  Abraham  Whipple,  afterwards  commodore,  who  was 
one  of  his  most  trusty  shipmasters.  Information  of  the  enemy's  situation 
was  proclaimed  by  beat  of  drum  ;  and  a  man  named  Daniel  Pearce 
passing  along  Main  Street  invited  such  of  the  inhabitants  as  were  willing 
to  engage  in  a  perilous  enterprise  for  the  destruction  of  the  Gaspee,  to 
meet  at  the  house  of  James  Sabin,  lately  the  residence  of  Richard  J. 
Arnold,  Esq.  The  boats  left  Providence  between  ten  and  eleven 
o'clock,  filled  with  sixty-four  well-armed  men,  and  between  one  and 
two   in   the    morning    they   reached    the    Gaspee.      Two   shots    were 


1770-1772.  AND   MANNING.  185 

exchanged,  one  of  which  wounded  Lieutenant  Duddingston  in  the 
groin.  This  was  the  first  British  blood  shed  in  the  War  of  Inde- 
pendence. The  schooner  was  now  boarded  without  much  opposition, 
and  the  crew  and  officers  were  compelled  to  leave  with  their  effects, 
when  it  was  set  on  fire  and  blown  up.  Mr.  Brown  was  the  last  man 
to  leave  the  deck,  being  determined  that  no  one  should  carry  from  the 
vessel  anything  which  might  lead  to  the  identification  and  detection 
of  the  parties.  By  so  doing  he  narrowly  escaped  with  his  life,  in  con- 
sequence of  the  falling  timbers  and  spars. 

When  the  news  of  this  daring  feat  reached  England,  the  King's 
proclamation  was  issued,  offering  a  reward  of  one  thousand  pounds 
sterling  for  the  arrest  and  conviction  of  the  two  leaders  of  the  affair, 
and  five  hundred  pounds  each  for  any  other  of  the  offenders,  with  a 
free  pardon,  in  addition,  to  any  one  concerned,  except  the  two  chiefs, 
who  would  implicate  the  rest.  A  commission  of  inquiry,  under  the 
great  seal  of  England,  was  established,  which  sat  from  the  4th  until 
the  22d  of  January,  1773.  It  then  adjourned  until  the  26th  of  May, 
when  it  assembled  and  sat  until  the  23d  of  June.  But  not  a  solitary 
clew  to  the  identity  of  the  perpetrators  of  the  deed  could  be  obtained, 
notwithstanding  they  were  well  known  to  the  people.  The  price  of 
treachery  on  the  part  of  any  accomplice  would  have  been  exile  from 
home  and  country ;  and  the  proffered  reward  was  not  adequate  to  such 
a  sacrifice.  Moreover,  those  whose  weak  moral  principles  or  strong 
acquisitiveness  might  have  tempted  them  into  a  compliance  with  the 
terms  of  the  proclamation,  were  bribed,  it  is  said,  to  silence,  by  Mr. 
Brown  and  some  of  his  associates.  The  principal  actors,  besides  Mr. 
Brown,  were  Capt.  Abraham  Whipple,  John  B.  Hopkins,  Benjamin 
Dunn,  Doct.  John  Mawney,  Benjamin  Page,  Joseph  Bucklin,  Turpin 
Smith,  Ephraim  Bowen,  and  Capt.  Joseph  Tillinghast.  Mr.  Brown, 
says  Governor  Francis,  afterwards  deeply  regretted  this  affair,  so  fool- 
hardy in  itself,  and  resulting  in  so  much  needless  apprehension  to  him- 
self and  family.  For  a  long  time  he  was  accustomed  to  sleep  away 
from  home,  lest  he  should  be  arrested  during  the  night.  The  first 
booming  of  the  guns  at  Lexington  and  Concord  filled  his  mind  with 

24 


186  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  IV. 

gladness.  He  was  a  stranger  himself  to  fear,  but  he  rejoiced  when  the 
anxieties  and  fears  of  others  were  merged  in  the  open  contest  now 
commenced.  History  has  given  to  the  leader  in  this  Rhode  Island 
enterprise  the  fame  which  he  so  richly  deserves. 

Notwithstanding  these  disturbances,  the  President  continued  his  cor- 
respondence with  his  English  brethren,  and  addressed  the  following 
letter  to  his  friend  Ryland.  He  had  reason  to  know,  as  subsequent 
events  proved,  that  among  the  Dissenters  in  England  the  Baptists 
especially  were  friendly  to  America,  and  heartily  sympathized  with  the 
Americans  in  their  seven  years'  contest  with  British  power.  This  we 
shall  see  later  on. 


To  the  Rev.  John  Ryland. 

Providence,  May  19, 1772. 


Reverend  and  Dear  Sir: 


On  the  5th  ult.  I  received  your  letter,  as  I  judged  from  the  contents,  for  it  had 
neither  your  name  nor  any  date  to  it.  The  contents  gave  me  very  great  pleasure  on 
various  accounts,  —  as  a  testimony  of  your  regard  for  me,  the  College,  and  the  cause 
of  religion  in  general,  and  especially  for  the  zeal  you  discover  in  promoting  the 
Baptist  interests.  The  list  of  names  you  sent  me  shall  he  laid  before  the  Faculty  next 
September,  and  without  doubt  they  will  receive  the  honors  of  the  College.  We  shall 
also  be  obliged  to  you  for  your  proposed  favor  of  sending  us  some  names  every  year, 
and  such,  too,  as  are  worthy  of  honor.  I  saw  a  paragraph  in  a  letter  to  Rev.  Isaac 
Backus,  from  Rev.  Benjamin  Wallin,  of  London,  in  which  he  intimated  we  had  con- 
ferred degrees  on  some  on  your  side  of  the  water  who  would  not  do  us  honor.  I  shall 
therefore  rely  on  you  to  pay  particular  regard  to  the  literary  qualifications  of  those 
whom  you  recommend,  in  order  that  our  enemies  may  not  have  it  in  their  power  to 
reproach  us  on  this  head.  I  thank  you  for  the  hint  given  me  concerning  the  number 
of  our  ministers  and  churches  in  Britain,  and  your  offer  of  sending  me  a  short  account 
of  them,  which  I  have  not  seen.  If  there  should  be  more  than  one  on  hand,  it  would 
gratify  some  of  our  friends  if  I  could  supply  them.  The  present  of  the  volume  of 
poems  will  be  very  acceptable.  Please  to  give  my  cordial  love  to  the  author,  of  whom 
I  shall  be  mindful  amongst  others  who  deserve  the  honors  of  the  College.  I  hope  you 
will  be  happy  in  seeing  him  not  only  a  faithful  but  successful  laborer  in  Christ's  vine- 
yard. You  may  assure  yourself  that  I  will  contribute  all  in  my  power  to  assist  in 
"  rousing  the  sluggards,"  etc.  If  the  Presbyterians  have  let  go  the  faith,  I  hope  it  is 
to  promote   the   primitive   ordinances  of   the  Gospel  under  the  direction  of  a  wise 


1770-1772.  AND    MANNING.  187 

Providence.  I  think  this  has  been  and  now  is  the  case  in  New  England ;  for  many 
of  the  good  people  are  following  Christ  into  the  water,  who  before  quieted  their 
consciences  by  the  example  of  the  fathers  now  with  God ;  but  they  cannot  find  the  same 
reason  when  they  view  the  clergy  of  the  present  age.  In  short,  if  you  hear  of  a  work 
of  God's  Spirit  among  the  Presbyterians  of  New  England,  you  will  soon  hear  that  a 
Baptist  minister  is  applied  to  to  baptize  them.  God  has  been  and  is  still  doing  marvel- 
lous things,  in  the  outpouring  of  his  Spirit  on  some  of  our  churches ;  especially  in 
Boston,  Dighton,  Rehoboth,  Swansea,  in  the  Bay  Government,  and  in  Warren,  of  this 
Colony,  under  the  ministry  of  Mr.  Charles  Thompson,  one  of  the  first  class  that  grad- 
uated at  this  College.  I  am  told  that  near  three  hundred  have  been  baptized  in  these 
places  since  last  September.  Mr.  William  Rogers,  a  member  also  of  the  same  class, 
about  twenty-one  years  of  age,  has  been  called  to  the  ministry,  and  is  preaching  in 
Philadelphia,  where  God  appears  to  own  his  labors  to  admiration.  He  is  a  pious,  warm 
Christian,  and  a  very  popular  preacher  in  that  city.  All  these  things  encourage  me  to 
believe  that  God  regards  this  College  with  a  favorable  eye ;  especially  as  I  have  reason 
to  hope  that  he  has  called  by  grace  some  who  are  now  in  College,  since  they  came 
here,  while  others  appear  to  be  hopefully  anxious  about  their  salvation. 

I  shall  make  free  to  draw  on  you  again  the  1st  of  June,  by  Mr.  Edwards's  instruc- 
tion, and  continue  to  do  so  yearly  until  you  forbid  me.  What  think  you  of  an  applica- 
tion to  England,  by  some  suitable  person,  in  order  to  augment  our  little  and  insufficient 
fund,  as  Mr.  Edwards  made  but  a  partial  application ;  or  would  a  well-concerted 
scheme  of  a  lottery1  to  raise  £1,000  or  £2,000  sterling  meet  with  encouragement  by  the 
sale  of  tickets  in  England?  Some  method  must  be  adopted, unless  some  generous,  able 
benefactors  should  arise  to  assist  us.  I  shall  write  frequently  and  long ;  and  if  you  will 
do  the  same  to  me,  you  will  greatly  oblige, 

Yours,  etc., 
'  James  Manning. 

From  the  following  notice,  which  was  published  in  the  Providence 
Gazette,  it  appears  that  President  Manning  still  retained  charge  of  the 


1  Suggested  perhaps  by  Mr.  Manning's  familiarity  with  the  history  of  the  College  of  New  Jersey, 
the  funds  of  which  institution  had  been  increased  by  lotteries  which  the  legislatures  of  Connecti- 
cut, Pennsylvania,  and  New  Jersey  had  granted  for  this  purpose.  Harvard  and  Yale  Colleges,  it 
may  be  added,  were  also  aided  by  lotteries,  the  former  even  as  recently  as  the  year  1808.  To  show 
how  common  were  lotteries  in  Rhode  Island  at  this  time,  it  may  be  stated,  that,  in  the  space  of 
twenty-seven  years,  from  1752  to  1779,  no  less  than  fifty-four  were  granted  by  the  General  Assembly 
for  the  building  of  churches,  parsonages,  school-houses,  bridges,  streets,  wharves,  etc.,  as  we  find 
by  looking  over  the  "  Colonial  Records."    See  account  of  lotteries  on  page  72. 

For  a  very  interesting  account  of  lotteries  in  behalf  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Hopkins's  church  in  New- 
port, the  reader  is  referred  to  Professor  Park's  Memoir  of  the  Life  and  Character  of  Dr.  Hopkins 
pp.  113, 114. 


188  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  IV. 

Latin  school,  it  being  without  doubt  the  same  which  he  commenced  at 
Warren  eight  years  previous  to  this  date.  Thus,  in  addition  to  his 
labors  as  Pastor  of  the  church  and  President  of  the  College,  he  was 
engaged  in  teaching  lads,  directly  or  otherwise,  the  elements  of 
knowledge,  and  in  furnishing  them,  as  also  the  College  students,  with 
school  books,  "  at  the  lowest  rate." 

Whereas  several  gentlemen  have  requested  me  to  take  and  educate  their  sons,  this 
may  inform  them,  and  others  disposed  to  put  their  children  under  my  care,  that  the 
Latin  school1  is  now  removed,  and  set  up  in  the  College  edifice;  where  proper  attention 
shall  be  given,  by  a  master  duly  qualified,  and  those  found  to  be  the  most  effectual 
methods  to  obtain  a  competent  knowledge  of  grammar,  steadily  pursued.  At  the  same 
time,  spelling,  reading,  and  speaking  English  with  propriety  will  be  particularly 
attended  to.  Any  who  choose  their  sons  should  board  in  commons,  may  be  accommo- 
dated at  the  same  rate  with  the  students,  —  six  shillings  per  week  being  the  price. 
And  I  flatter  myself  that  such  attention  will  be  paid  to  their  learning  and  morals  as  will 
entirely  satisfy  all  who  may  send  their  children.  All  books  for  the  school,  as  well  as  the 
classical  authors  read  in  College,  may  be  had,  at  the  lowest  rate,  of  the  subscriber. 

James  Manning. 
Providence,  July  10,  1772. 

Another  Commencement  was  now  at  hand.     The  following  from 
Smith's  diary  will  be  read  with  interest :  — 

Mon.,  Aug.  31,  1772.  Set  out  for  my  journey  to  New  Jersey.  Got  the  first  night  to 
Ames's  in  Dedham.  Tues.,  Sept.  1.  Got  to  my  good  friend's  Nicholas  Brown  in  Provi- 
dence, where  I  stayed  till  the  Monday  following.  Attended  the  Commencement  on 
Wednesday.  Thursday  met  with  the  Corporation  of  the  College.  Friday  4,  and  Satur- 
day 5.     Among  my  friends.    Sab.,  G.     Preached  in  the  forenoon  in  Mr.  Manning's 


1  Where  the  Latin  school  was  kept  previous  to  this  date  we  cannot  positively  state ;  it  is,  how- 
ever, more  than  probable  that  it  was  in  one  of  the  chambers  of  the  brick  school-house  on  Meeting 
Street.  The  other  chamber,  as  has  already  been  stated  was  occupied  by  the  officers  and  students 
of  the  College.  This  school-house,  as  appears  from  Staples's  Annals  of  Providence,  was  built 
during  the  year  1768,  partly  by  the  town,  and  partly  by  subscription.  By  this  compound  arrange- 
ment the  town  owned  the  lower  story,  while  the  upper  story  was  owned  by  the  subscribers,  among 
whom  the  friends  and  guardians  of  the  College  were  largely  represented.  As  we  have  remarked  in 
a  previous  chapter,  this  school,  commenced  by  Manning  at  Warren  in  1764,  was  for  a  long  time  con- 
nected with  the  College  or  University.  In  1810  the  corporation  erected  a  brick  building  for  its 
accommodation,  at  an  expense  of  fifteen  hundred  dollars. 


1770-1772.  AND   MANNING.  189 

meeting-house  in  Providence,  from  Prov.  1:  29,  and  in  the  afternoon  from  Luke  16:  31, 
in  Mr.  Snow's  meeting-house.  In  the  evening  preached  in  the  Baptist  meeting-house  at 
the  Mills,  which  is  about  eleven  miles  from  Providence,  from  Phil.  1 :  21.  Mon.,  7.  Set 
out  from  Nath'l.  Green's  in  Coventry,  where  I  lodged,  and  got  that  day  to  Obadiah 
Stark's  in  Colchester,  where  we  lodged,  viz. :  David  Howell  and  myself,  who  is  going 
with  me  to  the  Jerseys.  Tues.,  8.  Went  through  Haddam,  Durham,  and  to  Walling- 
ford,  where  we  lodged  at  Mr.  Johnson's,  the  tavern  keeper.  Wednes.,  9.  Attended 
Commencement  in  New  Haven,  when  and  where  we  had  Master's  degrees  conferred 
upon  us  by  President  Daggett. 

The  Providence,  Gazette  gives  the  following  account  of  this  Com- 
mencement :  — 

Providence,  Sept.  5,  1772. 

On  Wednesday,  the  2d  instant,  was  celebrated  the  anniversary  Commencement  of 
the  College  in  this  town.  The  gentlemen  concerned  in  the  business  of  the  day,  walked 
from  the  College  Hall  to  the  Rev.  Joseph  Snow's  meeting-house.  After  prayer  by  the 
President,  a  Salutatory  oration  was  pronounced,  in  Latin,  by  Mr.  Russell ;  next  the 
Intermediate  oration,  by  Mr.  Howell,  upon  History,  and  then  a  Soliloquy  by  Mr. 
Appleton,  on  Solitude;  which  was  succeeded  by  an  oration  on  Agriculture,  and  the 
Pleasures  of  a  Country  Life,  by  Mr.  Harris ;  and  an  oration,  the  subject,  Pride,  by  Mr. 
Greene,  concluded  the  exercises  of  the  forenoon. 

Mr.  Varnum,  one  of  the  candidates  for  a  Master's  degree,  first  spoke  in  the  afternoon, 
upon  the  Origin,  Nature,  and  Design  of  Civil  Government.  Then  followed  a  Latin 
Exegesis,  by  Mr.  Howell,  in  support  of  this  Thesis :  —  "  Miracula  extitisse  humano  testi- 
monio  probari  potest;"  which  was  opposed  by  Messrs.  Appleton,  Greene,  and  David. 
Next,  Mr.  Stites,  another  candidate  for  a  Master's  degree,  spoke  an  oration,  the  topic, 
Female  Education :  — After  which  the  following  young  gentlemen  were  admitted  to  the 
degree  of  A.  B.,  viz.:  Joseph  Appleton,  Ebenezer  David,  Benjamin  Greene,  Joseph 
Harris,  Elias  Howell,  and  Joseph  Dolbeare  Russell. 

Ad  eundem,  Jonathan  Williams,  of  Harvard  College.  To  the  degree  of  A.  M.,  were 
admitted  Joseph  Eaton,  William  Rogers,  Richard  Stites,  Charles  Thompson,  James 
Mitchel  Varnum,  and  William  Williams.  Ad  eundem,  the  Rev.  Erasmus  Kelly,  of 
Philadelphia  College ;  and  the  Rev.  John  Ryland,  Jr.,  of  Northampton,  in  England,  to 
the  honorary  degree  of  A.  M. 

After  the  degrees  were  conferred,  Mr.  David  pronounced  the  Valedictory  oration, 
upon  the  Incomparable  Advantages  of  Religion.  The  President  then  gave  the  Bachelors 
a  charge,  with  great  solemnity,  and  concluded  with  prayer. 

During  the  exercises,  a  profound  attention  was  given  by  a  sensible,  crowded,  and 
polite  assembly.    The  candor  and  satisfaction  which  appeared  in  every  countenance, 


190  BROWN    UNIVERSITY  Chap.  IV. 

animated  the  young  performers    emulously  to  contend  for   that  universal  applause 
which  they  had  the  honor  to  receive. 

Concerning  the  members  of  this  graduating  class  but  little  is  now 
known.  Appleton  was  from  Ipswich,  Massachusetts.  He  became  a 
clergyman,  and  died  in  1795.  Greene  was  from  Bristol;  he  died  in 
1824.  Harris  was  from  Smithfield ;  he  died  in  1823.  Howell  was 
from  Egg  Harbor,  New  Jersey,  being  a  relative  of  Hon.  Judge  Howell. 
Russell  was  from  Providence.  His  father,  Joseph  Dolbeare  Russell, 
appears  under  date  of  Newport,  May,  1771,  as  a  donor  of  books  to  the 
College  Library.  David,  the  valedictorian,  was  from  Philadelphia. 
While  a  student  in  college,  he  was  converted.  After  graduating  he 
lived  in  Newport  where  he  joined  the  Seventh  Day  Baptist  church,  and 
the  year  following  he  was  ordained  as  a  minister  of  that  faith  and  order. 
During  the  war  he  was  a  Chaplain  in  the  American  Army,  and  was 
highly  esteemed  for  his  talents,  piety,  and  zeal.  He  died  in  Pennsyl- 
vania while  in  the  service,  on  the  19th  of  March,  1778. 

At  the  meeting  of  the  Corporation,  which  was  fully  attended,  it  was 

Resolved,  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  Corporation  that  some  suitable  application  he 
made  to  Great  Britain  for  further  assistance  for  this  Institution. 

Voted,  That  the  Honorable  the  Chancellor,  Honorable  Darius  Sessions,  the  Reverend 
President,  Doct.  Jabez  Bowen,  and  Mr.  Nicholas  Brown,  be  a  committee  to  consider 
who  may  be  a  proper  person  to  solicit  donations  in  Europe ;  and  if  the  Reverend  Presi- 
dent should  be  thought  most  suitable  for  the  purpose,  then  to  consider  by  whom  the 
place  of  President  may  be  supplied  during  his  absence,  and  to  consult  such  person 
upon  the  affair,  and  to  lay  their  proceedings  before  the  Corporation  at  their  adjourn- 
ment. 

The  need  of  funds  must  indeed  have  been  urgent  to  have  suggested 
the  temporary  absence  in  England  of  the  head  of  the  College,  and  the 
Pastor  of  the  church  at  this  juncture  of  affairs. 

The  following  letter,  addressed  to  the  Rev.  John  Ryland,  gives  an 
account  of  the  greatest  donation  the  Library  had  at  that  time  received ; 
namely,  the  works  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  John  Gill,  the  distinguished  com- 
mentator, and  fifty-two  folio  volumes  of  the  Fathers,  presented  through 


1770-1772.  AND   MANNING.  191 

Dr.  Gill's  executors.  From  this  letter  we  learn  that  Manning  was  now 
receiving  from  the  College  a  salary  of  £67  13s.  6d.  The  Corporation, 
it  will  be  remembered,  at  the  special  meeting  held  in  Warren,  April  2, 
1770,  voted  him  a  salary  of  ,£100  lawful  money.  The  church  in  Provi- 
dence also  voted  him  a  salary  of  £50 ;  thus  making  a  total  of  $500.  In 
addition  to  this  he  had  the  use  of  the  "  President's  House,"  which  was 
built  in  connection  with  the  College  edifice,  and  also  what  he  could 
realize  from  his  "Latin  School." 

Providence,  Nov.  12,  1772. 
Reverend  and  Dear  Sir: 

I  have  not  received  an  answer  to  mine  of  May  19th,  1772,  yet  am  not  willing  to  let 
this  opportunity  pass  without  a  line.  The  Faculty  conferred  the  degree  of  A.  M.,  at 
our  last  Commencement  on  your  son,  the  Rev.  John  Ryland,  Jun. ;  hut  through  my 
hurry,  and  absence  from  home  since  Commencement,  I  have  not  got  his  diploma 
written,  and  must  therefore  omit  sending  it  until  my  next.  Those  other  gentlemen 
you  mentioned  did  not  receive  their  degrees ;  the  Faculty  chose  to  know  whether  they 
have  been  consulted  personally,  and  wish  to  receive  the  honors  of  our  College ;  other- 
wise it  might  do  us  hurt  instead  of  service.  What  suggested  this  reflection,' in  part, 
was  a  paragraph  in  a  letter  from  Mr.  Wallin  of  London  to  Mr.  Backus,  which  I  saw,  in 
which  he  seemed  to  insinuate  that  we  had  been  too  lavish  of  our  honors.  If  these 
gentlemen  would  accept  diplomas  from  us,  we  should  give  them  with  pleasure ;  but  we 
do  not  choose  to  give  them  to  those  who  would  not  thank  us  for  them,  as  I  think  has 
been  the  case  with  some  even  on  your  side  of  the  water. 

With  this  I  send  you  a  catalogue1  of  those  who  have  received  the  honors  of  the 
College  from  the  first.  Our  last  Commencement,  I  believe,  acquired  us  considerable 
reputation  amongst  the  literati  in  New  England ;  and  had  we  not  to  combat  with  the 
inveterate  enmity  of  the  New  England  clergy,  it  would  have  added  to  the  number  of 
our  scholars ;  but  they  take  unwearied  pains  to  prevent  any  from  coming  if  possible, 
and  do  not  stick  at  the  method  of  carrying  their  points ;  but,  thank  God,  they  don't 
govern  the  world. 

Last  month  I  returned  from  a  journey  through  the  western  provinces,  as  far  as 
Philadelphia.  I  found  religion  at  an  ebb  in  those  churches  in  general,  as  is  the  case 
through  the  most  of  New  England.  Virginia  is  still  in  a  flame,  and  hundreds  are 
hopefully  turning  to  God.  I  attended  the  Association  at  New  York,  and  we  had  a  very 
comfortable  season.    I  herewith  send  you  an  Association  letter. 


1  This  was  the  first  "  triennial  catalogue,"  to  which  Dr.  Stiles  alludes  in  his  diary.    No  copy  of 
it,  to  the  writer's  knowledge,  has  been  preserved. 


192  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  IV. 

I  should  be  glad  to  know  in  what  sense  you  give  the  five  guineas  which  I  have  been 
directed  to  call  upon  you  for  annually.  The  reason  is  this :  I  have  always  rendered 
an  account  of  it  to  the  Corporation  as  a  part  of  my  salary  from  the  College,  which  is 
£67  13s.  4d.  sterling,  annually,  and  some  of  the  members  have  found  fault  with  me  for 
so  doing,  alleging  that,  as  my  salary  is  inadequate,  I  ought  to  consider  it  as  a  free  gift, 
or  so  much  over  the  above  sum ;  but  this  I  would  by  no  means  do  without  an  explicit 
account  of  your  intention  in  the  donation,  according  to  which  I  shall  be  governed,  and 
therefore  I  pray  you  to  resolve  me  in  this  matter. 

By  the  last  ship  we  received  the  works  of  the  great  and  good  Dr.  Gill,  with  fifty-two 
folio  volumes  of  the  Fathers,  etc.,  the  gift  of  Messrs.  George  Keith  and  John  Gill,  the 
Doctor's  executors.  This  is  by  far  the  greatest  donation  our  little  Library  has  yet  had ; 
but  I  hope  their  generous  example  will  be  followed  by  others  on  your  side  of  the 
Atlantic.  Do  you  think  it  would  be  worth  while  for  an  American  Indian,  as  we  are 
generally  deemed,  to  visit  England,  on  the  errand  of  collecting  some  more  money  for 
our  College?  For  we  really  nee*d  it.  I  have  been  mentioned,  if  my  place  in  the 
interim  could  be  supplied,  for  this  purpose,  provided  the  prospect  promised  anything 
worth  while.1  But  the  inattention  of  the  Baptists  to  their  own  interests  disheartens 
me  greatly. 

I  have  written  two  letters  to  Dr.  Stennett  since  I  have  had  an  answer,  and  I  am 
afraid  I  have  tired  that  good  man  with  my  nonsense,  and  that  my  letters  have  been 
mislaid  or  intercepted.  Pray,  have  you  heard  of  the  Doctor's  being  addressed  by 
Dr.  Chauncey,  of  Boston,  with  a  design  to  alienate  him  from  the  cause  of  the  New 
England  Baptists,  by  sending  him  reproachful  accounts  of  them  ?  I  was  told  by  one 
of  our  brethren  this  was  suspected  to  be  the  case,  from  some  extraordinary  steps  taken 
by  that  society.  If  that  should  be  the  case  I  should  be  glad  to  know ;  and  if  you  are 
intimate  with  the  Doctor,  you  may  probably  know  through  him.  A  minister  of  repu- 
tation gave  me  this  hint  but  a  few  days  past,  or  I  would  not  have  mentioned  it, 
supposing  them  incapable  of  so  low  an  artifice.  I  am  told  another2  of  my  first  class  is 
to  preach  on  trial  next  Lord's  Day,  which  will  make  three  of  that  class  in  the  ministry. 

With  great  respect,  I  am,  sir,  yours  to  serve, 

James  Manning. 

The  President  again  alludes  to  "the  inveterate  enmity  of  the  New- 
England  clergy  "  towards  the  College,  who,  he  states,  took  "  unwearied 

»  The  President  here  refers  to  the  vote  of  the  Corporation  passed  at  the  recent  meeting  in 
September. 

2  William  Williams,  now  teaching  at  Warren. 


1770-1772.  AND   MANNING.  193 

pains  to  prevent  scholars  "  from  entering  the  Institution,  and  did  not 
"  stick  at  the  method  for  carrying  their  points."  But,  he  adds  in  right- 
eous indignation,  "  Thank  God,  they  don't  govern  the  world." 
The  following  is  another  letter  to  the  Rev.  Dr.  Stennett :  — 

Providence,  Nov.  13,  1772. 
Reverend  and  Dear  Sir  : 

As  I  have  sent  two  or  three  letters  since  receiving  one  from  you,  I  should  not  now 
write,  as  I  have  nothing  of  importance  to  communicate,  had  not  the  Rev.  Isaac  Backus, 
of  Middleborough,  requested  me,  on  the  following  account :  He  has  been  up  to  Ashfield 
not  long  since,  and  found  that  the  Congregational  clergy  there,  as  well  as  elsewhere, 
have  been  very  busy  in  collecting  all  the  scandalous  reports  they  can  hear  of;  and  as 
they  think,  from  some  circumstances,  sending  them  to  Dr.  Chauncey,  of  Boston,  in 
order  to  transmit  the  same  to  you,  to  prevent  you  from  interesting  yourself  in  their 
cause.  I  confess  this  is  a  suggestion  which  would  seem  to  flow  from  a  bad  heart,  desti- 
tute of  charity,  to  a  person  who  is  acquainted  only  with  the  fair  side  of  their  character, 
but  to  those  who  are  conversant  with  them  in  New  England,  that  they  should  conceive 
such  a  design  is  far  from  being  a  thing  incredible.  Now  if  this  is  the  case,  I  have  author- 
ity from  Mr.  Backus,  a  man  of  unblemished  reputation,  to  inform  you  that,  so  far  as  he 
could  judge,  from  being  on  the  spot  and  viewing  the  lands,  etc.,  wrested  from  those 
poor  Baptists,  he  verily  thought  their  complaints  were  lighter  than  their  grievances, 
and  that  their  sufferings  have  been  extremely  great.  And  as  Mr.  Backus  is  appointed 
by  the  body  of  the  Baptists  in  New  England  to  collect  materials  for  their  history,  he 
prays  and  doubts  not  but  you  will,  through  my  hands,  favor  him  with  intelligence 
respecting  this  matter,  by  the  first  opportunity,  that  he  may  have  it  in  his  power  to 
undeceive  you  if  they  have  sent  you  these  accounts. 

The  state  of  the  College  is  much  the  same  as  when  I  wrote  last,  as  to  numbers,  and 
still  wants  powerful  friends  to  patronize  and  endow  it.  Messrs.  Keith  and  Gill,  the 
Doctor's  executors,  by  the  last  ship  have  sent  us  a  set  of  the  Doctor's  works,  and  fifty- 
two  volumes  of  the  Fathers,  etc.;  which  is  the  greatest  donation  our  little  library  has 
yet  had. 

I  have  visited  the  western  provinces  this  fall,  and  find  there  but  dead  times  in 
religion,  except  in  Virginia,  where  God  still  continues  to  do  wonders  amongst  the 
people ;  though,  as  of  old,  by  instruments  to  the  eye  of  human  reason  very  weak ;  but 
God  clothes  them  with  power.  I  attended  the  Philadelphia  Association,  held  in  New 
York  this  year,  and  was  very  agreeably  entertained  with  the  company  of  a  number  of 
my  fellow-servants,  who  seem  zealous  to  promote  the  Redeemer's  kingdom.  One  of 
them,  Mr.  David  Jones,  has  been  the  last  summer  visiting  and  preaching  to  the  western 
tribes  of  Indians  between  the  Ohio  and  Mississippi ;  and,  like  an  apostle  amongst  the 
25 


194  BROWN   UNIVERSITY.  Chap.  IV. 

Gentiles,  was  to  set  out  on  the  first  of  this  month,  at  his  own  charges  to  pay  his  inter- 
preter, and  spend  the  winter  among  the  natives.  He  says  they  give  ear  to  the  Gospel, 
and  importuned  him  to  come  again.  He  thinks  there  is  a  great  prospect  of  many  turn- 
ing to  God  amongst  them ;  and  who  knows  hut  they  may  ?  I  helieve  it  is  the  first 
instance  of  the  Baptists  going  among  them  for  that  purpose.  The  Association  was 
highly  pleased  with  the  accounts  he  gave,  and  recommended  it  to  the  churches  to  set  on 
foot  a  collection  for  him;  but  I  fear  he  must  exhaust  his  own  little  pittance,  notwith- 
standing what  they  will  do;  for  public  spirit  is  a  virtue  rarely  found  in  this  country 
amongst  good  people.    But  lest  I  weary  your  patience,  I  subscribe  myself,  sir, 

Your  friend  and  servant, 

James  Manning. 

We  close  this  chapter  with  an  account  of  a  remarkable  funeral 
which  Mr.  Manning  attended  in  Swansea,  which  account  he  himself 
prepared  and  published  :  — 

Last  Friday  departed  this  life,  in  the  ninety-fifth  year  of  his  age,  Esek  Brown,  Esq., 
of  this  town.  As  he  lived  beloved  he  died  lamented  by  every  one  who  had  the  honor  of 
his  acquaintance.  In  his  long  and  painful  illness,  which  he  bore  with  truly  Christian 
fortitude  and  patience,  his  constant  prayer  to  Almighty  God  was  that  he  might  enjoy 
the  exercise  of  his  reason,  and  maintain  under  his  change  a  true  Christian  magnanim- 
ity and  patience,  and  that  God  in  His  infinite  mercy  would  grant  him  a  comfortable 
passage  from  this  to  a  life  of  blessedness — in  all  of  which,  we  have  reason  to  believe, 
God  answered  his  requests  and  prayers.  He  has  left  to  mourn  his  loss,  his  widow,  the 
only  wife  he  ever  had,  aged  ninety-one  years,  and  with  whom  he  had  lived  sixty-nine 
years  in  happy  wedlock,  besides  a  numerous  offspring,  the  greatest  part  of  whom 
attended  his  funeral.  He  had  descended  from  him,  eleven  children,  one  hundred  and 
twenty-two  grandchildren,  one  hundred  and  seventy-seven  great-grand-children,  and 
three  great-grand-children's  children,  in  all  three  hundred  and  thirteen.  He  was 
upwards  of  sixty  years  a  regular  member  of  the  Baptist  church,  and  a  member  of  the 
House  of  Commons  of  Massachusetts  Bay  forty-one  years.  He  also  sustained  several 
other  offices  in  the  town  with  great  fidelity  and  honor,  and  among  all  his  connections  in 
business  through  life,  which  were  numerous  and  remarkable,  he  never  had  an  action  at 
law  either  for  or  against  him.  Remarkable  to  relate,  the  coffin  in  which  he  was  buried 
was  made  out  of  whole  boards  sawed  out  of  a  black  cherry  tree  which  he  brought  in  his 
own  hand,  on  horseback,  from  Rhode  Island,  and  set  it  out  in  the  road  before  his 
garden  wall  with  his  own  hands.  He  was  an  affectionate  husband,  a  tender  parent,  a 
kind  master,  a  good  neighbor,  and  what  crowns  all,  a  pious  Christian.  He  died  on 
the  6th,  and  was  interred  on  the  10th  day  of  December,  1772.  His  funeral  was  attended 
by  a  vast  concourse  of  friends,  old  and  young,  and  by  upwards  of  two  hundred  of  his 
offspring. 


CHAPTER   V. 


1770-1775. 

Manning's  connection  with  the  Baptist  church  in  Providence  —  Oldest  Baptist  church 
in  America — Founded  hy  Roger  Williams  —  Claims  to  priority  of  the  church  in 
Newport  —  Historians  of  the  church;  Stanford,  Hopkins,  Edwards,  Hague,  Caldwell, 
King  —  Erroneous  statements  of  Dr.  Whitsitt  in  Johnson's  Universal  Cyclopedia — 
Settlement  of  Providence  in  1636  —  Winthrop's  record  of  the  baptism  of  Williams  — 
Ezekiel  Holliman  —  Church  founded  in  1638  —  Williams's  baptism  was  by  immersion 

—  Coddington's  statement  to  this  effect  —  First  church  or  society  in  Rhode  Island 
Congregational  —  Hopkins's  statement  —  Winthrop's  reference  to  early  religious 
meetings  at  Providence  —  Statement  of  Dr.  Stiles — Hopkins's  account  of  the  forma- 
tion of  the  Baptist  church  —  Letter  of  Hugh  Peters  giving  notice  of  the  exclusion  of 
the  members  from  the  church  in  Salem  —  Hopkins's  account  authoritative  —  Roger 
Williams  minister  of  a  Congregational  church,  and  then  of  the  Baptist  church, 
from  which  he  soon  withdrew  —  Statements  of  Stanford,  Edwards,  Backus,  and 
Scott  — Williams's  change  of  views  —  No  change  in  his  views  on  baptism  —  Believer  in 
and  earnest  advocate  of  the  distinguishing  doctrines  of  the  Baptists  throughout  life 
— Absorbed  in  the  grand  idea  of  founding  a  free  colony,  and  in  the  work  of  convert- 
ing the  Indians  to  Christianity  —  Growth  of  the  church  —  Chad  Brown  —  Early  con- 
troversy respecting  the  doctrine  of  Laying  on  of  Hands  —  Williams,  and  Elders 
Brown,  Wickenden,  Dexter,  and  Tillinghast  on  one  side,  and  Elder  Olney  on  the 
other  —  Olney,  with  a  few  others,  withdraws  and  founds  a  "Five  Principle  Church"  — 
Statements  of  Edwards,  Callender,  and  Backus  —  Account  of  Pardon  Tillinghast  and 
his  statements  —  Controversy  revived  and  compromise  made  in  1732  —  Samuel  Winsor 

—  Condition  of  the  church  in  1770,  when  Manning  came  to  Providence  with  the  Col- 
lege—  Howland's  recollections  —  History  of  the  church  from  this  time  on  as  com- 
piled by  Stanford  —  Manning  invited  to  preach  for  the  church  —  Elder  Winsor  objects 
to  his  views  in  regard  to  Laying  on  of  Hands  and  Singing  in  Public  Worship  — 
Views  on  this  subject  that  then  prevailed  —  Winsor  withdraws  with  others  and 
forms  a  Six  Principle  church  in  Johnston  —  Church  applies  to  Gardner  Thurston  and 
Job  and  Russell  Mason  for  advice  —  Manning  appointed  to  preach  and  administer 
the  ordinances  —  General  meeting  decides  that  the  church  in  Providence,  and  not  the 
seceding  church  in  Johnston,  is  the  original  church  —  Manning's  preaching  followed 
by  a  revival  —  Meeting-house  too  small  for  the  increased  congregation —  Steps  taken 
to  build  a  new  one  on  a  large  scale,  "for  the  public  worship  of  Almighty  God,  and 
also  for  holding  Commencement  in"  —  Successive  steps  in  the  progress  of  the  enter- 
prise—  Extracts  from  the  records  —  John  Brown  the  committee-man  on  building  — 
Expense  in  part  defrayed  by  a  lottery  —  House  dedicated  May  28,  1775  —  Description 
of  the  building  — Changes  and  additions  down  to  the  present  time  —  Inscriptions  on 
the  bells  —  Engraving  taken  from  Rippon's  Register  —  Extract  from  Dr.  Caldwell's 
Historical  Discourse  —  Formation  of  the  Charitable  Baptist  Society  —  Preamble  by 


196  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  V. 

Manning  embodying  the  Baptist  sentiment  in  regard  to  "  Believer's  baptism  by- 
Immersion  " —  Benjamin  S.  Stelle  clerk  —  Statement  of  principles  —  Closing  extract 
from  Arnold's  Centennial  Address,  delivered  May  28, 1875. 

The  connection  of  President  Manning  with  the  Baptist  church  in 
Providence  was  a  most  important  event  in  his  life,  and  in  the  history 
of  the  church,  to  which  he  gave  a  new  and  lasting  impulse.  It  was 
likewise  an  important  event  in  the  history  of  the  College.  On  this 
account,  therefore,  we  devote  to  it  a  special  chapter  of  our  present  work. 
This  church,  which  was  founded  by  Roger  Williams,  has  always  been 
regarded  as  the  oldest  Baptist  church  in  America.  Its  priority  in  age, 
"has  been  asserted  by  the  unanimous  voice  of  Baptists  and  of  others. 
The  story  has  been  told  by  father  to  son,  and  handed  down,  through 
thousands  of  the  families  of  this  State  and  land,  without  change.  The 
earliest  chronicles  have  recorded  it.  It  has  been  woven  into  every  his- 
tory which  was  ever  written  of  the  State  or  of  the  denomination." 

Such  is  the  language  of  a  report  prepared  by  a  committee  consisting 
of  the  Rev.  Dr.  James  N.  Granger,  pastor,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Alexis  Caswell, 
afterwards  President  of  Brown  University,  and  Professor  William  Gam- 
mell.  The  report  was  read  in  church  meeting  August  25,  1850,  and  to 
the  Warren  Association,  September  12,  1850.  It  was  a  review  of  a 
report  presented  to  the  Association  in  1849,  claiming  for  the  First 
Baptist  Church  in  Newport  the  priority  in  age. 

On  the  22d  of  November,  1850,  the  Rev.  Samuel  Adlam,  pastor  of 
the  First  Baptist  Church  in  Newport,  published  a  most  remarkable 
pamphlet,  entitled,  "The  First  Church  in  Providence,  not  the  oldest  of 
the  Baptists  in  America."  In  this  pamphlet,  and  in  the  Associational 
letter  of  1847,  from  the  church  of  which  the  writer  was  pastor,  it  is 
claimed,  that  when  Clarke,  Coddington,  and  sixteen  others,  all  Congre- 
gationalists,  and  most  of  them  members  of  Mr.  Cotton's  church  in 
Boston,  settled  at  Portsmouth,  seven  miles  from  Newport,  in  the  spring 
of  1638,  they  founded  a  Baptist  church ;  and  that  this  therefore  is  the 
oldest  Baptist  church  in  America.  The  fact  that  this  church  in  Ports- 
mouth was  regarded  by  Cotton's  church  as  composed  of  "our  mem- 
bers," so  the  record  reads,  and  that  the  Boston  church  sent  a  deputation 


1770-1775.  AND    MANNING.  197 

of  three  members1  in  1640,  remonstrating  with  them  for  communicating 
with  Anne  Hutchinson,  "an  excommunicated  person,"  sufficiently  dis- 
proves this  claim.  Newport,  moreover,  was  not  settled  until  May  1, 
1639.  The  earliest  date  given  for  the  Newport  church  by  Callender, 
Stiles,  Edwards,  Backus,  and  others,  is  1644. 

The  history  of  the  First  Baptist  Church  in  Providence  during  the 
first  century  of  its  existence,  is  involved  in  more  or  less  of  obscurity, 
there  being  no  contemporaneous  records.  It  has  been  preserved  by 
tradition,  and  by  such  incidental  statements  and  allusions  as  come  to 
our  knowledge  by  accident,  rather  than  by  any  special  care  on  the  part 
of  the  church  itself.  More  than  a  century  ago  the  Rev.  John  Stanford, 
then  acting  as  pastor,  gathered  such  minutes  as  at  that  time  could  be 
found,  and  incorporated  them  in  what  is  called  the  Book  of  Records. 
This  account,  from  1639  to  the  death  of  Manning,  written  by  Mr. 
Stanford,  was  published  by  Dr.  Rippon  in  his  Baptist  Register  for  1801 
and  1802,  with  an  engraving  of  the  meeting-house.  It  was  afterwards 
incorporated  by  Dr.  Benedict  in  his  Baptist  history.  On  the  20th  of 
October,  1762,  the  Hon.  Stephen  Hopkins  published  in  the  Provi- 
dence G-azette  the  first  number  of  his  remarkable  series  of  articles  on 
"The  Planting  and  Growth  of  Providence."  In  this  number,  and  in 
succeeding  numbers  published  in  1765,  he  gives  a  brief  account  of  the 
origin  and  growth  of  the  church.  Being  a  direct  descendant  of  Wil- 
liam Wickenden  and  Thomas  Hopkins,  two  of  the  original  members  of 
the  church,  and  intimately  associated  with  the  direct  descendants  of 
Roger  Williams,  who  died  only  twenty-four  years  before  the  writer  of 
the  articles  was  born,  his  statements  have  been  accepted  as  authorita- 
tive. In  the  year  1771  the  Rev.  Morgan  Edwards,  accompanied  by 
Mr.  Moses  Brown,  visited  all  the  elderly  people  of  the  place,  gathering 


1  The  three  brethren  sent  by  the  church  in  Boston  to  the  Portsmouth  church,  were  Capt. 
Edward  Gibbons,  Mr.  Hibbins,  and  Mr.  Oliver.  These  commissioners  made  their  return  to  the 
church  in  Boston,  March  10, 1640.  A  full  account  of  their  report  is  preserved  in  a  thick  quarto  MS. 
of  great  value,  belonging  to  the  Massachusetts  Historical  Society.  It  was  written  by  Capt.  Robert 
Keayne,  the  founder  and  first  Captain  of  the  famous  Ancient  and  Honorable  Artillery  Company. 
He  gives  the  report  which  the  several  Commissioners  made,  in  their  own  words.  Large  extracts 
from  this  MS.  are  published  in  Ellis's  Life  of  Anne  Hutchinson.  See  Sparks's  American  Biography, 
Vol.  16,  page  328. 


198  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  V. 

information  and  facts  which  he  afterwards  incorporated  in  his  ' '  Mate- 
rials for  a  History  of  the  Baptists  in  Rhode  Island."  This  history, 
which  now  forms  a  part  of  the  Collections  of  the  Rhode  Island  Histori- 
cal Society,  includes  an  account  of  Roger  Williams,  and  the  church 
which  he  founded.  In  the  year  1839,  two  centuries  after  its  founda- 
tion, the  Rev.  Dr.  William  Hague,  then  the  pastor,  collected  into  an 
elaborate  discourse  the  principal  facts  in  regard  to  the  origin  and  growth 
of  the  church,  and  its  successive  pastors.  This  was  published,  making 
a  duodecimo  volume  of  one  hundred  and  ninety-two  pages.  It  is  now 
a  rare  book.  In  1877  the  Rev.  Dr.  Samuel  L.  Caldwell,  and  Prof. 
William  Gammell,  were  appointed  by  the  church  a  committee  to  pre- 
pare a  sketch  of  its  history  for  publication  b}'  the  Warren  Association. 
This,  with  illustrative  notes,  makes  a  pamphlet  of  twenty-three  pages. 
Sunday,  April  28,  1889,  was  the  two  hundred  and  fiftieth  anniversary 
of  the  formation  of  the  church.  The  discourse  in  the  morning  by  the 
pastor,  the  Rev.  Dr.  T.  Edwin  Brown,  the  historical  discourse  in  the 
afternoon  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Samuel  L.  Caldwell,  and  the  other  exercises, 
were  afterwards  printed,  making  a  handsome  volume  of  one  hundred 
and  twenty- two  pages.  While  these  sheets  are  passing  through  the 
press,  another  history  appears  from  the  ready  pen  of  the  present  pastor, 
the  Rev.  Dr.  Henry  M.  King.  It  is  published  by  the  American  Baptist 
Publication  Society,  and  is  entitled,  "The  Mother  Church."  The 
most  that  can  be  expected  of  us  in  a  work  like  the  present,  is  a  brief 
narrative  from  the  sources  here  enumerated  of  the  early  history  of  the 
church,  with  a  continuation  during  the  ministry  of  President  Manning. 
And  in  the  outset  we  allude  to  an  article  in  the  new  edition  of 
Johnson's  Universal  Cyclopaedia,  which  a  writer  in  the  Examiner  terms 
"Astonishing  Baptist  history,"  being  utterly  at  variance  with  the  most 
important  facts  and  statements  in  the  histories  above  enumerated.  In 
an  article  on  Baptists  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  William  H.  Whitsitt,  President 
of  the  Southern  Baptist  Theological  Seminary,  under  the  division 
rt  Baptists  of  America,"  the  author  thus  writes  :  — 

In  1636,  Roger  Williams,  who  had  been  banished  from  the  Colony  of  Massachusetts 
Bay,  established  a  community  at  Providence,  and  set  up  a  church.    He  preached  with 


1770-1775.  AND    MANNING.  199 

zeal  and  regularity  until  March,  1639,  when  it  was  decided  to  make  a  new  departure. 
"Williams,  having  become  convinced  of  the  error  of  Infant  Baptism,  concluded  to 
obtain  a  rebaptism.  Eleven  others  joined  him  in  this  step.  Ezekiel  Holliman  bap- 
tized Williams,  and  then  Williams  baptized  the  rest  of  the  company.  The  ceremony 
was  most  likely  performed  by  sprinkling.1 

Dr.  Whitsitt  further  adds  :  — 

In  1644  Williams  returned  from  England  with  a  charter  for  the  colony.  It  is 
believed  that  Mr.  Mark  Lucar  came  over  with  him.  ...  In  1644  the  church  in 
Newport  was  organized  with  him  as  one  of  the  most  important  members.  This  is 
believed  to  signify  that  they  then  received  immersion  at  the  hands  of  Lucar,  and 
became  for  the  first  time  a  regular  Baptist  church  in  the  sense  now  accepted.  Probably 
the  immersion  of  the  Providence  men  followed  in  a  short  while. 

Under  the  division  "First  Period  of  American  Baptist  History," 
Dr.  Whitsitt  writes :  — 

The  earliest  churches  of  Providence  and  Newport  were  both  of  the  Particular  Bap- 
tist persuasion,  but  the  General  Baptists  shortly  appeared  upon  the  scene.  In  1652  a 
General  Baptist  Church  was  formed  at  Providence  by  Chad  Brown,  Gregory  Dexter, 
and  William  Wickenden,  and  in  1656  a  similar  church  was  established  at  Newport.  .  .  . 
About  the  year  1718  the  First  Church  in  Providence,  of  which  Williams  was  the  founder, 
became  extinct,  and  the  General  Baptist  Church  of  the  Browns  triumphed  over  it. 

Speaking  of  the  General  Baptists  and  the  Particular  Baptists,  and 
the  gradual  triumphs  of  the  latter  over  the  former,  Dr.  Whitsitt  adds 
respecting  the  First  Baptist  Church  of  Providence  :  — 

The  Gibraltar  of  the  General  Baptists,  however,  still  held  out;  the  church  in  Provi- 
dence had  not  yet  been  directly  assailed.  In  1770  the  labor  of  taking  this  stronghold 
was  begun.  Manning  succeeded  to  admiration ;  in  due  time  Samuel  Winsor  retired  to 
Johnston  with  the  original  church,  and  the  present  First  Baptist  Church  of  Providence 
was  founded  in  1771. 

The  generally  received  date  of  the  settlement  of  Providence  is  June, 
1636.     The  two  hundred  and  fiftieth  anniversary  of  the  planting  of  the 


1  This  statement  of  Dr.  Whitsitt  is  simply  an  inference,  of  course,  from  the  alleged  later  intro- 
duction of  immersion  among  the  English  Baptists. 


200  BKOWN   UN1VEKSITY  Chap.  V. 

town  was  celebrated  June  24,  1886,  when  an  historical  discourse  was 
delivered  in  the  First  Baptist  Meeting-house  by  the  Honorable  Judge 
Durfee,  a  graduate  of  Brown  University,  in  the  class  of  1846. 

The  first  distinct  record  of  any  organic  action  as  a  church,  appears 
in  Winthrop's  Journal,  to  which  authoritative  reference  is  made  in  all 
matters  pertaining  to  early  New  England  history.  The  writer  was  a 
warm  personal  friend  of  Williams,  and  a  frequent  correspondent  after 
his  banishment ;  he  knew  therefore  the  facts  in  the  case.  Under  date 
of  March  16,  1639,  we  find  the  following  :  — 

At  Providence  things  grew  still  worse ;  for  a  sister  of  Mrs.  Hutchinson,  the  wife  of 
Scott,  being  infected  with  Anabaptistry,  and  going  last  year  to  live  at  Providence,  Mr. 
Williams  was  taken  (or  rather  emboldened)  by  her,  to  make  open  profession  thereof, 
and  accordingly  was  rebaptized  by  one  Holyman,1  a  poor  man  late  of  Salem.  Then 
Mr.  Williams  rebaptized  him  and  some  ten  more.  They  also  denied  the  baptizing  of 
infants. 

The  exact  date  of  this  important  event  is  not  known.  It  is  gen- 
erally given  as  "some  time  earlier  than  March,  1639."     The  term  last 


1  The  name  is  usually  spelled  Holliman.  Why  Winthrop  should  call  him  "  a  poor  man  late  of 
Salem,"  and  Hubbard  "  a  mean  fellow,"  does  not  appear.  Probably  it  was  on  account  of  his  so 
called  heretical  opinions.  In  the  Records  of  the  General  Court  of  Massachusetts  for  the  year 
1638,  are  the  following  words,  as  quoted  by  Backus:  —  "Ezekiel  Holliman,  appearing  upon  sum- 
mons, because  he  did  not  frequent  the  public  assemblies,  and  for  seducing  many,  was  referred  by 
the  Court  to  the  ministers  for  conviction."  This  was  the  year  when  he  came  to  Providence  and 
became  one  of  the  original  thirteen  proprietors.  This,  too,  was  the  probable  year  of  the  forma- 
tion of  the  Baptist  church.  Evidently  he  was  a  man  of  ability  and  influence,  or  he  would  not 
have  been  appointed  by  the  Providence  brethren  to  take  the  initiatory  step  in  so  important  a 
matter  as  this  new  baptism.  An  ordinary  man  would  hardly  have  been  accused  by  the  Massachu- 
setts Court  of  "  seducing  many."  Mr.  Holliman  eventually  removed  to  Warwick,  where  he  held 
positions  of  trust,  being  for  many  years  Commissioner  from  that  town.  He  was  born,  according 
to  Savage,  in  Tring,  Hertfordshire,  England.  He  married  for  his  second  wife  Mary,  widow  of 
Isaac  Sweet.  She  was  a  member  of  the  church  in  Salem,  from  which  she  was  excluded,  as  appears 
from  the  letter  of  Hugh  Peters,  pastor,  dated  July  1, 1639.  He  was  one  of  the  founders  of  Dedham, 
Massachusetts.  Winthrop's  Journal,  under  date  of  September  1, 1635,  states  that  a  town  was  then 
begun  above  the  falls  in  Charles  river.  That  was  the  day  when  twelve  persons  assembled  for  the 
first  time  as  a  town  meeting.  That  town  was  Dedham.  The  next  year,  November,  1636,  their  num- 
bers had  increased  to  nineteen.  They  then  formed  the  town  Covenant,  so  called,  and  petitioned 
the  General  Court  for  an  enlargement  of  their  former  grant.  Worthington,  in  his  history  of  Ded- 
ham, gives  the  names  of  these  nineteen  petitioners,  among  whom  was  Ezekiel  Holliman.  The 
next  year,  1637,  he  obtained  leave  to  sell  his  lots.  His  name  does  not  appear  again  upon  the  Dedham 
town  records. 


1770-1775.  AND    MANNING.  201 

year  used  by  Winthrop,  strictly  speaking,  would  be  the  year  between 
March  25,  1637,  and  March  25,  1638,  as  the  year  then  commenced  on 
the  25th  of  March,  and  Winthrop's  entry  is  dated  March  16,  1639. 
Mrs.  Hutchinson,  according  to  the  statement  of  Dr.  Ellis,  her 
biographer,  was  excommunicated  from  Mr.  Cotton's  church  on  the 
22d  of  March,  1638.  She  left  Boston  on  the  28th  of  the  month  for 
Braintree,  and  from  thence  proceeded  to  Providence,  where  she  joined 
Clarke,  Coddington,  and  others,  for  their  new  destination  at  Ports- 
mouth, near  Newport.  The  year  1638,  therefore,  may  fairly  be  assumed 
as  the  date  of  the  founding  of  the  church,  although  1639  is  the  date 
which  the  church  has  been  accustomed  to  take. 

That  tins  rebaptism  of  Williams  and  his  associates  was  immersion 
has  never,  to  the  writer's  knowledge,  been  questioned,  except  in  the 
case  of  Dr.  Whitsitt,  who  states  that  "the  ceremony  was  most  likely 
performed  by  sprinkling."  Governor  Coddington,  who  was  the  leading 
man  among  the  Newport  colonists,  was  at  Providence  with  Clarke  and 
others  in  1638.  It  was  through  the  influence  of  Williams  with  the 
Indians  that  he  was  enabled  to  obtain  from  them  a  deed  of  Aquidneck, 
now  the  Island  of  Rhode  Island.  Coddington  was  at  that  time  a  promi- 
nent member  of  the  Boston  church.  Eventually  he  joined  the 
Quakers  ;  and  he  was  hence  displeased  with  Williams  on  account  of  his 
controversy  with  George  Fox.  In  a  letter  dated  June  25,  1677,  and 
published  in  "New  England  Fire  Brand  Quenched,"  he  thus  writes 
concerning  the  founder  of  the  Baptist  church :  —  "I  have  known  him 
about  fifty  years,  a  mere  weathercock,  constant  only  in  unconstancy. 
.  .  .  One  time  for  water-baptism,  men  and  women  must  be 
plunged  into  the  water  ;  and  then  throw  it  all  down  again." 

It  is  stated  by  Dr.  Caldwell  and  others  that  there  was  no  organiza- 
tion for  religious  purposes  until  more  than  two  years  after  the  date  of 
the  first  settlement.  Hopkins,  however,  who  was  in  a  position  to  know 
the  facts,  states  to  the  contrary.  In  his  first  article  on  Providence,  after 
speaking  of  the  landing  of  Roger  Williams  and  his  companions  on  a 
neck  of  land  lying  between  the  mouths  of  Pawtucket  and  Moshassuck 
rivers,  he  thus  writes :  — 

26 


202  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  V. 

Upon  this  neck  of  land,  given  them  by  the  beneficent  Sachem  (Canonicus),  they 
settled  themselves  in  the  best  manner  their  very  poor,  and  truly  deplorable  circum- 
stances would  admit  of ;  being  quite  destitute  of  every  necessary,  as  well  as  conveniency 
of  life,  and  entirely  cut  off  from  all  communication  with  every  part  of  mankind, 
except  the  savages.  Even  those  with  whom  they  had  so  lately  left  their  native  country 
for  the  same  cause  of  religion,  were  now  become  their  greatest  persecutors  and  most 
cruel  enemies.  This  settlement  was  the  feeble  beginning  of  the  third  New  England 
colony,  first  planted  in  the  year  1634,1  by  the  renowned  and  worthy  Mr.  Roger  Williams 
and  his  twelve  poor  suffering  companions,  namely,  John  Throckmorton,  William 
Arnold,  William  Harris,  Stukely  Westcott,  John  Greene,  Thomas  Olney,  Richard 
Waterman,  Thomas  James,  Robert  Cole,  William  Carpenter,  Francis  Weston,  and 
Ezekiel  Holliman. 

This  small  company  Mr.  Williams  formed  into  a  church,  and  on  that  occasion  piously 
observed  to  his  brethren,  that  the  Providence  of  God  had  found  out  a  place  for  them 
among  savages,  where  they  might  peaceably  worship  God  according  to  their  consci- 
ences ;  a  privilege  which  had  been  denied  them  in  all  the  Christian  countries  they  had 
ever  been  in.  In  thankfulness  for  this  greatest  of  blessings,  he  named  the  place  where 
they  were  settled,  Providence.  As  they  were  all  fully  sensible  of  the  horrid  mischiefs 
and  atrocious  sin  of  persecution,  they  established  an  universal  liberty  of  conscience,  as 
well  for  all  others  who  should  come  and  settle  with  them,  as  for  themselves.  And 
this  natural  right  of  all  mankind  has  been  inviolably  maintained  throughout  the  Colony 
to  this  day.  Liberty  of  conscience  being  settled  in  this,  and  denied  in  the  two  neigh- 
boring colonies,  soon  brought  more  of  those  to  join  with  them,  whose  faith  did  not 
exactly  agree  with  the  fixed  standards  there ;  and  in  a  short  time  afterwards  there  were 
added  to  the  church  at  Providence,  Robert  Williams,  John  Smith,  Hugh  Bewit,  William 
Wickenden,  John  Field,  Thomas  Hopkins,  and  William  Hawkins. 

The  little  church  which  Mr.  Hopkins  here  states  Williams  formed, 
was  of  course  a  Congregational  church.  No  records,  if  they  had  any, 
have  been  preserved.  Most  of  the  company  were  members  of  the  church 
in  Salem,  and  they  still  considered  themselves,  says  the  historian 
Upham,  "the  minister  of  the  Salem  church,  and  a  chosen  band  of  his 


1  This  date  should  be  1636.  Consequently  the  Colony  was  the  fourth,  and  not  the  third.  The 
same  mistake  was  made  by  Callender ,  and  also  by  Hubbard.  These  writers  were  misled  doubtless  by 
the  language  of  Williams  in  his  deed  of  1661,  in  which  he  speaks  of  negotiations  with  the  Narra- 
gansett  Sachems  in  1634,  and  in  1635.  Theodore  Foster,  whose  "  Materials  for  a  History  of  Rhode 
Island  "  are  published  in  the  seventh  volume  of  the  "  Collections  of  the  Rhode  Island  Historical 
Society"  together  with  Hopkins's  "  Historical  Account  of  the  Planting  and  Growth  of  Provi- 
dence," gives  the  true  date  of  the  settlement. 


1770-1775.  AND    MANNING.  203 

faithful  flock."  Winthrop  in  his  journal  for  December,  1638,  speaks  of 
"religious  meetings"  held  at  Providence  "upon  the  week  days,"  as 
well  as  on  Sunday.  These  meetings  were  held  at  Roger  Williams's 
house.  The  Rev.  Dr.  Stiles,  who  was  pastor  of  the  Second  Congrega- 
tional church  in  Newport  from  1755  until  1776,  in  a  paper  on  file  in  the 
archives  of  the  church,  entitled  "  Memoirs  of  transactions  in  procuring 
a  charter  from  the  General  Assembly,  1771,"  thus  writes  respecting 
this  church  and  its  successor  :  — 

The  first  church  in  Rhode  Island  was  Congregational,  and  settled  here  in  1636,  under 
Rev.  Roger  Williams,  who  administered  the  Lord's  Supper  and  the  Baptism  of  Infants 
hy  sprinkling  for  the  first  three  years ;  till  in  1639  he  and  his  church  renounced  their 
haptism,  and  were  haptized  hy  plunging,  Brother  Holliman  first  plunging  Mr.  Wil- 
liams, and  then  Mr.  Williams  in  turn  the  rest,  or  most  of  them. 

Concerning   the   formation   of    the   Baptist   church,  Mr.   Hopkins 
writes  in  the  columns  of  the  Providence  Gazette  for  1765  as  follows :  — 

The  first  church  formed  at  Providence  hy  Mr.  Williams  and  others,  seems  to  have 
heen  on  the  model  of  the  Congregational  churches  in  the  other  New  England  colonies. 
But  it  did  not  long  continue  in  this  form,  for  most  of  its  memhers  very  soon  embraced 
the  principles  and  practices  of  the  Baptists ;  and  some  time  earlier  than  1639,  gathered 
and  formed  a  church  at  Providence  of  that  society,  the  principal  members1  of  which 
were  William  Wickenden,  the  first  elder,  Chad  Brown,  Thomas  Olney,  Gregory  Dexter, 
Ezekiel  Holliman,  Stukeley  Westcott,  etc.  That  this  church  was  begun  as  early  as  I 
have  placed  it,  is  evident  from  a  letter  of  the  famous  Hugh  Peters,  minister  of  Salem, 
to  the  church  at  Dorchester,  dated  the  first  of  the  fifth  month  (July  1st),  1639,  in  which 
he  writes :  *  — 

Reverend  and  dearly  beloved  in  the  Lord: 

We  thought  it  our  bounden  duty  to  acquaint  you  with  the  names  of  such  persons  as 
have  had  the  great  censure  passed  upon  them  in  this  our  church,  with  the  reasons 
thereof.  .  .  .  Roger  Williams,  and  his  wife,  John  Throckmorton,  and  his  wife, 
Thomas  Olney,  and  his  wife,   Stukeley  Westcott,  and  his  wife,  Mary  Holliman,  and 


1  Mr.  Williams's  name  is  not  here  mentioned  by  Governor  Hopkins.  It  was  taken  for  granted,  of 
course,  that  he  was  the  leader  in  this  movement.  Governor  Winthrop  so  states  it  in  his  Journal. 
So  also  Callender,  Stiles,  Edwards.  Backus,  and  other  early  writers. 

2  This  letter  is  published  in  full  in  Knowles's  "  Memoir  of  Roger  Williams,"  pages  176  and  177. 


204  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  V. 

widow  Reeves.    These  wholly  refused  to  hear  the  church,  denying  it,  and  all  the 
churches  in  the  Bay,  to  be  true  churches ;  and  except  two,  are  all  rebaptized. 

Yours  in  the  Lord  Jesus, 

Hugh  Peters. 

There  seems  to  have  been  but  one  society  or  meeting  of  the  Baptists,  formed  in  the 
English  nation,  before  this  at  Providence,  and  that  was  in  London,  under  the  pastoral 
care  of  Mr.  John  Spilsbury,  on  the  12th  of  September,  1633.  The  second  in  England  was 
in  1G39,  gathered  by  Mr.  Greene,  and  others.  This  first  church  at  Providence,  hath 
from  its  beginning  kept  itself  in  repute,  and  maintained  its  discipline,  so  as  to  avoid 
scandal,  or  schism,  to  this  day ;  hath  always  been,  and  still  is  a  numerous  congregation, 
and  in  which  I  have  with  pleasure  observed,  very  lately,  sundry  descendants  from  each 
of  the  above  named  founders,  except  Holliman. 

Statements  like  these  respecting  the  origin  and  continuity  of  the 
First  Baptist  Church,  made  by  the  leading  man  of  his  time,  and  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Society  of  Friends,  or  Quakers,  must  have  weight  in  the 
minds  of  all  thoughtful  readers.  When  he  published  his  "  Historical 
Account  of  the  Planting  and  Growth  of  Providence,"  he  had  nearly 
reached  the  age  of  three-score  years.  He  himself,  as  has  already  been 
stated,  was  a  direct  descendant  of  Wickenden  and  Hopkins,  the  former 
an  elder  in  the  Baptist  church,  and  the  latter  a  member  of  the  original 
Congregational  church.  The  pastor  of  the  Baptist  church,  Samuel 
Winsor,  with  whom  he  was  on  terms  of  intimacy,  was  the  great  grand- 
son, on  his  mother's  side,  of  Roger  Williams.  The  idea  that  this 
church  seceded  in  1652,  on  account  of  the  doctrine  of  Laying  on  of 
Hands,  and  that  the  original  church  founded  by  Williams,  under  the 
leadership  of  Thomas  Olney,  afterwards  "  went  to  pieces,"  according  to 
the  fanciful  theories  of  some  recent  writers,  would  seem  in  view  of 
Hopkins's  account  simply  preposterous.  In  point  of  fact,  Olney  and  a 
few  others  withdrew  from  the  original  body  about  the  year  1654,  as  we 
shall  see  further  on. 

Roger  Williams,  it  will  thus  be  seen,  was  the  minister  of  the  Con- 
gregational church  in  Salem,  and  the  minister  of  those  who  came  with 
him  from  Salem  to  Providence.  He  organized  a  Baptist  church  some 
two  or  three  years  after  the  settlement  of  the  town,  and  is  therefore 


1770-1775.  AND    MANNING.  205 

justly  regarded  as  its  founder.  How  long  he  retained  his  connection 
with  the  church  can  never,  from  the  want  of  records,  be  definitely 
determined.  Stanford,  who  in  1788  made  up  what  are  called  the 
Records,  says  that  he  "held  his  pastoral  office  about  four  years,  and 
then  resigned  the  same  to  Mr.  Brown  and  Mr.  Wickenden,  and  went 
to  England  to  solicit  the  first  charter."  Morgan  Edwards  says  the  first 
minister  and  founder  of  the  church  "  was  Roger  Williams.  He  became 
their  minister  at  the  time  they  were  settled  in  1638,  but  in  a  few  years 
resigned  the  care  thereof  to  Rev.  Messrs.  Brown  and  Wickenden."1  Mr. 
Edwards,  it  may  be  observed,  gives  1638  as  the  date  of  the  formation  of 
the  church.  Backus,  in  his  "  History  of  the  Baptists  in  New  England,"2 
says,  "  But  the  unruly  passions  of  some  among  them,  with  other  things, 
caused  such  scruples  in  Williams's  mind,  in  about  four  months,  that  he 
refrained  from  administering  or  partaking  of  special  ordinances  in  any 
church  ever  after,  as  long  as  he  lived,  though  he  would  preach  the  gos- 
pel, and  join  in  social  worship  with  such  as  agreed  with  him,  all  his 
days."  This  is  more  in  accord  with  the  statement  made  by  Richard 
Scott,  a  neighbor  of  Williams  for  more  than  forty  years.  He  was  at 
first  a  Baptist,  but  afterwards  joined  the  Quakers.  In  a  somewhat 
unfriendly  letter,3  growing  out  of  the  George  Fox  controversy,  he  thus 
writes :  — 

I  walked  with  him  in  the  Baptist's  way  about  three  or  four  months,  in  which  time 
he  brake  from  the  Society,  and  declared  at  large  the  ground  and  reason  for  it ;  that 
their  baptism  could  not  be  right  because  it  was  not  administered  by  an  apostle.  After 
that  he  set  upon  a  way  of  seeking,  with  two  or  three  of  them  that  had  dissented  with 
him,  by  way  of  preaching  and  praying. 

Winthrop,  under  date  of  July,  1639,  writes  that  Williams  soon 
* '  came  to  question  his  second  baptism,  not  being  able  to  derive  the 
authority  of  it  from  the  apostles,  otherwise  than  by  the  ministers  of 
England,  whom  he  judged  to  be  ill  authority." 


1  Materials  for  a  History  of  the  Baptists  in  Rhode  Island.    See  "  Collections  of  the  Rhode  Island 
Historical  Society,"  Vol.  VI.,  page  316. 

2  Edition  of  1871,  Vol.  2,  page  490. 

s  See  "  New  England  Fire  Brand  Quenched,"  Part  II.,  page  247. 


206  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  V. 

Frbm  these  various  testimonies,  and  the  sentiments  expressed  in  his 
"Hireling  Ministry,"  a  little  work  published  in  1652,  it  is  evident  that 
Williams,  soon  after  the  organization  of  the  Church,  experienced  a 
change  in  his  religious  views.  He  became,  in  the  language  of  Scott  a 
Seeker;  "a  term,"  says  Professor  Gammell,1  not  "inaptly  applied  to 
those,  who,  in  any  age  of  the  Church,  become  dissatisfied  with  its  pre- 
vailing creeds  and  institutions,  and  seek  for  more  congenial  views  of 
truth,  or  a  faith  better  adapted  to  their  spiritual  wants.  He  regarded 
all  the  churches  of  Christendom  as,  in  some  sense,  in  a  state  of  apos- 
tas}r,  and  the  clergy  of  every  name,  as  having  fallen  from  their  priestly 
office,  and  lost  their  true  apostolic  authority,  and  he  looked  for  a  new 
commission  to  be  given  from  Heaven,  to  restore  the  sacred  succession 
of  apostles,  and  re-establish  on  their  primitive  basis,  the  ordinances  of 
the  gospel."  His  mind,  like  the  minds  of  many  other  good  men  of  his 
day,  became  blind,  as  Professor  Knowles  expresses  it,  "  by  excess  of 
light, ' '  while  gazing  at  the  glorious  vision  of  the  Apocalypse  ;  and  he 
formed  the  conclusion  that  in  the  disastrous  Antichristian  apostasy,  the 
general  turmoil  of  the  times,  and  the  upheaval  of  the  foundations  of 
government  and  institutions,  the  true  ministry  and  the  whole  organiza- 
tion of  the  church  had  gone  to  ruin  ;  from  which,  however,  he  believed 
they  would  be  restored,  and  the  Savior's  Kingdom  would  come  on  earth. 
Such  also  were  the  views  of  his  friend,  Sir  Henry  Vane,  the  great  Eng- 
lish statesman. 

Notwithstanding  this  change  in  his  religious  sentiments,  Williams 
still  believed  in  the  doctrine  of  "Believers'  Baptism  by  Immersion." 
In  his  "  Christenings  make  not  Christians,"  a  discourse  published  in 
1645,  he  speaks  of  a  "  baptism  or  washing  in  rivers,  as  the  first  Chris- 
tians and  the  Lord  Jesus  himself  did."  And  in  a  letter  to  his  friend, 
Governor  Winthrop,2  dated  December  10,  1649,  more  than  ten  years 
after  his  immersion,  he  thus  writes  :  — 

At  Seekonk  a  great  many  have  concurred  with  Mr.  John  Clarke  and  our  Providence 
men  ahout  the  point  of  a  new  baptism,  and  the  manner  by  dipping;    and  Mr.  John 


i  Life  of  Roger  Williams,  page  200.    See  Sparks's  American  Biography.    2d  series,  Vol.  IV. 
»  Publications  of  the  Narragansett  Club.    Vol.  VI.,  page  188. 


1770-1775.  AND    MANNING.  207 

Clarke  hath  heen  there  lately  (and  Mr.  Lucar),  and  hath  dipped  them.  I  helieve  their 
practice  comes  nearer  the  first  practice  of  our  great  Founder  Christ  Jesus,  than  other 
practices  of  religion  do ;  and  yet  I  have  not  satisfaction  neither  in  the  authority  hy 
which  it  is  done,  nor  in  the  manner,  nor  in  the  prophecies  concerning  the  rising  of 
Christ's  Kingdom  after  the  desolations  of  Rome,  etc. 

In  regard  to  the  other  great  doctrines  held  by  the  Baptists  of  his 
day,  Liberty  of  Conscience,  or  Soul  Liberty,  the  entire  Separation  of 
Church  and  State,  the  Supreme  Headship  of  Christ  in  all  spiritual 
matters,  Regeneration  through  the  Agency  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  and  a 
hearty  belief  in  the  Bible  as  God's  Divinely  inspired  and  miraculously 
preserved  Word,  and  an  all  sufficient  Rule  for  Faith  and  Practice,  he 
was  throughout  life  a  sincere  believer  in  them  all  and  an  earnest  advo- 
cate of  them,  as  his  letters  and  published  works  abundantly  show. 

In  point  of  fact  Williams  was  too  much  absorbed  in  the  grand  idea 
now  growing  in  his  mind,  of  founding  a  Colony,  the  first  in  the  civil- 
ized world  on  the  principles  of  civil  and  religious  freedom,  to  give  that 
attention  to  the  church  as  pastor  and  preacher  which  he  had  been 
accustomed  to  give.  Moreover  his  great  mission,  the  one  in  the  outset 
prominent  in  the  minds  of  the  early  settlers  of  Massachusetts  Bay,  as 
their  charter  and  other  documents  show,  was  the  conversion  of  the 
Indians  to  Christianity.  For  this  he  labored  for  more  than  half  a  cen- 
tury, with  a  perseverance,  a  disinterestedness,  and  a  zeal,  almost  with- 
out a  parallel  in  the  annals  of  missionary  effort.1  By  the  whole  tenor 
of  his  life  and  conduct,  says  Callender,2  "  he  appears  to  have  been  one 
of  the  most  disinterested  men  that  ever  lived,  and  a  most  pious  and 
heavenly  minded  soul."  In  view  of  all  the  facts  here  stated,  the  First 
Baptist  Church  may  justly  pride  itself  on  its  early  origin,  and  on  its 
connection  with  the  illustrious  Williams  as  its  founder  and  first  pastor. 
But  though  Williams  soon  relinquished  the  pastoral  oversight  of  the 
church,  devoting  himself  mainly  to  missionary  efforts,  and  the  develop- 


1  See  the  writer's  address  before  the  American  Baptist  Home  Mission  Society,  delivered  in 
Philadelphia,  May  27, 1892,  and  published  in  the  Home  Mission  Monthly  for  October,  1892.  The 
address  is  entitled,  "  Roger  Williams,  the  Pioneer  Missionary  to  the  Indians." 

2  Century  Discourse,  delivered  March  24, 1738.  See  "  Collections  of  the  Rhode  Island  Historical 
Society,"  Vol.  IV. 


208  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  V. 

ment  of  a  Colony  or  State,  the  original  members,  most  of  them, 
remained,  and  others  were  from  time  to  time  added  to  their  number. 
The  names  of  Chad  Brown,  William  Wickenden,  Thomas  Olney, 
Gregory  Dexter,  and  Pardon  Tillinghast,  have  come  down  to  us  as 
those  who  served  as  elders.  They  were  an  unpaid  ministry  having 
gifts  of  "prophesying;"  and  they  fulfilled  the  conditions  required  of 
them.  The  town  was  for  many  years  a  poor,  straggling  hamlet,  con- 
sisting of  less  than  one  hundred  houses  or  log  cabins  even  as  late  as 
1676,  when  all  but  five  were  burned  by  the  Indians  during  King  Philip's 
war.1  Among  these  elders,  tradition  has  given  to  Brown  the  priority, 
though  the  others  were  contemporaries  with  him.  He  was  unques- 
tionably a  man  of  superior  abilities,  professing  practical  wisdom  and 
plain  common  sense  ;  and  he  served  as  arbiter  in  many  of  the  difficulties 
occurring  in  the  town.  His  house-lot,  as  has  already  been  stated, 
included  a  part  of  the  present  College  grounds.  Many  years  after  his 
death,  which  the  colonists  regarded  as  a  public  calamity,  Williams 
wrote  of  him  as  "  that  noble  spirit  now  with  God.' '  In  the  writer's 
former  life  of  Manning,  thirty-three  pages  are  devoted  to  an  account 
of  him  and  his  descendants,  one  of  whom,  James  Brown,  was  also  an 
elder  in  the  church. 

During  the  eldership  of  Chad  Brown,  there  appears  to  have  orig- 
inated a  religious  controversy,  which  was  long  agitated  in  the  town, 
and  indeed  throughout  the  Colony.  It  had  reference  to  the  "  Laying 
on  of  Hands,"  mentioned  in  the  Sixth  Chapter  of  Hebrews ;  a  doctrine 
which  prevailed  in  the  Providence  church  for  more  than  a  century. 
Roger  Williams  was  a  believer  in  the  doctrine,  referring  to  it  in  his 
published  works2  as  a  "light  of  the  first  institution,"  and  "one  of  the 
foundations  of  the  Christian  religion."  The  principal  leaders  in  this 
controversy  were  Brown,  Wickenden,  Dexter,  and  Tillinghast,  on  the 
one  side,  and  Olney,  who  favored  giving  up  the  doctrine  altogether, 


1  Theodore  Foster  in  his  "  Materials  for  a  History  of  Rhode  Island,"  states  "  that  when  the  war 
of  1675  broke  out,  there  were  near  an  hundred  houses  in  Providence,  which  were  destroyed,  except 
five  which  were  garrisoned,  when  the  town  was  burnt,  in  the  war,  on  the  29th  day  of  March,  1C7C." 

*  Bloudy  Tenent,  1643,  page  21.    Hireling  Ministry,  1652,  page  6. 


1770-1775.  AND   MANNING.  209 

on  the  other.  Not  succeeding  in  carrying  his  point,  he  with  a  few- 
others  withdrew  from  the  church  and  formed  a  new  one,  calling  it  the 
"  Five  Principle  Baptist  Church."  There  are  no  records  extant  upon 
the  subject,  and  our  only  sources  of  information  are  the  statements  of 
Comer,  Callender,  Edwards,  and  Backus.  Edwards  thus  states  the 
case,  as  he  received  it  from  Elder  Winsor  and  others  in  1771 :  — 

Some  divisions  have  taken  place  in  this  church.  The  first  was  ahout  the  year  1654, 
on  account  of  the  Laying  on  of  Hands.  Some  were  for  banishing  it  entirely,  among 
whom  Rev.  Thomas  Olney  was  the  chief,  who,  with  a  few  more,  withdrew  and  formed 
themselves  into  a  distinct  church,  distinguished  by  the  name  of  Five  Point  Baptist, 
and  the  first  of  the  name  in  the  Province.  It  continued  in  being  to  1715,  when  Mr. 
Olney1  resigned  the  care  of  it,  and  soon  after  it  ceased  to  exist. 

It  is  not  certain  when  the  active  ministry  of  Pardon  Tillinghast 
commenced.  He  was  born  in  England  in  1622,  and  admitted  to 
citizenship  in  Providence,  January  19,  1646,2  receiving  twenty-five 
acres  of  land.  He  was  then  in  his  twenty-fifth  year.  He  lived  to  be 
ninety-six,  continuing  his  ministry  until  his  death  in  1718.  A  fine  mon- 
ument has  recently  been  erected  to  his  memory  on  his  burial  lot  on  Benefit 
Street,  near  the  corner  of  Transit  Street.  Roger  Williams  speaks  of  him 
in  1672  as  "a  leading  man  among  the  people  called  Baptists,  at  Provi- 
dence."3 Gov.  Joseph  Jenckes  writes  of  him  in  1730  as  "a  man 
exemplary  for  his  doctrine,  as  well  as  of  an  unblemished  character."4 
An  original  letter  of  his,  dated  July,  1681, 5  shows  that  the  church  of 
which  he  was  the  elder,  was  at  that  time  "Six  Principle."  It  was 
during  his  ministry,  and  after  the   church  had  lived  without  one  for 


1  Thomas  Olney,  Jun.  He  died,  it  is  stated,  "June  11,  1722,  and  was  buried  in  his  own  field." 
His  father,  who  was  one  of  the  original  members  of  the  church,  died  in  1682.  Callender,  writing 
in  1738,  gives  substantially  the  same  account  of  this  division.  His  statement  is  as  follows: — 
"About  the  year  1653  or  1654,  there  was  a  division  in  the  Baptist  Church  at  Providence,  about  the 
rite  of  Laying  on  of  Hands,  which  some  pleaded  for  as  essentially  necessary  to  church  communion 
and  the  others  would  leave  indifferent.  Hereupon  they  walked  in  two  churches,  one  under  Mr. 
Chad  Brown,  Mr.  WickendenJ  etc.,  and  the  other  under  Mr.  Thomas  Olney ;  but  Layingon  of  Hands 
at  length  generally  prevailed."  The  churches  holding  to  this  rite  were  called  "  Six  Principle 
Churches,"  and  they  are  so  called  to  this  day. 

*  Staples.    Annals  of  Providence,  page  61. 

*  Geo.  Fox.    Publications  of  the  Narragansett  Club.    Vol.  V.,  page  320. 

*  Backus.    History  of  the  Baptists,  edition  of  1871,  Vol.  II.,  page  23. 
5  Guild.    Documentary  History  of  Brown  University,  page  208. 

27 


210  BROWN    UNIVERSITY  Chap.  V. 

more  than  sixty  years,  that  we  first  hear  of  a  meeting-house,  which  was 
built  at  his  expense,  and  given  by  him  to  the  church  in  a  deed  dated 
April  11,  1711.1  This  house  stood  on  the  west  side  of  North  Main 
Street,  near  Smith  Street,  and  is  said  to  have  been  "in  the  shape  of  a 
hay-cap,  with  a  fire-place  in  the  middle,  the  smoke  escaping  from  a 
hole  in  the  roof."2 

It  was  during  the  ministry  of  Ebenezer  Jenckes,  a  brother  of  the 
Governor,  and  James  Brown,  a  grandson  of  Chad,  that  the  more  liberal 
sentiment  of  the  church  asserted  itself  in  regard  to  Laying  on  of  Hands, 
about  which  there  had  been  in  previous  years  so  much  controversy.  A 
revival  of  religion  was  in  progress  in  Newport,  and  Mr.  John  Walton, 
a  young  minister  of  liberal  education,  and  a  physician,  had  been  invited 
to  preach  in  Providence,  with  the  hope  of  promoting  one  here  also.  He 
accepted  the  invitation ;  but  he  was  found  ready  not  only  to  receive 
contributions  for  his  support,  as  Governor  Jenckes  recommended,  but 
he  was  also  found  guilty  of  the  innovation  of  the  "singing  of  Psalms," 
and  the  heresy  of  receiving  to  communion  those  who  were  "  not  under 
hands."  Samuel  Winsor,  a  grandson  of  Roger  Williams  and  a  deacon 
in  the  church,  was  the  leader  of  the  rigid  party.  At  first,  according  to 
Backus,3  there  was  a  separation.  A  compromise  was  finally  effected, 
and  an  agreement  was  signed  by  twenty-four  of  the  prominent  members 
of  the  church  allowing  the  "Six  Principles"  to  be  the  bonds  of  com- 
munion. This  was  May  25,  1732.  Elder  Brown  died  in  October  fol- 
lowing, and  Winsor's  party  ordained  him  as  Brown's  successor  in  the 
ministry.  An  account  of  the  revival  of  the  old  controversy,  with  the 
names  of  those  who  signed  the  covenant,  is  given  in  the  writer's  sketch 
of  James  Brown.4 

Such  was  the  Baptist  church  at  the  time  of  Manning's  arrival  in 
Providence,  May  4,  1770.     It  was  one  hundred  and  thirty-two  years 


i  The  deed  was  not  recorded  until  April  22, 1749.  In  a  note  or  memorandum  the  donor,  referring 
to  the  doctrine  of  Laying  on  of  Hands  mentioned  in  the  deed,  states  that  "  the  church  of  which  he 
was  the  Elder  was  Six  Principle."  Mr.  Tillinghast  appears  to  have  been  a  strenuous  advocate  of 
this  doctrine. 

s  Knowles.    Memoir  of  Roger  Williams,  page  175. 

»  History  of  the  Baptists.    Edition  of  1871,  Vol.  II.,  pages  22-23. 

*  Manning  and  Brown  University,  1864,  pages  152-155. 


1770-1775.  AND    MANNING.  211 

old  dating  from  1638  ;  and  yet,  in  a  population  of  four  thousand  inhab- 
itants, with  no  other  rival  church  or  society  for  nearly  a  century,1  it  had 
but  one  hundred  and  eighteen  members,  many  of  them  living  in  John- 
ston, Pawtucket,  and  other  places  remote  from  their  house  of  worship. 
It  had  never  paid  its  ministers  for  their  services,  and  on  principle  was 
opposed  to  such  a  procedure.  It  was  still  vigorous  for  the  doctrine  of 
Laying  on  of  Hands,  in  accordance  with  the  views  of  its  elders  or  pas- 
tors from  the  beginning  ;  and  it  refused  communion  to  those  who  did 
not  practice  such  doctrine.  It  held  those  liable  to  discipline  who  should 
"join  in  prayer  without  the  bounds  of  the  church,"  in  accordance  with 
the  "  agreement  "  of  May  25,  1732.  It  discarded  singing  and  music  in 
public  worship  after  the  manner  of  the  Quakers,  and  the  early  Baptists 
in  England.  And  it  was  Arminian  in  sentiment,  holding  with  the 
General  Baptists  to  the  doctrine  of  universal  redemption. 

The  celebrated  antiquary,  John  Howland,  came  to  Providence  in 
April,  1770,  just  one  month  before  Manning.  He  was  then  in  his 
thirteenth  year.  Here  he  spent  the  remaining  years  of  his  protracted 
and  useful  life,  dying  in  1854,  at  the  age  of  ninety-seven.  He  was 
always  a  keen  observer  of  men  and  things,  and  in  his  • '  Life  and  Recol- 
lections "  are  recorded  many  events  of  local  interest  and  value.  Con- 
cerning the  house  and  worship  of  the  Baptist  church  at  this  time,  he 
thus  writes :  — 

When  I  came  to  Providence  there  were  five  religious  societies  here.  One  was  the  old 
Arminian  Baptist.  Their  meeting-house  was  ahout  forty  feet  square,  and  stood  on  the 
lot  now  forming  the  corner  of  North  Main  and  Smith  Streets.  At  high  water  the  tide 
flowed  nearly  up  to  the  west  end  of  the  building.  There  were  no  pews.2  From  the  front 
door  opening  on  Main  Street,  an  aisle  extended  to  the  pulpit,  which  was  raised  three  or 


1  The  Society  of  Friends  in  Providence,  according  to  Staples,  was  organized  about  the  year  1704, 
when  a  meeting-house  was  erected  for  their  worship.  The  First  Congregational  Society  was  formed 
about  the  year  1720 ;  in  1723  their  house  of  worship  was  erected  on  the  corner  of  College  and  Benefit 
Streets.  St.  John's  Episcopal  Church  was  formed  about  the  year  1722;  in  1723  a  house  of  worship 
was  erected  on  the  spot  where  St.  John's  Church  now  stands.  Mr.  Snow's  meeting,  now  the  Benefi- 
cent Congregational  Church,  was  formed  in  1743,  by  a  separation  |from  Mr.  Cotton's  church,  or  the 
First  Congregational. 

2  This  statement  appears  to  be  true  only  in  part.  There  are  papers,  says  Dr.  Caldwell,  among  the 
files  of  the  church,  showing  that  in  June,  1759,  eleven  years  previous  to  the  time  Howland  describes, 
there  was  an  appraisal  or  sale  of  seventeen  pews  valued  at  £1,357. 


212  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  V. 

four  steps  from  the  floor.  On  each  side  of  the  aisle  benches  extended  north  and  south 
to  the  walls  of  the  house,  and  there  were  benches  in  the  gallery,  which  was  entered  by 
narrow  stairs  from  a  door  on  the  south  side  of  the  house.  It  appears  that  it  never  had 
been  the  practice  to  settle  an  ordained  minister  over  any  particular  church  or  society.1 
In  this  they  resembled  the  Quakers.  As  settlements  extended  into  the  country,  and 
other  places  had  been  procured  where  the  neighbors  could  attend,  one  of  the  elders 
nearest  the  place  usually  preached.  The  elders  were  generally  farmers,  and  had  no 
salary  or  any  other  means  of  support  but  their  own  labor.  They  officiated  in  any  place 
where  there  was  a  gathering,  and  the  people  did  not  know  who  was  to  speak  till  they 
saw  one  begin.  They  did  not  approve  of  singing,  and  never  practised  it  in  public  wor- 
ship. "When  more  than  one  elder  was  present  and  the  first  had  exhausted  himself,  he 
would  say,  "  there  is  time  and  space  left  if  any  one  has  further  to  offer."  In  that  case 
another  and  another  would  offer  what  he  had  to  say;  so  there  was  no  set  time  for  clos- 
ing the  meeting.  As  Elder  Winsor's  home  was  in  Providence,2  he  generally  appeared 
in  his  place  every  Sunday,  so  that  this  came  to  be  called  Elder  Winsor's  meeting.  The 
house  could  not  contain  a  large  congregation,  nor  did  the  number  present  seem  to 
require  a  larger  house  as  they  were  not  crowded,  though  many  of  them  came  in  from 
the  neighboring  towns  on  horseback  with  women  behind  them  on  pillions. 

The  time  had  now  come  for  advance  and  enlargement.  "A  new- 
life  within  the  church,"  says  Dr.  Caldwell,  "  responded  to  a  new  life 
outside  ;  the  old  period  closes  and  a  new  one  begins  ;  the  church  of 
Manning  and  his  successors  take  the  place  of  the  church  of  Winsor  and 
his  predecessors.     And  that  means  a  great  change." 

The  regular  church  records  begin  in  April,  1775,  preceded  by  a  list 
of  members  admitted  from  December,  1774,  during  the  great  revival,  to 
June  30,  1782,  Prefixed  to  these  records  is  a  "History  of  the  Baptist 
Church  of  Christ  in  Providence,  Rhode  Island,  being  the  oldest  Baptist 
Church  in  America."  This  is  a  brief  summary  of  such  events  as  could 
be  collected  respecting  the  history  of  the  church  for  one  hundred  and 
fifty  years  from  its  foundation.     It  was  prepared  in  1789,  as  has  already 


•  Mr.  Howland  is  in  error  so  far  as  relates  to  the  Baptist  church  in  Providence.  Their  pastors,  or 
elders,  were  severally  ordained,  the  dates  of  their  ordinations  being  given  in  the  records  and  his- 
tory of  the  church.    The  pastor  in  1770,  Samuel  Winsor,  Jr.,  was  ordained  June  21,  1759. 

*  His  home  was  really  in  Johnston,  three  miles  from  the  place  of  meeting.  This  was  formerly  a 
part  of  Providence,  but  it  was  incorporated  as  a  separate  township  in  March,  1759.  See  Rhode 
Island  Census  for  1885. 


1770-1775.  AND    MANNING.  213 

been  stated,  by  the  Rev.  John  Stanford,  a  preacher  from  England,  who 
served  as  temporary  pastor  from  March,  1788,  to  September,  1789.  Mr. 
Stanford's  original  manuscript  of  twenty  folio  pages  is  preserved  in  the 
archives  of  the  Society.  That  portion  of  the  narrative  which  gives  the 
details  of  Manning's  connection  with  the  church,  we  shall  now  freely 
use  without  apology,  interweaving  it  with  the  present  narrative  in  such 
form  as  may  seem  desirable. 

Rev.  Samuel  Winsor,  Jr.,  was  born  November  1,  1722,  in  tbe  township  of  Providence, 
and  was  ordained  June  21,  1759.  He  continued  his  office  with  ease  and  some  success  till 
towards  the  year  1770,  when  he  made  repeated  complaints  to  the  church,  that  the  duty 
of  his  office  was  too  heavy  for  him,  considering  the  remote  situation  of  his  dwelling  from 
town.  He  constantly  urged  the  church  to  provide  help  in  the  ministry,  as  he  was  not 
able  to  serve  them  any  longer  in  that  capacity,  without  doing  injury  to  his  family,  which 
they  could  not  desire."  l 

Divine  Providence  had  so  ordered,  that  the  Rev.  James  Manning,  President  of  the 
Rhode  Island  College,  was  likely  to  remove  from  Warren  to  settle  with  the  College  in 
this  town ;  and  which  was  esteemed  favorable  to  the  wishes  of  Mr.  WinsOr  and  the 
church.  However,  at  this  juncture,  Mr.  John  Sutton,  minister,  on  his  way  from  Nova 
Scotia  to  the  Jerseys,  arrived  at  Newport ;  when  Mr.  Winsor  and  the  church  invited  him 
to  preach  as  an  assistant  for  six  months;  which  he  did  to  good  acceptance,  and  then 
pursued  his  journey. 

It  must  have  been  in  November,  1769,  when  Mr.  Sutton  arrived  at 
Newport  on  his  way  to  Nova  Scotia,  and  was  invited  by  Mr.  Winsor 
and  the  Church  to  preach  as  an  assistant.  A  special  meeting  of  the 
Corporation  was  held  at  Newport  on  the  14th  of  this  month,  when  it 
was  voted,  "that  the  College  edifice  be  at  Providence."  President 
Manning  was  at  this  meeting,  as  also  Samuel  Winsor,  and  the  brothers, 
Nicholas  and  Joseph  Brown.  As  a  matter  of  course,  it  was  expected 
from  the  vote,  that  the  College  would  now  be  removed  from  Warren,  and 
that  Manning  would  accompany  it  to  Providence.  Mr.  Winsor  was 
anxious  to  be  released  from  his  pastoral  duties,  and  the  Browns  and 


1  Mr.  Winsor  appears  to  have  been  a  farmer  in  comfortable  circumstances.  At  the  meeting  of 
the  Corporation  in  Warren  on  the  final  location  of  the  College,  he  gave  security  for  seventy-five 
acres  of  land,  valued  at  £45,  or  $150,  towards  the  erection  of  the  College  edifice.  For  this  he  was 
requested  to  give  a  deed  "  duly  executed  and  recorded"  to  the  treasurer." 


214  BROWN    UNIVERSITY  Chap.  V. 

Jenckes  were  equally  desirous  to  secure  the  services  of  Manning. 
Meanwhile  Mr.  Sutton  was  secured  as  a  substitute.  We  learn  from 
Cathcart,  that  "  Rev.  John  Sutton,  with  a  company  of  emigrants  from 
New  Jersey,  settled  at  Newport,  Nova  Scotia,  in  1760,  and  there 
preached  and  baptized  converts."  He  was  a  member  with  Manning  of 
the  Scotch  Plains  Church,  and  accompanied  him,  it  will  be  remembered, 
in  the  summer  of  1763,  on  a  voyage  to  Halifax,  during  which  they 
stopped  at  Newport,  and  made  the  motion  for  a  college.  Edwards 
states,  in  his  "  Materials  for  the  History  of  the  Baptists  in  New  Jersey," 
that  Mr.  Sutton  was  afterwards  settled  in  Nova  Scotia  from  1766  to 
1770.  This  would  include  the  six  months  that  he  was  in  Providence. 
Manning  in  a  letter  to  Smith,  under  date  of  Nov.  18,  1790,  alludes  to 
' '  Our  friend  Mr.  Sutton  settled  nearly  in  the  centre  of  Kentucky,  and, 
in  regard  to  worldly  prospects  more  happy  than  ever  he  was,"  having 
purchased  two  hundred  acres  of  good  land,  etc. 

The  attention  of  the  church  and  Mr.  Winsor  was  now  directed  to  Mr.  Manning; 
and  at  a  church  meeting  held  at  the  beginning  of  May,  1770,  Daniel  Jenckes,  Esq.,  Chief 
Judge  of  the  Inferior  Court,  and  Solomon  Drown,  Esq.,  were  chosen  to  wait  on  Mr. 
Manning  upon  his  arrival,  and,  in  the  name  of  the  church  and  congregation,  to  invite 
him  to  preach  at  the  meeting-house.  Mr.  Manning  accepted  the  invitation  and  delivered 
a  sermon.  It  being  Communion  day,  Mr.  Winsor  invited  Mr.  Manning  to  partake  with 
them,  which  the  President  cordially  accepted.  After  this  several  members  were  dissat- 
isfied at  Mr.  Manning's  partaking  of  the  Lord's  Supper  with  them ;  but,  at  a  church 
meeting  appointed  for  the  purpose,  Mr.  Manning  was  admitted  to  communion  by  vote  of 
the  church.  Notwithstanding  this,  some  of  the  members  remained  dissatisfied  at  the 
privilege  of  transient  communion  being  allowed  Mr.  Manning;  whereupon  another 
meeting  was  called  previous  to  the  next  communion  day,  in  order  to  reconcile  the  diffi- 
culty. At  said  meeting  Mr.  Manning  was  confirmed  in  his  privilege  by  a  much  larger 
majority.  At  the  next  church  meeting  Mr.  Winsor  appeared  with  an  unusual  number 
of  members  from  the  country,  and  moved  to  have  Mr.  Manning  displaced,  but  to  no 
purpose.  The  ostensible  reason  of  Mr.  Winsor  and  of  those  with  him  for  objecting 
against  President  Manning  was,  that  he  did  not  make  Non-imposition  of  Hands  a  bar  to 
communion,  though  he  himself  had  received  it,  and  administered  it  to  those  who 
desired  it.  Mr.  Winsor  and  the  church  knew  Mr.  Manning's  sentiments  and  practice  for 
more  then  six  years  at  Warren ;  those  therefore  who  were  well  informed,  attributed  the 
opposition  to  the  President's  holding  to  singing  in  public  worship ;  which  was  highly 
disgustful  to  Mr.  Winsor. 


1770-1775.  AND    MANNING.  215 

On  this  point  the  sentiments  of  the  Friends  or  Quakers  appear  to 
have  prevailed  in  the  church,  and  singing  was  discarded  as  unauthorized 
by  the  New  Testament.  The  same  was  true  with  other  Baptist 
churches  in  Rhode  Island.  What  diversity  of  opinion  once  existed 
touching  that  which  is  now  regarded  as  an  essential  part  of  worship, 
and  of  universal  practice,  may  be  seen  by  reading  the  pages  of  Backus 
and  Edwards,  and  by  consulting  the  controversial  works  on  this  subject 
of  Claridge,  Keach,  Marlow,  Allen,  Russell,  and  others,  which  were 
published  in  London  at  the  close  of  the  seventeenth  contury,  all  of 
which  may  be  found  upon  the  shelves  af  the  College  Library.1  It  was 
about  this  time  that  singing  was  introduced  among  the  English  Bap- 
tists. Probably  persecution  had  much  to  do  with  its  general  omission 
in  their  earlier  religious  assemblies.  The  Rev.  Benjamin  Keach,  a  cel- 
ebrated writer  and  preacher,  introduced  it  in  his  church,  and  in  1691 
published  a  work  advocating  the  singing  of  "  Psalms  and  Hymns  and 
Spiritual  Songs."  It  met  with  bitter  opposition.  Some  of  his  people 
on  this  account  withdrew  and  founded  the  Maze  Pond  church,  and  pro- 
hibited singing  in  their  worship. 

The  difficulty  increasing,  it  was  resolved  to  refer  the  business  to  the  next  Associa- 
tion (Yearly  Meeting  of  the  Six  Principle  Baptist  Churches)  at  Swansea.  But  when  the 
case  was  presented,  the  Association,  after  a  full  hearing  on  both  sides,  agreed  that  they 
had  no  right  to  determine,  and  that  the  church  must  act  for  themselves.  The  next 
church  meeting,  which  was  in  October,  was  uncommonly  full.  All  matters  relative  to 
the  President  were  fully  debated,  and  by  a  much  greater  majority  were  determined  in 
his  favor.  It  was  then  agreed  that  all  should  sit  down  at  the  Lord's  Table  the  next 
Sabbath,  which  was  accordingly  done.  But  at  the  subsequent  communion  season,  Mr. 
Winsor  declined  administering  the  ordinance,  assigning  for  a  reason,  that  a  number  of 
the  brethren  were  dissatisfied.  April  18,  1771,  being  church  meeting,  Mr.  Winsor 
appeared  and  produced  a  paper  signed  by  a  number  of  members  living  out  of  town, 
dated  Johnston,  Feb.. 27,  1771,  in  which  they  say:  — 

Brethren  and  Sisters:     We  must  in  conscience  withdraw  ourselves  from  all  who  do 


1  The  curious  on  this  subject  may  be  interested  in  reading  the  titles  of  some  of  these  works :  — 
"Answer  to  Richard  Allen's  Essay  to  prove  that  Singing  is  a  Christian  Duty."  By  Richard 
Claridge.  12mo.  Lond.,  1697;  "  Singing  proved  to  be  a  Holy  Ordinance  of  Jesus  Christ."  By  Rev. 
Benjamin  Keach.  8vo.  Lond.,  1691;  "The  Controversie  of  Singing  brought  to  an  End."  By  Isaac 
Marlow,  12ino.  Lond.,  1696;  "  Brief  Animadversions  on  Allen's  Essay  on  Singing."  By  William 
Russell,  M.  D.    12mo.    Lond.,  1696. 


216  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  V. 

not  hold  strictly  to  the  Six  Principles  of  the  doctrine  of  Christ,  as  laid  down  in  Hebrews 
vi.  1  and  2. 

At  a  church  meeting  held  May  30,  1771,  Mr.  Winsor  made  a  second  declaration,  that 
he  withdrew  from  tha  church  at  Providence,  and  that  he  should  break  bread  in  John- 
ston (an  adjacent  town),  which  he  accordingly  did  the  first  Lord's  day  in  June,  and 
continued  so  to  do. 

In  the  language  of  Knight,  he,  with  Deacon  John  Dyer,  and  others, 
withdrew  "and  set  up  a  separate  church  and  communion."  The  num- 
ber of  original  members  is  stated  to  have  been  eighty-seven.  These 
could  not  all  have  withdrawn  from  the  Providence  church,  as  that  would 
have  left  but  a  small  minority  of  thirty-one.  Backus,  who  was  inti- 
mate with  Manning,  and  knew  all  the  facts,  thus  states  the  case :  — 
"  Samuel  Winsor  succeeded  his  father  in  the  care  of  the  church,  from 
1759  until  1771,  when  he  and  a  minor  part  of  the  church  drew  off,  on 
account  of  differing  sentiments  concerning  the  doctrines  of  grace,  and 
singing  in  public  worship  then  introduced  (which  was  a  return  to  the 
first  principles  of  the  church),  and  he  and  his  followers  formed  another 
church  in  Johnston."  This  church  has  long  ceased  to  exist,  but  the 
records  are  preserved,  and  the  building  where  they  worshipped  is  still 
standing. 

The  church  remaining  in  Providence  applied  to  the  Rev.  Gardner  Thurston,  of  New- 
port, for  ad\  ice.  In  consequence  of  advice  received,  it  was  resolved  to  apply  to  the 
Rev.  Job  and  Russell  Mason,  of  Swansea,  to  come  and  administer  the  Lord's  Supper. 
Accordingly  a  letter  was  sent  signed  by  Daniel  Jenckes,  Esq.,  Deacon  Ephraim 
Wheaton,  and  others,  bearing  date  June  10,  1771.  To  this  letter  the  following  answer 
was  received:  — 

Swansea,  June  28,  1771. 

To  the  Brethren  and  Sisters  in  the  town  of  Providence,  not  long  since  under  the  care 
of  Elder  Samuel  Winsor,  but  now  forsaken  by  him,  we  send  greeting,  wishing  all 
grace,  mercy,  and  peace  may  abound  toward  you  all,  through  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus 
Christ. 

Whereas  you  have  sent  a  request  for  one  of  us  to  break  bread  among  you,  we  laid 
your  request  before  our  church  meeting ;  and  there  being  but  few  members  present,  and 
we  not  being  able  to  know  what  the  event  of  such  a  proceeding  might  be  at  this  time, 
think  it  not  expedient  for  us  to  come  and  break  bread  with  you.    And  whereas  you  have 


1770-1775.  AND    MANNING.  217 

received  Mr.  Manning  into  your  fellowship,  and  called  him  to  the  work  of  preaching 
(he  heing  ordained),  we  know  not  but  by  the  same  rule  he  may  administer  the  Lord's 
Supper.  But  whether  it  will  be  most  expedient  for  you  to  omit  the  administration  of 
the  Lord's  Supper,  considering  the  present  circumstances  of  the  case,  until  the  Associa- 
tion (Yearly  Meeting),  we  must  leave  you  to  judge.  No  more  at  present,  but  desiring 
you  would  seek  God  for  wisdom  to  direct  you  in  this  affair,  hoping  you  will  have  the 
glory  of  God,  the  credit  of  our  holy  religion,  and  the  comfort  of  his  children  at  heart  in 

all  your  proceedings.    Farewell. 

Job  Mason,  ) 

-d  ™  (  Elders. 

Russell  Mason,  I 

In  consequence  of  the  above  advice,  the  church  appointed  a  meeting  to  consider 
the  propriety  of  calling  President  Manning  to  administer  ordinances  to  the  church; 
whereupon  the  following  resolution  was  formed:  — 

At  a  meeting  of  the  members  of  the  Old  Baptist  Church  in  Providence,  in  church 
meeting  assembled  this  31st  day  of  July,  1771,  Daniel  Jenckes,  Esq.,  moderator: 
Whereas,  Elder  Samuel  Winsor,  now  of  Johnston,  has  withdrawn  himself,  and  a  con- 
siderable number  of  members  of  this  church,  from  their  communion  with  us  who  live 
in  town;  and  we,  being  destitute  of  a  minister  to  administer  the  ordinances  amongst 
us,  have  met  together  in  order  to  choose  and  appoint  a  suitable  person  for  this  purpose. 
Upon  due  consideration,  the  members  choose  and  appoint  Elder  James  Manning  to 
preach  and  administer  the  communion  according  to  our  former  usage. 

To  the  above  resolve  Mr.  Manning  returned  the  following  answer:  — 

As  the  church  is  destitute  of  an  administrator,  and  think  the  cause  of  religion 
suffers  through  the  neglect  of  the  ordinances  of  God's  house,  I  consent  to  undertake 
to  administer  pro  tempore ;  that  is,  until  there  may  be  a  more  full  disquisition  of  the 
matter,  or  time  to  seek  other  help;  at  least,  until  time  may  prove  whether  it  will  be 
consistent  with  my  other  engagements,  and  for  the  general  interests  of  religion. 

This  answer  being  accepted,  Mr.  Manning  was  appointed  Pastor 
of  the  church  pro  tempore.  The  salary  at  first  was  <£50.  In  1786 
this  was  doubled,  to  provide  a  temporary  supply,  Mr.  Manning  being 
this  year  in  Congress.  In  1788  the  salary  was  increased  to  .£150,  one- 
third  to  be  raised  by  pew  tax,  and  the  remainder  by  assessment  on  the 
private  property  of  members  of  the  church  and  society. 

At  the   General  Meeting  (Yearly  Meeting)  held  September  20,1771,  a  question  was 
put,  "  Whether  those  members  who  withdrew  with  Mr.  Winsor,  or  those  in  Providence, 
28 


218  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  V. 

be  considered  the  Old  Church,"  whereupon  the  brethren  meeting  in  Providence  were 
acknowledged  the  Old  Church ;  but  it  was  agreed  that  the  Association  (Yearly  Meeting) 
would  hold  communion  with  both  churches  so  long  as  they  walked  agreeably  to  the 
Gospel.1 

Thus  commenced  a  relation,  which,  through  various  vicissitudes  and 
trials,  incident  to  the  disturbed  times  that  soon  followed,  continued, 
with  credit  to  the  Pastor  and  with  great  advantage  to  the  church  and 
congregation,  down  to  a  short  period  before  Mr.  Manning's  death,  in 
1791.  At  first  his  preaching  was  not  attended  with  marked  results. 
But  in  1774  a  remarkable  revival  of  religion  attended  his  labors,  as  the 
*  fruits  of  which  one  hundred  and  four  persons  were  added  to  the  church 
in  the  course  of  fifteen  months.  "  It  is  delightful,"  says  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Hague  in  his  Historical  Discourse,  "  to  place  ourselves  in  imagination 
amidst  the  scenes  of  that  year, — to  picture  before  us  the  able  and 
faithful  preacher  who  then  officiated  here  as  he  stood  up  amidst  the 
large  assemblies  of  the  people  who  thronged  around  him,  listening,  as 
they  did,  to  the  gospel  with  intense  attention,  as  a  message  from  the 
skies  —  the  very  word  of  God,  which  worketh  effectually  in  them  that 
believe, — to  mark  the  lively  interest  which  was  kindled  in  every  bosom 
and  beamed  from  every  eye,  as  one  after  another  came  forth  '  on  the 
side  of  the  Lord,'  and  professed  his  faith  in  public  baptism,  —  to  con- 
template the  fresh  springs  of  spiritual  life  which  were  then  opened  in 
many  a  house  when  the  family  altar  was  first  erected  there,  and 
parents  and  children  bowed  together  to  worship  the  Common  Father 
and  Redeemer  in  spirit  and  in  truth." 

And  now  the  little  meeting-house,  erected  in  1726,  was  too  small 
to  accommodate  the  crowds  that  flocked  to  hear  the  "New  Light" 
preaching  of  the  eloquent  and  accomplished  President  of  the  College. 
A  new  house  of  worship  was  needed.  The  age  of  progress  and  improve- 
ment had  indeed  commenced.     The  resolute  and  enterprising  spirit  of 


1  The  appointment  of  Manning  as  pastor  pro  tempore  of  the  church,  and  the  formation  of  a  new 
church  in  Johnston,  naturally  resulted  in  the  alienation  of  Elder  Winsor  from  the  College  over 
which  Manning  presided.  He  continued  a  trustee  until  1791,  although  his  name  does  not  appear 
in  the  records  of  the  Corporation  as  an  attendant  upon  the  meetings  after  1770.    He  died  in  1803. 


1770-1775.  AND    MANNING.  219 

the  Browns  had  prevailed  in  the  erection  of  the  College  building  on  the 
hill,  and  the  same  spirit  was  now  manifest  in  the  church.  It  was  deter- 
mined to  build  another  house,  and  with  a  view  to  the  accommodation 
of  the  College,  to  construct  it  in  such  a  style  of  elegance,  and  of  such 
dimensions,  as  should  surpass  any  edifice  of  the  kind  connected  with 
the  Baptist  denomination  throughout  the  country. 

In  looking  over  the  records  of  the  Baptist  Society  we  find  that  at  a 
meeting  held  at  the  house  of  Mr.  Daniel  Cahoon,  on  Friday  evening, 
February  11,  1774,  it  was 

Resolved,  That  we  will  all  heartily  unite,  as  one  man,  in  all  lawful  ways  and  means 
to  promote  the  good  of  the  Society ;  and  particularly  to  attend  to  and  revive  the  affair 
of  building  a  meeting-house,  for  the  public  worship  of  Almighty  God,  and  also  for 
holding  Commencement  in. 

"That  we  will  all  heartily  unite  as  one  man."  An  enterprise 
commenced  in  this  spirit  could  hardly  fail  of  success.  From  the  tenor 
of  the  resolution  it  appears  that  they  had  previously  made  a  movement 
for  a  new  house.  According  to  Staples,  the  town  in  January,  1773, 
had  granted  the  Society  a  lot,  sixteen  rods  by  twenty,  to  be  laid  out 
on  the  site  opposite  Steeple  Street,  where  in  later  years  the  Cove  was 
located.  It  is  very  doubtful,  Staples  adds,  whether  the  Society  had  any 
intention  of  occupying  this  lot.  The  tradition  is  that  it  then  had  in 
view  the  lot  on  which  the  present  house  stands,  which  belonged  to  John 
Angell,  being  improved  by  him  as  an  orchard.  Angell  was  a  rigid 
"Gortonist;"  and  it  was  thought  that  he  would  not  sell  the  orchard 
to  be  used  as  a  site  for  a  Baptist  meeting-house,  upon  any  consideration. 
After  the  aforesaid  grant  of  the  town,  the  Society  employed  William 
Russell,  who  had  been  a  prominent  attendant  upon  the  Episcopal  wor- 
ship, to  purchase  the  orchard  with  the  ostensible  purpose  of  erecting 
upon  it  a  private  mansion.  Mr.  Russell  afterwards  conveyed  it  to  the 
Society,  who  thus  obeyed  the  injunction,  "Be  ye  wise  as  serpents." 

The  next  meeting  was  held  three  days  later  at  the  house  of  Joseph 
Brown,  at  which  Manning  was  chosen  moderator,  and  James  Arnold 
clerk.     At  this  meeting  it  was 


220  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  V. 

Resolved,  That  a  new  lot  be  procured  on  which  to  build  a  new  meeting-house,  pro- 
vided one  can  be  had  on  suitable  terms ;  that  Mr.  William  Russell  be  requested  to 
purchase  a  lot  for  the  above  purpose ;  that  this  Society  will  abide  by  and  perform  what- 
ever contract  or  contracts  the  said  Mr.  Russell  shall  make,  respecting  a  lot  or  lots,  for 
the  purpose  aforesaid. 

Mr.  Russell  lost  no  time  in  executing  his  commission.  The  orchard 
was  purchased  at  once  and  conveyed  to  the  Society.  Two  days  later, 
February  16th,  another  meeting  was  held  at  the  house  of  Joseph  Brown, 
Manning  being  moderator,  at  which  it  was 

Resolved,  That  the  thanks  of  this  Society  be  presented  to  Mr.  William  Russell,  for 
his  very  acceptable  and  important  services  to  the  Society  in  purchasing  a  lot  of  land  of 
Mr.  John  Angell  for  them. 

The  old  house  and  lot  were  sold  at  public  auction  to  John  Brown 
for  .£420  lawful  money.  Of  this  sum  £200  were  paid  to  the  new  church 
in  Johnston  as  its  "rightful  share"  of  the  proceeds.  The  new  and 
spacious  lot,  bounded  by  what  is  at  present  Thomas  Street  on  the  north, 
Benefit  Street  on  the  east,  Waterman  Street  on  the  south,  and  North 
Main  Street  on  the  west,  was  in  the  very  centre  of  the  population 
of  the  town  on  the  east  side  of  the  bridge  at  that  time.  Meetings  in 
succession  were  now  held,  at  which  Manning  continued  to  preside.  A 
committee  of  two  persons,  Messrs.  Joseph  Brown  and  Jonathan  Ham- 
mond, were  appointed  to  go  to  Boston  "  as  soon  as  may  be  to  view  the 
different  churches  and  meeting-houses  there,  and  to  make  a  memoran- 
dum of  their  several  dimensions  and  forms  of  architecture."  Mr. 
Nicholas  Brown  was  appointed  to  procure  of  Mr.  Russell  a  deed  of  the 
lot.  Mr.  Joseph  Brown,  Jonathan  Hammond,  and  Comfort  Wheaton 
were  appointed  to  make  a  draft  of  the  house  ;  Messrs.  John  Jenckes, 
Nicholas  Brown,  Joseph  Brown,  and  others  to  procure  oak  timber  ;  and 
John  Brown  was  to  buy  for  the  society  the  whole  or  a  part  of  Mr. 
Amaziah  Waterman's  land  adjoining  the  society's  premises.  At  a  meet- 
ing held  in  the  meeting-house,  at  which  Mr.  Manning  was  moderator, 
and  Benjamin  Stelle  served  as  clerk,  it  was 


1770-1775.  AND   MANNING.  221 

Resolved,  That  a  petition  be  presented  to  the  Honorable  General  Assembly,  praying 
that  a  charter  containing  certain  privileges  and  immunities  may  be  granted  to  said 
society. 

That  the  Rev.  James  Manning,  Ephraim  Wheaton,  Nicholas  Brown,  David  Howell, 
and  Benjamin  Thurber,  be  a  commitee  to  draft  a  plan  of  a  charter,  and  present  the  same 
to  the  society  for  approbation,  as  soon  as  may  be. 

That  Mr.  John  Brown  be  the  Committee  man  for  carrying  on  the  building  of  the  new 
meeting-house  for  said  society. 

That  Messrs.  John  Jenckes,  Daniel  Cahoon,  Ephraim  Wheaton,  Nathaniel  Wheaton, 
Daniel  Tillinghast,  Joseph  Brown,  William  Russell,  Edward  Thurber,  Nicholas  Brown, 
Christopher  Sheldon,  and  Benjamin  Thurber,  they  or  the  major  part  of  them,  be  a  stand- 
ing committee,  to  assist  and  advise  with  Mr.  John  Brown,  in  locating  and  carrying  into 
execution  the  building  of  the  new  meeting-house,  and  any  other  business  that  may  be 
thought  necessary  during  the  recess  of  the  society,  and  that  said  committee  meet  every 
Monday  evening. 

Thus,  while  a  large  committee  of  eleven  was  chosen  for  assistance 
and  advice,  the  carrying  on  of  the  building  and  the  execution  of  the 
plans  was  wisely  left  to  a  committee  of  one.  There  was  hence  a  unity 
of  purpose,  and  a  success  in  the  final  results,  which  a  large  and  divided 
committee  could  never  have  attained.  In  this  matter  our  fathers  have 
left  on  record  an  example  which  societies  of  the  present  day  may  do  well 
to  imitate.  It  is  pleasing  to  notice,  in  this  record,  the  unlimited  confi- 
dence reposed  in  the  abilities  and  discretion  of  Mr.  Brown.  Had  there 
been  informers  in  those  days  of  trial  and  peril,  the  large  reward  offered 
by  the  British  government  for  the  apprehension  of  the  author  of,  or 
leader  in,  the  destruction  of  the  G-aspee,  two  years  previous,  might  have 
seriously  interfered  with  the  plans  of  the  society. 

In  order  to  defray  the  additional  expense  of  purchasing  a  lot  and  of 
building  a  house  sufficiently  large  to  accommodate  the  College,  recourse 
was  had  to  a  lottery.  This,  as  we  have  already  remarked  in  a  previous 
chapter,  was  in  accordance  with  the  universal  practice  of  religious  soci- 
eties, in  Rhode  Island  and  elsewhere,  at  this  period.1     The  lottery  was 


1  It  may  be  interesting  to  note  the  following  items  respecting  lotteries,  taken  from  Arnold's 
History  of  Rhode  Island :  —  June  23, 1732,  Lotteries  suppressed  by  statute.  Reason :  "  By  these 
unlawful  games  called  lotteries,  many  people  have  been  led  into  a  foolish  expense  of  money."    Nov. 


222  BROWN    UNIVERSITY  Chap.  V. 

divided  into  six  classes,  and  the  time  and  place  of  drawing  each  were 
notified  in  the  Providence  Gazette.  Eleven  thousand  nine  hundred  and 
seventy  tickets  were  sold,  at  prices  ranging  from  two  and  one  half  to 
five  dollars  each.  The  sum  proposed  to  be  raised  by  this  scheme  was 
two  thousand  pounds  lawful  money,  or  about  seven  thousand  dollars. 
The  managers  appointed  by  the  General  Assembly  were  Nicholas 
Brown,  John  Jenckes,  William  Russell,  Benjamin  Thurber,  Edward 
Thurber,  Nathaniel  Wheaton,  Daniel  Tillinghast,  William  Holroyd, 
James  Arnold,  and  Nicholas  Power.  In  their  announcement  of  June  25, 
1774,  they  ask  for  the  "cheerful  assistance  and  encouragement  of  the 
public,  especially  when  it  is  considered  that  this  is  the  first  time  the 
Baptist  society  have  solicited  their  assistance  in  this  way,  which  they  can 
assure  them  would  not  now  have  been  the  case  had  they  not  purchased 
as  much  more  land,  and  designed  a  house  as  much  larger  than  the  soci- 
ety required  for  their  own  use  (purposely  to  accommodate  public  Com- 
mencements), as  will  amount  to  the  full  sum  proposed  to  be  raised  by 
this  lottery." 

On  Monday,  August  29th,  was  the  "raising"  of  the  new  meeting- 
house, due  notice  of  which  had  been  given  in  the  papers.  A  large 
crowd  assembled,  and  the  occasion  seems  to  have  been  a  general  holiday 
throughout  the  town, 

During  the  following  year  the  house  was  so  far  completed  that  it 
was  occupied  by  the  society.     It  was  opened  for  public  worship  on 


28, 1744.  Lottery  system  denounced  by  the  legislature  in  1732,  now  legalized.  Scheme  of  £15,000 
allowed  for  Weybosset  bridge  in  Providence.  Feb.  28, 1748.  Lottery  granted  by  General  Assembly 
for  paving  streets  of  Newport.  Jan.  3, 1749.  For  relief  of  Joseph  Fox,  a  prisoner  for  debt  in  New- 
port. Feb.  24, 1752.  For  paving  streets  of  Newport.  Oct.  28,  1753.  For  finishing  and  furnishing 
court-house  at  Greenwich.  Aug.  23, 1756.  For  repairing  Fort  George.  Dec.  24, 1758.  For  rebuild- 
ing court-house  at  Providence,  and  for  the  public  library.  June  11, 1759.  For  erecting  a  Masonic 
hall  at  Newport.  Feb.  23, 1761.  For  paving  streets  in  Newport,  and  in  Providence.  Oct.  28, 1761. 
For  building  a  meeting-house  in  Johnston,  and  for  making  a  passage  around  Pawtucket  Falls. 
March  29, 1762.  For  rebuilding  stores  on  Long  wharf,  Newport.  June  8, 1767.  For  a  new  steeple  on 
Trinity  church,  Newport.  Aug.19,1771.  For  a  market-house  in  Providence.  "  This  mode  of  raising 
money  for  all  purposes,  civil  and  religious,"  says  Arnold  "  had  now  become  so  common,  that  scarcely 
a  session  of  the  General  Assembly  occurred  without  one  or  more  of  these  grants  being  made." 
Oct.,  1772.  Lotteries  for  churches,  including  St.  John's,  Providence.  June,  1774.  First  Baptist 
Church,  Providence.  March  24, 1777.  In  addition  to  the  loan  office,  Congress  had  established  lot- 
teries to  raise  funds  to  sustain  the  credit  of  the  Continental  bills. 


1770-1775.        •  AND    MANNING.  223 

Sunday,  May  28,  1775,  when  President  Manning  preached  the  dedica- 
tion discourse,  from  Genesis  xxviii.  17,  —  "And  he  was  afraid,  and 
said,  How  dreadful  is  this  place !  This  is  none  other  but  the  house  of 
God,  and  this  is  the  gate  of  heaven."  On  Tuesday,  June  6th,  following, 
the  raising  of  the  steeple,  which  occupied  nearly  four  days,  was  finished. 
The  plan  of  this  most  elegant  piece  of  architecture  was  taken  from  the 
middle  figure  in  the  thirtieth  plate  of  Gibbs's  "  Designs  of  Buildings  and 
Ornaments,1  representing  the  steeple  of  St.  Martin's  in  the  Fields,  one 
of  the  finest  churches  in  London.  It  measures  one  hundred  and  eight 
feet  from  the  top  of  the  tower,  and  one  hundred  and  eighty-five  feet 
from  the  ground  to  the  top  of  the  vane.  The  total  height  of  the  steeple 
is  one  hundred  and  ninety-six  feet.  The  house  itself  is  eighty  feet 
square.  The  roof  and  galleries  are  supported  by  twelve  fluted  pillars, 
of  the  Doric  order.  The  weight  of  the  original  bell  was  two  thousand 
five  hundred  and  fifteen  pounds,  and  upon  it  was  the  following  historic 
inscription :  — 

For  freedom  of  conscience  the  town  was  first  planted ; 

Persuasion,  not  force,  was  used  by  the  people; 
This  church  was  the  eldest,  and  has  not  recanted, 

Enjoying  and  granting,  bell,  temple,  and  steeple. 

The  significance  of  the  concluding  line  of  this  quaint  inscription  is 
apparent,  when  we  remember  that  in  England  the  Chapels  of  Dissenters 
were  not,  until  within  a  recent  period,  allowed  to  have  either  bell  or 
steeple.  In  the  spring  of  1787  this  bell  was  broken  in  ringing,  and  was 
recast  by  subscription.  The  work  was  done  at  the  Hope  Furnace,  and 
on  the  new  bell,  which  weighed  two  thousand  three  hundred  and  thirty- 
seven  pounds,  was  inscribed: — "  This  church  was  formed  A.  D.  1639, 
the  first  in  the  State,  and  the  oldest  of  the  Baptists  in  America."  "  For 
fifty-seven  years,"  says  Arnold,  in  his  one  hundredth  anniversary 
address,  "this  bell  continued  on  every  week  day  to  sound  its  peaceful 


1  An  old  copy  of  this  work,  stated  to  be  the  one  used  in  building  the  church,  was  lately  in  the 
possession  of  the  Messrs.  Tingley.  The  writer  has  been  permitted  to  examine  it  at  their  marble 
works  on  South  Main  Street.  James  Gibbs  was  the  most  eminent  successor  of  Sir  Christopher 
Wren  as  a  church  architect,  and  St.  Martin's  is  one  of  the  most  celebrated  of  his  works.  For  an 
account  of  this  church,  see  Knight's  "  London  Illustrated,"  Vol.  V.,  page  105. 


224  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  '       Chap.  V. 

reveille  at  sunrise,  to  signal  the  hour  of  noon,  and  at  nine  o'clock,  like 
the  English  curfew,  it  'tolled  the  knell  of  parting  day,'  while  on  Sun- 
days it  called  the  people  to  the  house  of  prayer  and  praise.  It  was 
remarkable  for  the  clearness  and  sweetness  of  its  tone."  In  March, 
1844,  it  was  broken  and  recast.  The  work  was  poorly  done,  and  in 
September  following  it  had  to  be  again  recast.  There  are  two  inscrip- 
tions on  the  bell  at  present.  The  first  reads  as  follows :  —  "  This 
church  was  founded  in  1639,  by  Roger  Williams,  its  first  pastor,  and 
the  first  asserter  of  liberty  of  conscience."  On  the  opposite  side  is 
inscribed :  — 

This  bell  was  imported  from  England  in  1775. 

Recast  at  Hope  Furnace,  E..  I.,  in  1787. 

Again  recast,  in  Boston,  1844, 

By  Henry  N.  Hooper  &  Co. 

With  the  first  bell  came  also  a  clock,  which,  for  generations,  was 
to  hold  the  position  of  "the  town  clock,"  for  such  it  soon  became.  In 
May,  1786,  Mr.  John  Brown  was  appointed  a  committee,  as  appears 
from  the  records,  to  apply  to  the  Town  Council  for  an  allowance  to  the 
sexton  for  winding  the  clock.  After  having  done  service  for  a  century 
it  was  stopped  at  noon,  May  2,  1873,  the  black  wooden  dials  with  gilt 
figures  were  taken  down,  and  a  new  clock  with  illuminated  dials,  the 
gift  of  Henry  C.  Packard,  took  its  place. 

The  main  or  front  entrance  of  the  building  is  on  the  west  facing 
North  Main  Street.  A  door  also  opens  on  the  north  side,  and  another 
on  the  south,  while  fronting  Benefit  Street  are  two  entrances.  Thus 
on  Commencement  days  and  on  other  public  occasions  when  the  house 
is  crowded,  it  can  be  readily  and  easily  vacated.  Mr.  Joseph  Brown, 
one  of  the  "  Four  Brothers,"  and  a  member  of  the  church,  was  the 
principal  architect,  and  Mr.  James  Sumner  superintended  the  erection 
of  the  steeple.1     The  entire  expense  of  the  house  and  lot  was  a  little 


1  Howland,  in  his  Life  and  Recollections,  states  that  in  consequence  of  the  Boston  Port  Bill,  no 
vessel  could  enter  the  harbor.  "  The  trade  and  business  of  the  place  of  course  was  at  an  end,  and 
hundreds  of  the  inhabitants  had  to  leave  the  town  to  seek  a  living  elsewhere.  Many  of  the 
mechanics  and  merchants  came  to  this  town,  and  a  number  of  the  carpenters  and  masons  were 
employed  to  work  on  the  First  Baptist  meeting-house,  which  was  then  building.  One  of  them,  Mr. 
Sumner,  was  the  chief  engineer  in  erecting  the  high  steeple  of  that  house,  which  has  been  much 
admired,  and  yet  stands  firm,  though  it  quivered  and  trembled  in  the  great  September  gale." 


1770-1775.  AND   MANNING.  225 

over  £7,000,  lawful  money,  or  about  twenty-five  thousand  dollars. 
When  we  consider  the  value  and  scarcity  of  money  in  those  days,  the 
perils  and  dangers  of  a  war  with  the  mother  country  then  impending, 
and  also  the  small  population  of  Providence,  we  are  amazed  at  the 
genius  which  could  conceive,  and  the  energy,  enterprise,  and  skill 
which  could  successfully  complete  so  great  an  undertaking.  Even 
at  the  present  day,  after  the  lapse  of  nearly  a  century  and  a  quarter, 
and  the  increase  of  the  population  to  one  hundred  and  sixty  thousand, 
the  venerable  structure,  with  its  tall,  graceful  spire,  and  its  spacious 
enclosure,  shaded  by  stately  elms,  constitutes  one  of  the  chief  attrac- 
tions of  the  city.  In  the  beginning  and  progress  of  this  enterprise,  we 
have  an  illustration  of  the  remarkable  influence  which  Manning  must 
have  exerted  over  the  people  of  his  care. 

We  may  here  note  in  passing  some  changes  which  have  been  made. 
For  many  years  the  basement  was  let  as  a  cellar,  and  the  house  was  a 
long  time  in  reaching  a  finished  condition.  In  1787  the  steeple  was 
painted,  and  three  years  later  sixty  pews  were  put  in  the  galleries.  In 
1792,  the  Hon.  Nicholas  Brown,  then  a  young  man,  gave  two  thousand 
dollars  for  a  lot  and  parsonage,  and  his  sister,  Hope,  gave  the  painting 
of  the  interior  of  the  house,  with  the  glass  chandeliers.  In  1802  the 
basement  ceased  to  be  let  as  a  cellar,  and  was  fitted  up  by  the  church 
for  its  use  in  worship.  In  1807  a  singing  school  was  formed,  and  the 
next  year  the  west  gallery  was  altered  so  as  to  accommodate  a  choir. 
In  1834  the  organ,  which  for  seventeen  years  had  been  desired  by  many 
of  the  Society,  was  obtained  through  the  munificence  of  Mr.  Brown, 
who  also  presented  the  handsome  clock  which  hangs  below  it.  In  1832 
the  one  hundred  and  twenty-six  original  square  pews  and  the  aisles 
that  crossed  from  door  to  door  were  removed,  and  the  present  long 
pews,  one  hundred  and  forty-four  in  number,  were  constructed.  The 
sounding  board  was  taken  away,  and  the  high,  old-fashioned  pulpit 
gave  place  to  one  of  modern  style.  Rooms  were  also  made  in  the  south- 
east and  northeast  corners  of  the  basement  for  the  infant  school  and 
Bible  class.  In  1837  the  vestry  was  reconstructed.  But  by  far  the 
greatest  improvement  was  in  the  years  1857-1858,  when  the  grounds 

29 


226  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  V. 

were  excavated  and  the  lecture  room  was  enlarged  at  a  cost  of  twelve 
thousand  dollars.  Recently,  during  the  ministry  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  T. 
Edwin  Brown,  an  addition  was  built  on  the  east  side  of  the  house.  Great 
changes  have  also  been  made  in  the  grounds.  The  original  lot  was  an 
apple  orchard,  to  which  was  added  the  land  adjoining  on  the  south, 
belonging  to  Amaziah  Waterman.  In  1791  the  whole  land,  which 
until  then  had  remained  open,  was  enclosed  with  a  fence.  In  1793 
ten  feet  were  thrown  out  on  the  east  side  to  widen  Benefit  Street.  For 
this  the  Society  was  allowed  by  the  town  two  hundred  and  fifty  dollars. 
In  1830  elm  trees  took  the  place  of  the  poplars.  In  1809  the  yard  was 
paved  on  the  south  side  from  the  door  to  the  gate.  In  1852  a  brick 
sidewalk  was  laid  on  the  west  front.  In  1857  ten  feet  were  taken 
from  the  south  side  to  widen  President,  now  Waterman  Street.  A 
strip  was  also  taken  from  the  west  front  on  North  Main  Street.  The 
straightening  of  North  Main  Street  in  1868,  led  to  a  further  alteration 
of  the  west  line.  The  unsightly  wooden  buildings  at  the  southwest 
corner  of  the  lot,  which  had  stood  for  nearly  seventy  years,  were  in 
1857  taken  down,  and  a  broad,  brick  sidewalk  was  laid  on  the  south 
line. 

The  accompanying  engraving,  taken  from  Rippon's  Baptist  Regis- 
ter, represents  the  church  as  it  was  in  1789,  before  any  material  altera- 
tions had  been  made  in  the  grounds  or  building.  It  first  appeared  in 
the  Massachusetts  Magazine  for  August,  1789.  The  dwelling  on  the 
north  was  the  house  of  the  first  Nicholas  Brown,1  with  whom  Manning 
held  such  intimate  relations.  The  lane  as  represented  in  the  engraving 
is  now  Thomas  Street.  A  fine  steel  engraving  in  the  "  Documentary 
History  of  Brown  University,"  represents  the  church  as  it  appears  to- 
day. 

Sunday  morning,  May  28,  1865,  just  ninety  years  after  the  dedica- 
tion of  the  house,  the  late  Rev.  Dr.  Samuel  L.  Caldwell,  then  pastor  of 


i  From  the  Record  of  Deeds  at  the  City  Hall,  it  appears  that  the  Nicholas  Brown  dwelling,  after 
the  owner's  decease,  came  into  the  possession  of  his  brother,  Moses,  who  in  turn  deeded  it  to  his 
son,  Obadiah,  for  a  dwelling.  It  is  now  owned  by  Mrs.  Thomas,  widow  of  Hiram  H.  Thomas,  and  is 
occupied  by  the  "  Providence  Art  Club." 


First  Baptist  Meeting-House, 


1770-1775.  AND    MANNING.  227 

the  church,  preached  an  historical  discourse  which  was  afterwards  pub- 
lished in  pamphlet  form.  An  extract  from  this  discourse  may  fitly  close 
the  present  account :  — 

You  can  follow  the  eighty-two  Commencements  with  which  this  house  is  associated 
in  the  memory  of  so  many  children  of  the  College ;  you  would  like  to  review  the  great 
public  events  which  have  here  been  commemorated,  —  the  treaty  of  peace  in  1783,  the 
adoption  of  the  Constitution  in  1790,  the  death  of  Washington  in  1800 ;  the  civic  and 
religious  occasions,  when,  in  praise  and  prayer,  when,  in  jubilee  or  humiliation,  the 
people  have  here,  as  in  some  common  temple,  acknowledged  the  God  of  power  and 
mercy. 

There  are  the  common  as  well  as  uncommon  days  and  Sabbaths  ;  the  words  of  how 
many  lips,  once  eloquent  with  authority  and  persuasion,  now  hushed  in  death.  What 
a  history  is  enclosed  within  these  walls !  What  a  shadowy  procession  of  persons  and 
events  going  in  and  out  here,  —  funerals  and  weddings  and  baptisms;  sermons  whose 
memory  lingers  yet,  whose  influence  will  never  die ;  and  then  the  more  spiritual  and 
interior  events  and  experiences  which  have  passed  through  the  souls  of  these  three 
generations ;  the  souls  which  have  here  bowed  to  the  authority  of  God,  and  melted  into 
love  before  the  Savior's  cross  here  lifted  up  to  faith ;  the  vows,  uttered  and  unuttered, 
in  which  they  have  given  themselves  to  God  and  to  duty ;  the  viewless  winds  of  the 
Spirit  breathing  here,  and  leaving  blessed  fruits  which  ripen  glorious  and  abundant  in 
the  house  not  made  with  hands ! 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Society  held  on  the  2d  of  May,  1774,  a 
committee,  of  which  Manning  was  chairman,  presented  a  draft  for  a 
charter,  which  was  adopted,  and  officers  were  elected,  viz. :  Moderator, 
Nicholas  Brown ;  Treasurer,  Daniel  Cahoon  ;  Clerk,  Benjamin  Stelle.1 
The  General  Assembly  met  two  days  later  and  incorporated  the  peti- 
tioners as  "The  Charitable  Baptist  Society."  This  was  the  fifth 
church  charter  granted  in  the  history  of  the  Colony,  the  others  being 
Trinity   Church,    Newport    (1769),    First  Congregational,  Providence 


1  Mr.  Stelle,  as  has  already  been  stated,  was  the  son  of  the  Rev.  Isaac  Stelle,  a  graduate  of  the 
College  of  New  Jersey,  and  in  1766  the  teacher  of  a  Latin  School  in  Providence.  His  daughter, 
Mary  Bowen,  was  the  second  wife  of  Hon.  Nicholas  Brown,  his  first  wife,  Annie  Carter,  having 
died  June  16, 1798.  The  following,  which  we  copy  from  the  Providence  Gazette  for  Aug.  25, 1770,  is 
interesting  as  a  part  of  the  record  of  those  early  days :  —  "Benjamin  Bowen  and  Benjamin  Stelle 
continue  to  make  and  sell  chocolate  by  the  pound,  box,  or  hundred  weight,  etc.  At  the  well  known 
Apothecary's  shop,  just  below  the  church,  sign  of  the  Unicorn  and  Mortar." 


228  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  V. 

(1770),  Second  Congregational,  Newport  (1771),  and  St.  John's,  Provi- 
dence, (1772).  The  preamble  to  this  charter  describes  the  petitioners 
as  "  being  the  oldest  Christian  church  in  the  State  or  Colony,  and  pro- 
fessing to  believe  that  water  baptism  ought  to  be  administered  by 
immersion  only,  and  that  professed  believers  in  Jesus  Christ,  and  no 
others,  are  proper  subjects  of  the  same."  In  this  preamble,  in  which 
we  see  the  guiding  hand  of  Manning,  are  embodied  two  of  the  dis- 
tinctive dogmas  of  Baptist  faith,  viz. :  the  mode  of  administering  the 
ordinance  of  baptism,  and  the  qualifications  essential  in  its  candidates. 
The  question  as  to  priority  of  date,  which  we  have  discussed  in  the  first 
part  of  this  chapter,  would  seem  to  be  settled  so  far  as  the  belief  of  the 
Charitable  Baptist  Society,  as  here  expressed,  is  concerned. 

At  the  first  meeting  of  the  Charitable  Baptist  Society  after  its 
incorporation,  held  on  the  13th  of  June,  there  was  presented  a  state- 
ment of  principles  deserving  of  notice.  It  is  contained  in  the  preamble 
to  the  "form  of  subscription  for  the  purpose  of  raising  a  fund,"  and 
reads  as  follows :  — 

Said  charter  doth  not  empower  them  to  raise  any  monies  for  the  uses  specified  other- 
wise than  by  voluntary  subscriptions,  contributions,  legacies,  and  donations,  which 
clause  in  said  charter  is  most  especially  agreeable  to  the  minds  and  principles  of  said 
Baptist  church  and  congregation,  they  being  the  successors  and  descendants  of  the  first 
Christian  inhabitants  of  this  Colony,  who  flee  hither  to  enjoy,  and  to  secure  to  them- 
selves and  posterity,  Religious,  as  well  as  Civil  Liherty,  more  fully  and  amply  than  they 
could  in  any  other  part  of  the  British  dominions ;  and  being  desirous  therein  still  to 
continue  and  preserve  inviolate  that  Religious  Liberty,  not  only  procured  at  so  dear  a 
rate  for  them  by  their  pious  ancestors,  and  transmitted  down  through  many  generations 
unto  the  present  day,  but  also  authorized  and  established  by  Jesus  Christ,  the  Head 
and  only  Law  Giver  to  His  Church,  and,  being  a  natural  right,  which  God  himself, 
the  Creator  and  Governor  of  the  Universe,  has  bestowed  on  every  individual  of  the 
human  race,  most  fully,  freely,  and  amply  to  enjoy  the  liberty  of  conscience  and  private 
judgment  in  whatever  refers  immediately  to  His  worship,  in  that  He  hath  assured  us 
that  each  one  must  give  an  account  for  himself  unto  God. 

Here  then,  says  Arnold,  whom  we  gladly  quote  in  conclusion  :  — 

We  have  a  declaration  of  principles  which,  at  this  day,  are  readily  enough  assented 
to  by  nearly  all  the  Christian  churches,  but  which,  a  century  ago,  were  no  less  distinctly 


1770-1775.  AND    MANNING.  229 

Baptist  than  are  the  doctrines  referred  to  in  the  preamble  of  the  charter.  The  volun- 
tary system,  the  support  of  public  worship  by  free  gift  or  self-imposed  taxation,  in 
contrast  with  the  legal  obligations  elsewhere  enforced,  is  here  clearly  set  forth  as  a 
fundamental  principle  of  the  Baptist  church.  The  doctrine  of  Soul  Liberty,  the  crown- 
ing dogma  of  the  Reformation,  which  came  from  Wittemberg  to  Rome,  in  the  cloister 
and  the  camp  had  roused  the  spirit  of  all  Europe,  while  yet  its  true  significance  was 
but  dimly  understood,  is  here  declared  to  be  a  natural,  God-given  right,  to  enjoy  which 
the  ancestors  of  this  church  had  fled  from  Puritan  persecution,  and  which  their  pos- 
terity are  pledged  to  preserve.  This  broad  doctrine,  in  its  theological  aspect,  belongs 
to  the  Baptists  as  a  church,  as,  in  its  political  application,  it  pertains  to  Rhode  Island  as 
a  State.1 

In  the  clear  and  positive  enunciation  of  these  distinctive  principles, 
Manning  shows  himself  to  have  been  a  not  unworthy  successor  of  the 
immortal  Roger  Williams. 


1  Address  delivered  before  the  Charitable  Baptist  Society  on  the  one  hundredth  anniversary  of  the 
First  Baptist  Church,  May  28, 1875.     By  Hon.  Samuel  Greene  Arnold,  president  of  the  society. 


CHAPTER    VI. 

1773-1774. 

Manning's  correspondence  resumed  —  Letter  from  John  Ryland  —  Augustus  Toplady — 
Letter  from  Rev.  Isaac  Woodman  — Request  for  a  narrative  of  the  College  —  Playful 
letter  to  Smith  — Letter  to  Rev.  Benjamin  Wallin— Wallin's  reply  —  Presents  his 
works  to  the  Library  —  Letter  to  Ryland  —  Detail  of  facts  and  instances  of  the  ill- 
will  of  Congregationalists  to  the  College— Ryland's  memoranda  and  hints  for  Man- 
ning's use —  Commencement  for  1773  —  Objections  to  —  Remonstrance  of  the  Senior 
Class  — Diary  of  Solomon  Drowne,  a  member  of  the  class,  beginning  July  2,  1770, 
and  giving  detailed  account  of  the  Commencement  exercises  —  Manning's  charge  to 
the  graduates  — Smith's  diary — Meeting  of  the  Corporation— David  Howell  elected 
a  Fellow  —  Extract  from  Backus  giving  reasons  why  the  Baptist  churches  refused  to 
give  any  more  Certificates  to  the  power  that  oppressed  them  —  Meeting  of  the  War- 
ren Association  in  Medfield  —  Circular  letter  on  certificates— Memoranda  of  Man- 
ning's journey  during  vacation — Letter  from  Oliver  Hart  respecting  his  son  in 
College  — Letter  to  Ryland— Letter  to  Wallin  — Letter  to  Rev.  Abraham  Booth  — 
Letters  to  Wallin. 

We  now  resume  Manning's  correspondence.  The  following  is 
Ryland's  reply  to  his  letter  of  Nov.  12,  1772.  It  will  be  found  inter- 
esting for  the  account  which  he  gives  of  the  Rev.  Augustus  Toplady, 
a  distinguished  divine  of  the  Established  Church,  and  for  the  sug- 
gestions which  he  makes  in  regard  to  the  honors  of  the  College :  — 

Northampton,  Feb.  9, 1773. 
Reverend  and  Dear  Sir: 

I  have  enclosed  a  few  hints  for  your  notice  and  consideration.  If  they  are  of  any 
service  to  you,  or  to  the  cause  of  religion  and  to  your  College  of  learning,  I  shall  be 
'  glad. 

I  have,  in  the  midst  of  the  cares  of  a  family  of  about  sixty  persons,  thrown  out  some 
thoughts  concerning  matters  before  us  ;  and  as  you  know  I  bear  you  a  hearty  good-will, 
I  am  not  in  any  pain  how  you  may  receive  and  relish  them.  If  you  are  that  man  of 
sense  and  honor  I  conceive  you  to  be,  you  will  like  my  blunt  friendship  better  than 
drivelling  flattery  and  nauseous  palaver.  (Verba  sit  nenia;  for  it  is  not  in  Dr.  Sam. 
Johnson's  Dictionary.) 

I  have  filled  a  whole  sheet  of  post-demy  paper,  so  that  you  have  rough  and  enough. 
The  pamphlets  and  sheets  which  accompany  this  are  a  present  to  yourself,  unless  you 


1773-1774.  BROWN    UNIVERSITY.  231 

think  it  worth  while  to  put  them  in  your  college  library,  or  in  the  fire,  just  as  you 
please. 

If  you  like  my  mode  of  correspondence,  and  take  everything  in  good  part,  I  shall 
soon  hear  from  you.  I  am  to  you,  and  to  the  interests  of  religion  and  learning  under 
your  care, 

A  hearty  and  zealous  friend, 

John  Ryland. 

Ryland's  Hints  for  Professor  Manning's  Use. 

1.  In  January,  1772,  I  sent  a  box  of  twenty-five  books  to  the  Rev.  Morgan  Edwards, 
at  Philadelphia,  by  the  favor  and  care  of  Mr.  Daniel  Roberdean,  merchant,  who  was 
then  in  London,  and  abode  at  my  old  lodgings,  Mrs.  Stephens's,  No.  11,  in  Great  St. 
Hellen's ;  and  was  about  to  return  to  America.  In  a  letter  to  Mr.  Edwards  I  desired 
him  to  present  some  of  those  books  to  Rhode  Island  College,  but  have  heard  nothing 
from  him,  nor  have  you  mentioned  one  word  about  the  books: 

2.  Mr.  Wallin  had  no  right  to  reproach  your  College  as  being  too  lavish  of  its  honors, 
unless  he  meant  himself,  and  himself  only. 

3.  For  me  to  ask  any  of  those  gentlemen  I  nominated  in  my  letter,  whether  he 
would  please  to  accept  of  a  degree  from  your  College,  would  spoil  all  the  honor  and 
delicacy  of  conferring  it.  Its  coming  unsought,  yea  unthought  of,  constitutes  its  chief 
excellence  and  acceptableness  to  men  of  fine  feelings.  For  my  own  part,  I  would  not 
have  given  you  a  single  farthing,  or  so  much  as  a  thanks,  for  a  feather,  if  I  had  it  not 
in  my  power  with  the  utmost  truth  to  say,  "  I  neither  sought  it,  nor  bought  it,  nor 
thought  for  a  moment  about  it."  (Dr.  Gill's  saying  on  having  his  diploma  from  Scot- 
land.) 

4.  By  your  withholding  these  honors  from  the  men  I  so  well  knew  to  deserve  them, 
and  not  one  would  have  refused  them,  you  have  done  your  College  damage  in  its  tem- 
poral interests.  My  design  was  to  serve  you  by  attaching  men  of  grace,  learning,  prop- 
erty, and  influence  to  you.  But  if  you  do  not  choose  it  in  my  way,  it  shall  be  let  alone ; 
for  I  assure  you  I  never  will  ask  one  man  whilst  I  live  to  accept  of  a  degree. 

I  could  find  men  enough  in  Britain  that  have  learning  sufficient,  who  would  snap  at 
your  honors  for  the  sake  of  some  low  ends  and  purposes ;  but  their  characters  as 
divines,  or  their  capacity  or  will  to  serve  you,  is  nothing.  In  truth,  I  keep  no  such  com- 
pany. I  form  no  connection  with  them,  nor  will  I  whilst  I  live.  On  the  other  hand, 
the  Rev.  Augustus  Toplady  is  the  first  divine  of  the  Established  Church,  or  indeed  of 
any  church  in  England  or  in  Europe.  He  is  a  man  of  fortune,  of  high  genius,  and  learn- 
ing. He  is  my  intimate  friend ;  and  let  me  tell  you,  as  a  secret,  of  a  mark  of  his  regard 
for  me.    He  put  it  to  my  choice,  in  case  of  his  death  before  me,  which  part  of  his  library 


232  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  VI. 

I  would  have,  the  English,  or  the  Latin  and  learned  part.  I  chose  the  latter,  and  it  is 
accordingly  fixed.  But  I  hope  I  shall  never  have  the  pain  to  accept  them.  He  is  a 
man  of  a  prodigiously  high  spirit  hy  nature,  hut  'tis  so  tempered  and  moderated  hy 
grace,  and  a  noble  and  generous  disposition,  as  renders  him  one  of  the  boldest  cham- 
pions for  the  sublime  truths  of  the  gospel  in  the  world.  We  have  no  writer  amongst  all 
our  divines  that  comes  near  to  him  in  energy  and  grandeur  of  thought,  rich  and  daring 
imagination,  masculine  judgment,  and  glowing  colors  of  style.  He  is  about  twenty- 
nine  or  thirty  years  old,  but  has  been  educated,  from  sixteen  years  of  age,  in  all  the 
grand  essentials  of  the  gospel.  He  had  his  classical  education  at  Westminster  School, 
and  his  academical  at  the  University  of  Dublin ;  owing  to  an  estate  falling  to  his  mother 
in  Ireland,  and  she  being  obliged  to  go  over  and  possess  it,  she  took  her  only  son,  at 
sixteen,  with  her.  Dr.  Thomas  Leland  was  his  tutor.  But  he  had  the  good  sense  and 
piety  to  go  to  the  Baptist  meeting  on  Lord's  Days  to  hear  an  able  preacher,  now  dead, 
his  name  Rutherford;  and  every  year,  when  Mr.  Toplady  came  over  to  England,  he 
had  the  boldness  and  wisdom  to  sit  under  the  stated  ministry  of  Dr.  Gill.  He  is  a  gen- 
erous friend  to  Dissenters,  especially  to  us  poor  Baptists.  He  commenced  A.  B.  at 
Dublin.  He  scorns  all  honors,  unless  conferred  like  grace  from  heaven,  —  "  unthought 
of,  unimplored." 

My  other  friends  are  of  the  same  complexion ;  therefore  I  will  never  ask  one  of  them 
to  accept  of  a  feather  from  your  College.  Mr.  Isaac  Woodman,  of  Sutton  in  Leicester- 
shire, is  a  prince  in  his  spirit  and  conduct.  He  is  the  father  of  our  Midland  Associa- 
tion, and  a  wise  counsellor  to  us  all.  He  has  such  a  degree  of  modesty  that  he  will  not 
wear  the  feather  you  sent  him,  and  wishes  not  to  have  it  known  on  this  side  of  the 
water.  But  what  then?  Has  he  done  you  any  damage  or  dishonor?  No.  All  that 
know  him  will  revere  him  as  a  man  of  wisdom,  benevolence,  and  learning  in  the  Greek 
language  and  philosophy.  As  to  damage,  I  will  tell  you.  He  is  a  man  of  substance, 
and  has  a  fine  library;  he  has  no  children;  and  you  will  have  half,  if  not  the  whole, 
for  your  College  when  he  dies.  Will  this  hurt  you?  Perhaps  some  money  into  the 
bargain.  And  thus  I  should  have  attached  others  to  your  interests;  but  you  would 
not  let  me,  in  your  wisdom.  Just  as  if  you  knew  men  here  better  than  I  do,  who  have 
lived  forty  years  amongst  them.  As  to  the  five  guineas  I  pay  every  year,  'tis  for  your- 
self and  nobody  else.  'Tis  because  I  like  your  character,  spirit,  and  principles.  If  you 
die,  and  another  succeed  you  whom  I  should  not  approve,  I  will  stop  my  hand. 

As  to  raising  money  by  a  lottery,  I  dislike  it  from  the  bottom  of  my  heart.  'Tis  a 
scheme  dishonorable  to  the  supreme  Head  of  all  worlds  and  of  the  true  church.  "We 
have  our  fill  of  these  cursed  gambling  lotteries  in  London  every  year.  They  are  big 
with  ten  thousand  evils.  Let  the  devil's  children  have  them  all  to  themselves.  Let  us 
not  touch  or  taste. 


1773-1774.  AND   MANNING.  233 

I  sent  two  books  to  the  Kev.  Mr.  Stillman,  at  Boston,  last  summer,  by  Mr.  Story, 
of  Boston.  One  of  the  books  is  a  present  to  the  library  of  your  College.  It  is  entitled 
"An  Easy  Introduction  to  Sir  Isaac  Newton's  Philosophy."  It  was  written  by  one  of 
the  clearest  and  most  condescending  good-natured  philosophers  in  the  world  for  the 
use  of  my  School,  Mr.  James  Ferguson,  Fellow  of  the  Royal  Society.  It  is  adapted  to 
your  school-boys  and  junior  students,  to  prepare  them  for  larger  treatises  on  the  same 
subject.  I  should  be  glad  to  find  it  meet  with  the  approbation  of  your  learned  Profes- 
sor of  Philosophy. 

Agreeably  to  Ryland's  suggestion,  the  College  conferred  on  the 
Rev.  Augustus  Toplady  the  honorary  degree  of  A.  M.  at  the  Com- 
mencement ensuing.  In  Manning's  reply  to  Ryland,  he  speaks  of 
Toplady's  Treatise  on  Predestination,  with  his  letter  to  John  Wesley, 
deeming  them  "  masterly  performances."  Mr.  Toplady's  works  have 
been  published  in  six  octavo  volumes,  with  an  account  of  his  life. 
These  are  to  be  found  in  the  College  Library.  To  the  Christian  public 
he  is  best  known  as  the  author  of  "Rock  of  Ages  Cleft  for  Me,"  and 
"Deathless  Spirit,  now  arise,"  regarded  by  many  as  two  of  the  finest 
Irymns  in  the  English  language. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Woodman,  whom  Ryland  describes  as  "a  man  of 
wisdom,  benevolence,  and  learning,"  "a  man  of  substance,"  with  a  fine 
library  which  he  would  probably  bequeath  to  the  College,  now  begins  a 
correspondence  with  Manning,  declining  the  honor  conferred  upon  him 
at  the  Commencement  in  1770,  and  discouraging  him  from  coming  to 
England  to  solicit  funds  :  — 

Rev.  Isaac  Woodman  to  Manning. 

Thorp,  near  Leicester,  Feb.  20,  1773. 
Reverend  Sir  : 

By  the  favor  of  Mr.  Ryland  I  have  seen  the  New  York  Association  letter,  and  have 
had  some  account  also  of  yours  to  him.  I  am  glad  Christ's  interest  under  our  denomi- 
nation has  such  a  respectable  footing  in  your  parts,  but  sorry  for  the  languor  of  religion 
in  some  places,  whilst  glad  'tis  otherwise  elsewhere.  Amongst  other  things  at  the  Asso- 
ciation, the  respectful  notice  of  Mr.  Edwards  gives  me  pleasure. 

As  I  am  a  well-wisher  to  the  prosperity  of  the  College,  I  would,  if  I  could,  advise  to 
anything  for  its  furtherance.  If  you  were  to  come  over,  I  fear  your  compass  or  scope 
30 


234  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  VI. 

for  soliciting  visits  would  be  very  narrow.  There  is  no  reasonable  hope  of  success 
where  congregations  are  unable  to  support  the  interest  at  home,  and  where  there  may 
be  a  prejudice  against  literature :  a  common  but  not  universal  case  amongst  us.  I  think 
it  would  be  in  vain  to  attempt  it,  unless  you  have  encouragement  from  London,  Bristol, 
and  a  few  more  of  our  opulent  congregations. 

But  whether  you  come  or  not,  I  have  long  thought  that  a  good  printed  narrative  of 
the  state  of  the  College  sent  hither,  to  be  disbursed  by  its  friends,  would  be  of  service. 
I  doubt  not  some  fruit  would  spring  from  such  seed  scattered  by  skilful  hands. 

You  will  be  able,  I  hope,  to  let  us  know  that  our  denomination  in  the  Island,  and 
especially  the  College,  is  loyal  and  obedient,  disapproving  the  opposition  made  to 
Government  in  your  neighborhood,  if  public  reports  of  such  opposition  made,  be  indeed 
true.    I  am  for  liberty,  regularly  maintained. 

Should  any  such  narrative  be  sent,  or  brought  by  yourself,  it  is  to  be  hoped  the  list 
of  those  you  have  honored  with  degrees  will  not  be  put  into  every  hand,  or  at  least  that 
those  who  particularly  desire  it  may  have  their  names  omitted.  I  esteem  the  honors  of 
the  College,  and  am  obliged  to  the  Faculty  for  putting  my  name  amongst  your  worthies  ; 
pray  please  to  present  my  grateful  compliments  ;  but  I  must  not  own  the  title.  'Tis  an 
honor  I  cannot  support.  For  your  sakes,  therefore,  as  well  as  for  my  own,  I  must 
decline  it.  I  ought  to  say  indeed,  in  favor  of  my  friends,  whoever  recommended  me  to 
your  regards,  they  verily  believed,  I  doubt  not,  that  I  was  qualified;  and  it  might  have 
been  so  had  I  prosecuted  my  beginnings ;  but  an  inveterate  headache,  of  above  thirty 
years'  standing,  has  disabled  me  from  making  much  addition  to  what  I  set  out  with 
when  I  left  Bristol.  I  am  a  hearty  friend  to  your  cause.  My  silence  has  not  been  from 
carelessness  or  ingratitude,  and  much  less  from  contempt.  I  desired  Mr.  Ryland  to 
make  my  excuse.  I  am  not  able  to  show  the  regards  I  wish  to  discover;  howbeit,  I 
have  friendly  designs.  But  the  honor  you  have  done  me  would,  if  known,  as  it  is  not 
in  my  neighborhood,  block  up  my  way  to  serve  you,  which  I  have  much  at  heart  to  do. 

I  congratulate  you  upon  your  correspondence  with  and  interest  in  Mr.  Ryland.  He 
is,  I  may  say  from  long  acquaintance  with  him,  a  worthy  man,  and  a  warm  friend  of  the 
cause  which  he  espouses.  I  do  not  know  that  you  could  have  one  more  zealous  in  your 
affairs  in  all  Old  England.  With  sincere  and  hearty  wishes  that  the  honorable  and 
important  institution  over  which  you  preside  may  have  its  worthy  ends  answered  in  the 
furtherance  of  knowledge,  virtue,  and  true  religion,  and  yourself  be  greatly  helped  and 
blessed  with  all  needful  assistance  in  the  good  work  of  forming  the  minds  of  youth,  I 

rest,  esteemed  and  dear  sir, 

Yours,  affectionately, 

Isaac  Woodman. 


1773-1774.  AND   MANNING.  235 

Manning's  Reply. 

Providence,  Nov.  26, 1773. 
Reverend  and  Dear  Sir: 

Yours  of  Feb  20,  1773,  came  to  hand  last  week,  in  company  with  several  other 
agreeable  letters  from  friends  in  England,  to  whom  I  write  by  this  opportunity.  I  am 
heartily  glad  to  hear  your  favorable  disposition  towards  the  College,  and  could 
heartily  concur  with  you  in  your  wishes  for  greater  abilities  to  serve  its  interests ; 
though  we  have  for  our  encouragement  the  commendation  of  the  poor  widow's  contri- 
bution. I  should  think  it  a  prodigy  if  all  you  English  Baptists  were  friends  to  litera- 
ture, while  the  case  is  so  far  otherwise  in  America.  But  I  think  your  good,  zealous 
people  are  mistaken  in  striking  against  it,  when  kept  in  its  proper  place,  —  I  mean  in 
making  it  an  handmaid  to  religion. 

I  am  sorry  you  are  so  scrupulous  in  point  of  confessing  the  honor  we  mean  to  confer 
on  you,  though  you  must  be  a  better  judge  of  the  expediency  of  this,  in  your  situation, 
than  I  can  possibly  be.  But  the  infant  state  of  literature  in  this  new  world,  and  the 
usages  of  the  College  here,  lead  us  to  conclude,  from  your  known  character,  that  you 
need  not  be  so  diffident  of  your  abilities  as  to  decline  the  feather,  as  our  common  friend, 
Mr.  Ryland,  calls  it. 

The  history  of  the  rise,  present  state,  etc.,  of  the  College,  will  be  done  in  some  man- 
ner, and  sent  to  England  next  spring,  unless  Providence  should  prevent  it;  but  I  wish 
it  could  be  done  by  an  abler  hand,  or  that  I  had  more  leisure  than  my  present  circum- 
stances will  afford  for  it.  I  know  how  to  sympathize  with  you  in  your  inveterate  com- 
plaint (of  the  headache) ;  for,  while  I  write,  I  am  distressed  with  this  pain. 

I  highly  prize  Mr.  Ryland's  friendship,  because  I  have  found  him  a  friend  indeed. 
I  revere  his  character,  and  place  the  highest  confidence  in  him.  The  very  small  num- 
ber of  friends  and  the  great  number  of  enemies  the  College  has,  requires  the  greater 
exertion  of  the  few  friends  of  which  it  can  boast,  in  its  favor.  I  hope  to  see  it  on  a 
more  respectable  footing,  should  I  live  to  an  advanced  age ;  and  if  not,  I  hope  posterity 
will  reap  great  advantages  from  it.  With  the  most  hearty  wishes  for  your  highest  wel- 
fare, I  am, 

Your  friend  and  servant  in  the  gospel, 

James  Manning. 

N.  B.  —  I  hope  those  who  know  the  little  Colony  of  Rhode  Island,  and  especially  the 

Baptist  society  in  it,  will  find  that,  though  firm  in  the  cause  of  constitutional  liberty, 

we  are  as  loyal  subjects  as  any  of  which  his  Majesty,  King  George,  can  boast.    I  wish  I 

could  tell  you  more  agreeable  news  of  the  state  of  religion  among  us,  but  it  is  indeed  a 

dark  day.    Enclosed  I  send  you  a  form  of  bequeathment,  which  we  make  use  of  this 

way.    At  Newport  I  find  one  of  which  I  had  no  knowledge  before. 

J.  M. 


236  BROWN"   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  VI. 

Concerning  Mr.  Woodman,  and  his  suggestion  in  regard  to  a  nar- 
rative of  the  College,  Mr.  Ryland,  under  date  of  Feb.  9,  1773,  thus 
writes  to  Manning  :  — 

My  good  father  in  the  ministry,  and  counsellor,  Mr.  Isaac  "Woodman,  is  earnestly 
desirous  (and  with  him  I  concur)  to  hear  from  you.  A  clear  narration  of  the  rise, 
progress,  and  present  state  of  the  College  at  Rhode  Island,  with  an  account  of  the 
methods  of  education  in  the  languages,  sciences,  and  divinity;  the  exercises  of  the 
students,  and  the  character  of  those  who  have  distinguished  themselves  by  their  dili- 
gence, improvement,  and  piety, — this  we  think  to  reprint  and  disperse  through  all 
England  amongst  our  best  and  richest  friends  of  all  denominations,  in  order  to  solicit 
subsciptions  and  donations.  Had  you  done  this  already,  and  sent  about  twenty  honors 
to  the  men  I  named,  a  way  would  have  been  paved  for  your  coming  over  and  making 
your  appearance  and  personal  applications  this  next  summer.  But  for  want  of  these 
two  preliminaries,  you  have  prevented  yourself  from  coming  with  a  good  prospect  of 
success  for  this  year.  If  you  take  our  advice,  and  put  it  in  our  power  to  serve  you  by 
conciliating  men's  esteem  and  affection  to  your  person  and  college,  perhaps  we  can 
pave  the  way  for  you  by  next  May  come  twelve-month,  1774 ;  and  may  do  Rhode  Island 
some  service. 

Among  the  Manning  papers  is  one  with  the  heading,  "Rhode 
Island  College.  By  President  Manning."  This  we  have  published  in 
our  Documentary  History.1  It  is  not  such  a  "  narrative  "  as  Woodman 
and  Ryland  in  their  correspondence  suggest,  being  very  brief.  Most 
likely  it  was  prepared  for  the  Almanac  and  American  Register,  a  little 
work  published  in  New  York,  in  the  pages  of  which  it  appears.  A 
copy  of  this  Register  for  1776,  containing  the  account  of  the  College, 
is  in  our  possession. 

The  following  playful  letter  to  his  intimate  friend,  the  Rev.  Heze- 
kiah  Smith,  shows  that  Dr.  Manning  could  be  merry,  as  well  as  serious. 
Indeed,  he  was  noted  above  most  men  for  his  genial  companionship  and 
rare  social  qualities. 

Providence,  May  5,  1773. 
Reverend  and  Dear  Sir  : 

This  is  to  give  you  the  reason  why  I  did  not  visit  you  at  Haverhill,  and  invite  you  to 
come  to  Providence.    I  set  out  from  Providence,  intending  to  spend  a  week  at  Boston 


1  Documentary  History  of  Brown  University,  pages  19-20. 


1773-1774.  AND   MANNING.  237 

and  Haverhill.  We  (for  Mrs.  Manning  accompanied  me)  arrived  at  Boston  Friday- 
evening,  and  proposed  to  set  out  for  Haverhill  on  Monday;  but  that  and  several 
succeeding  days  proving  rainy,  and  Mrs.  Manning  being  very  poorly,  to  our  very  great 
disappointment,  mortification,  etc.,  we  were  obliged  to  return  to  Providence  without 
going  further.  Now,  therefore,  as  I  am  tied  to  College,  pray  take  Mrs.  Smith,  and  the 
heir  apparent,1  and  the  new  chaise, 2  and  come  and  take  your  station  for  a  week  or  two 
on  the  hill  of  Providence,  where  I  will  insure  you  excellent  water,  the  best  my  house 
affords,  and  our  good  company.  Pray,  what  more  would  you  have  ?  If  anything  is  in 
my  power  to  render  the  visit  still  more  agreeable,  depend  on  it,  you  sha'n't  be  want- 
ing it. 

I  have  made  a  tour  into  the  hither  parts  of  Connecticut  this  vacation,  and  preached 
fifteen  times  in  fourteen  days ;  seven  of  them  in  Presbyterian  meeting-houses.  What 
do  you  think  of  that?  See  what  it  is  to  be  catholic  like  me,  while  you,  with  brandish- 
ing weapons,  take  the  field  of  Mars  like  an  old  veteran  that  scorns  to  let  his  sword  rust. 
Good  success  to  you,  if  you  must  draw.  I  have  received  a  packet  from  England,  and 
our  good  friend  Rev.  John  Ryland  is  angry  enough  because  we  did  not  give  degrees  to 
the  gentlemen  he  recommended,  and  says  that  we  have  lost  by  it  greatly.  How  happens 
it  that  not  one  scholar,  through  your  influence,  comes  from  you  to  our  College?  I  fear 
you  don't  exert  yourself.  We  have  no  late  news  from  the  westward.  Friends  here  are 
generally  well,  and  very  desirous  to  see  and  hear  Mr.  Smith,  as  are  your  good  friends  at 
New  London.  Mrs.  Manning  joins  in  love  to  you  and  Mrs.  Smith,  as,  also,  to  all  our 
good  friends  at  Haverhill,  with,  dear  sir, 

Your  unworthy  brother, 

James  Manning. 

Dr.  Manning  now  begins  a  correspondence  with  the  Rev.  Benjamin 
Wallin,  a  prominent  Baptist  minister  of  London,  and  a  gentleman  of 
reputed  wealth.  He  was  also  a  religious  writer  of  some  note.  "  The 
Christian  Life  Described,"  "Discourses  on  various  subjects,"  "Parable 
of  the  Prodigal  Son,"  "Evangelical  Hymns  and  Songs,"  and  various 
other  works  by  him  are  to  be  found  upon  the  shelves  of  the  College 


1  Their  infant  son,  born  March  12, 1772. 

2  It  is  said  that  Mr.  John  White,  a  wealthy  merchant,  was  the  only  person  in  Haverhill  in  1764, 
when  Mr.  Smith  first  went  there,  who  owned  a  chaise.  It  was  a  large,  heavy-wheeled,  square- 
topped  vehicle,  used  only  "to  ride  to  meeting  in"  on  Sundays,  and  on  great  and  important  occa- 
sions. Later  on  Mr.  Smith  being  a  man  of  means  and  consequence,  had  a  chaise,  in  which  he  was 
accustomed  to  journey  from  Haverhill  to  Providence  and  the  Jerseys.    Hence  the  allusion. 


238  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  VI. 

Library,  a  gift  from  the  author.     Under  date  of  May  18, 1773,  Manning 
thus  writes  :  — 

Dear  Brother  : 

From  Mr.  Philip  Freeman,  of  Boston,  I  received  your  agreeable  present  on  the  third 
inst.,  and  having  perused  with  much  satisfaction  the  several  pieces,  especially  the 
Tribulation,  I  am  rejoiced  to  find  that  it  is  not  "  another  gospel."  Had  I  capacity,  to 
which  I  make  no  pretentions,  to  examine  Mr.  Wallin's  productions  with  the  eye  of  a 
critic,  I  feel  no  disposition,  be  assured,  to  do  it.  I  import  annually  a  few  books  from 
London,  principally  for  the  youth  under  my  care,  and  should  have  sent  for  some  of  your 
publications ;  but  as  Mr.  Backus  has  them  by  him,  I  have  thus  far  deferred  doing  this, 
not  wishing  to  interfere  in  any  way  with  him.  I  should  be  glad  to  know  whether  you 
designed  the  books  as  a  present  to  me  personally,  or  to  the  College  Library,  that  I  may 
retilrn  you  thanks  in  a  proper  manner.  In  either  case  I  am  greatly  obliged,  and  heart- 
ily thank  you  therefor. 

The  executors  of  Dr.  Gill  have  followed  the  laudable  example  of  Dr.  Stennett,  and 
made  us  a  present  of  his  works,  which  we  deem  a  most  valuable  donation.  These  acts 
encourage  us  to  hope  for  similar  favors  from  our  friends  in  Europe.  Should  any  benevo- 
lent person  be  disposed  to  make  a  useful  donation  to  our  Library  and  at  a  loss  to  know 
what  books  to  choose,  allow  me  to  suggest  the  works  of  good  Mr.  Bunyan,  than  which 
none  would  be  more  acceptable. 

Mr.  Edwards  has  been  your  substitute  for  the  gentlemen  as  desired.  Through 
Messrs.  Stillman  and  Backus  I  learn  that  the  Lord  has  visited  you  sorely  in  the  loss  of 
your  only  daughter.  But  you  need  not  be  told  by  me  that  God  is  a  portion  infinitely 
preferable  to  that  of  sons  or  daughters.  I  doubt  not  but  you  find  already  a  strong 
attachment  to  this  earth  broken,  and  that  God  leads  by  the  right  way.  The  discipline 
of  the  rod  is  often  necessary,  at  least  to  such  perverse  hearts  as  mine. 

Mr.  Backus  informs  me  that  he  has  lately  written  to  you,  thus  removing  the  neces- 
sity of  my  giving  you  a  recital  of  affairs  amongst  us,  or  of  detaining  you  longer  than  to 
crave  your  indulgence  for  obtruding  upon  you  this  letter,  which  assures  you,  dear  sir, 
of  the  unfeigned  affection  of  your  unseen  but  very  much  obliged 

Friend  and  servant, 

James  Manning. 

p.  S.  —  This  day  received  letters  from  several  of  the  western  provinces.  Find  that 
religion  is  at  a  low  ebb  in  general  there,  as,  alas,  it  is  too  generally  amongst  us.  If  busi- 
ness would  permit,  should  rejoice  to  see  a  line  from  Mr.  Wallin,  by  our  fall  ships. 


1773-1774.  AND    MANNING.  239 

Mr.  Wallin's  reply  is  so  excellent  in  spirit,  that  no  apology  need  be 
offered  for  its  introduction  into  our  present  work  : — 

London,  July  30, 1773. 
Reverend  and  Dear  Sir  : 

Your  respectful  lines  by  Mr.  Keith  very  much  obliged  me ;  nor  am  I  less  indebted  to 
your  candor  in  perusing  my  endeavors,  being  sensible  that  they  will  not  bear  the  eye 
of  a  critic.  The  disadvantages  under  which  I  was  at  length  brought  into  a  service  con- 
scientiously declined  in  the  very  early  part  of  my  life,  in  consequence  of  which  I 
deprived  myself  of  an  intended  more  liberal  education,  might  plead  some  excuse ;  and 
.  were  you  to  know  by  what  solicitation  and  management  I  was  prevailed  on  to  repeat 
my  visits  to  the  press,  you  would  rather  pity  than  blame  me,  and  cover  my  numerous 
defects  with  a  mantle  of  love. 

I  thought  it  a  venture  to  possess  one  of  your  character  with  such  feeble  and  imper- 
fect attempts,  —  they  are  at  best  only  fit  for  children  in  Christianity,  —  how,  then,  could 
I  think  of  proposing  them  to  the  most  infant  seminary  of  learning?  Indeed,  sir,  they 
were  intended  only  as  an  instance  of  respect  to  yourself,  to  be  glanced  at  with  the 
friendly  disposition  you  express.  It  would  have  impeached  your  last,  had  not  the  ingen- 
ious discourses  of  my  much  esteemed  brother,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Stennett,  been  universally 
admired  among  you.  As  to  the  works  of  that  great  man,  the  late  Dr.  Gill,  who  was  truly 
a  father,  they  may  justly  be  accounted  a  considerable  acquisition.  I  know  not,  upon  the 
whole,  an  author  more  judicious  and  consistent.  The  compass  of  his  writing  is  aston- 
ishing, from  the  labors  of  which  he  now  rests  until  the  Chief  Shepherd  comes,  when  it 
will  appear  that  our  endeavors  for  his  name  shall  not  be  in  vain. 

But  seeing  you  intimate  that  it  may  not  be  unacceptable,  I  presume,  though  with 
some  reluctance,  to  send  all  I  can  collect  of  my  publications,  which  together  make  ten 
little  volumes,  and  possibly  five  entire  pieces,  and  five  of  sermons,  addresses,  etc.  Also 
the  ordination  of  Rev.  A.  Booth,  who  sends  a  volume  of  the  sermons  of  his  predeces- 
sor, the  late  Mr.  Wilson,  and  his  own  "  Reign  of  Grace,"  etc.  These  will  not  be  the 
less  welcome  for  being  accompanied  by  all  the  works  of  Mr.  Bunyan,  agreeably  to  your 
suggestion.  These  I  present,  with  my  most  respectful  compliments,  to  every  member 
of  the  College,  including  their  worthy  President,  the  Rev.  James  Manning.  Have  you, 
sir,  any  stated  form  of  bequeathment?  If  not,  permit  me  to  move  for  a  concise  account 
of  your  institution,  with  a  direction  how  to  describe  you  in  a  will.  Such  a  paper, 
neatly  printed  and  disposed,  may  be  useful.  Be  not  sparing  of  copies  to  your  friends. 
The  difference  In  point  of  expense  between  one  or  two  thousand  is  but  trifling. 

As  to  my  own  works,  most  of  them  have  been  out  of  print  for  some  years.  They  are 
chiefly  practical,  and  all  very  plain.    The  hymns,  more  especially,  need  an  apology. 


240  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  VI. 

They  are  no  other  than  artless  compositions,  in  which  the  substance  of  occasional  dis- 
courses was  drawn  up  in  a  suitable  form.  Such  a  one  did  not  occur  in  our  stated  col- 
lection. At  the  time  they  were  sung  with  peculiar  satisfaction,  the  people  being  unac- 
quainted with  the  author ;  but  at  length  many  of  them  were  stolen  and  mangled, 
which  induced  me,  at  the  instance  of  some,  to  print  them,  and  so  obviate  any  apprehen- 
sion of  a  conceit  that  they  were  deserving  of  public  notice.  It  is  my  study,  both  in 
preaching  and  in  writing,  to  lead  to  those  inexhaustible  treasures  of  wisdom  and  com- 
fort, the  Holy  Scriptures;  hence  the  tone  of  my  naked  lines.  I  must  observe  further, 
that  in  order  to  make  up  the  set,  I  was  obliged  to  put  in  a  volume  containing  my  ser- 
mon on  the  experience  of  the  saints,  which  was  bound  up  in  another.  You  will  there- 
fore excuse  a  duplicate  of  them. 

It  is  long  since  I  have  heard  from  my  very  worthy  and  agreeable  correspondent,  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Backus.  He  usually  much  entertains  me.  I  have  often  rejoiced  at  his 
accounts  of  the  success  of  the  gospel  in  your  world,  and  am  sorry  to  hear  that  at 
present  in  general  it  seems  rather  low.  May  the  Lord  of  Jacob  revisit  it!  Two  things 
are  threatening  with  us, — tbe  growth  of  Anti-Trinitarians,  in  a  variety  of  forms,  for 
they  cannot  agree ;  nor  can  I  forbear  to  say  that  I  think  a  dereliction  of,  or  indifference 
to,  the  divine  Sonship  of  our  glorious  Redeemer,  has  greatly  contributed  to  the  inso- 
lence of  men  against  that  foundation  of  the  gospel.  The  other  is  a  popular  ignorance 
of  the  authority  of  Christ,  in  particular  church  fellowship,  which  some  are  bold  enough 
to  put  on  the  footing  of  prudence  and  convenience  among  the  disciples  of  Jesus.  The 
one  strikes  at  the  doctrine,  the  other  at  the  discipline  of  the  gospel.  But  Zion  is 
insured  against  the  gates  of  hell. 

I  am  now  in  the  eve  of  my  ministry  and  life ;  childless,  and  in  a  manner  destitute 
of  natural  relation,  having  lost  an  excellent  wife,  two  sons,  and  three  daughters.  It 
is  good  to  be  weaned  from  an  undue  attachment  to  the  present  state,  but  afflictions 
alone  will  not  do  it.  My  heavenly  Father  has  been  very  gracious  in  helping  me,  I  trust, 
to  receive  not  only  good  at  his  hand,  but  also  evil.  He  has  given  me  a  name  and  a 
place  in  his  house  better  than  that  of  sons  or  of  daughters,  and  some  spiritual  children 
who  are  exceeding  affectionate  and  dutiful. 

May  your  valuable  life  be  long  spared,  and  all  your  instructions  succeed  to  the 
advantage  of  mankind,  and  especially  to  the  spread  of  the  truth  and  the  prosperity  of 
Jerusalem.    I  remain,  reverend  and  dear  sir, 

Your  obliged  and  truly  affectionate  brother, 

Benjamin  Wallin. 


1773-1774.  AND   MANNING.  241 

To  the  Rev.  John  Ryland. 

Providence,  May  20, 1773. 
Reverend  and  Dear  Sir: 

Yours  of  Feb.  9,  1773,  came  safely  to  hand,  by  the  Charlotte,  Capt.  Jno.  Rogers, 
about  the  20th  of  April,  containing  your  agreeable  present  of  pieces,  letters,  etc.,  for  all 
of  which  I  scarce  need  tell  you  I  heartily  thank  you.  You  need  not  for  the  future  hesi- 
tate about  sending  anything  to  me  in  that  way,  or  writing  with  the  utmost  plainness  to 
one  who  believes  not  in  the  use  of  ceremony,  even  if  he  were  master  of  it.  To  convince 
you  that  I  am  entirely  suited  with  your  plain  dealing,  I  have  embraced  the  earliest 
opportunity  of  returning  an  answer. 

Your  friendship  to  the  interests  of  the  College  and  religion  here  is  very  cordially 
accepted  by  many  besides  myself;  and  though  you  thought  we  slighted  your  friend- 
ship, I  can  assure  you  it  was  not  so  meant;  I  shall  be  glad  to  gratify  you,  and  testify 
our  respect  for  any  of  your  friends,  on  every  occasion.    But  I  come  to  particulars. 

The  books  ordered  here  from  Mr.  Edwards  have  not  come ;  neither  have  I  heard  of 
them,  except  by  your  letter,  though  I  saw  Mr.  Edwards  at  Philadelphia  last  October. 
He  must  surely  have  forgotten  it  entirely. 

I  have  seen  Mr.  Backus  since  I  received  yours,  and  he  thinks  I  mistook  Mr.  Wallin's 
meaning,  and  that  he  intended  only  himself.  If  so,  I  am  sorry  I  mentioned  anything 
of  the  matter.  Indeed,  Mr.  "Wallin,  in  his  last  letter,  which  I  have  seen,  intimated  as 
much. 

I  entirely  agree  with  you  respecting  academical  honors,  and  the  mode  of  conferring 
them  on  gentlemen  of  taste ;  and  as  you  are  fully  satisfied  that  the  gentlemen  men- 
tioned would  cordially  accept  them,  you  may  be  assured  we  shall  take  proper  care  of 
that  matter  next  Commencement,  and  forward  the  diplomas  as  soon  as  possible.  If  we 
have  been  tardy,  I  know  you  will  forgive  us.  An  unforgiving  friend  is  not  worth 
having.  Such  I  do  not  deem  my  very  good  friend,  Dr.  Ryland.  I  am  heartily  sorry  that 
the  College  should  sustain  damage,  through  what  we  meant  only  for  precaution,  and 
hope,  if  so,  that  it  will  be  only  temporary.  We  beg  you  not  to  remit  an  iota  of  your 
zeal  in  attaching  gentlemen  of  grace  and  learning,  property  and  influence,  to  the  Col- 
lege. For  amongst  all  our  good  friends  in  Britain,  we  consider  your  opportunities  in 
this  way,  together  with  your  zeal,  as  placing  you  foremost. 

The  character  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Toplady,  which  you  have  enlarged  upon,  is  truly  a  rare 
one,  and  I  shall  think  the  College  highly  honored  in  his  accepting  a  feather,  and  indeed 
in  the  least  expression  of  his  friendship. 

I  am  sorry  to  hear  that  pious  Mr.  Woodman  is  so  exceedingly  modest  as  not  to 
choose  to  wear  his  feather ;  but  am  glad  ;to  hear  such  a  worthy  character  of  him,  and 
that  he  is  so  well  disposed  towards  the  College  as  to  think  of  providing  for  it.    May  the 
31 


242  BKOWN   UNTVEKSITY  Chap.  VI. 

Lord  possess  many  others  with  the  same  spirit!  I  hope  you  may  have  it  in  your  power 
to  put  many  mure  in  the  way  of  leaving  us  some  love  tokens,  when  they  are  better 
employed  than  in  enjoying  terrestrial  goods.  This  is  what  I  have  hoped  for,  though 
hitherto  I  have  not  seen  cause  to  expect  much  from  it  soon. 

I  am  much  obliged  to  you  for  the  annual  contribution  of  five  guineas.  I  have  made 
free  to  draw  a  bill  for  them  in  favor  of  Mr.  George  Keith,  of  London,  hoping  that  the 
Lord  may  enable  me  to  conduct  worthy  the  Gospel,  so  that  you  may  not  repent  the 
donation. 

Your  opinion  of  lotteries  coincides  with  mine ;  but  some  of  our  friends  urged  me  to 
mention  the  subject,  as  they  could  not  see  a  prospect  of  supplies  in  any  other  way. 
Besides,  I  believe  there  have  not  been  such  iniquitous  methods  used  in  this  matter, 
with  us,  as  in  the  State  lotteries  at  home.  They  have  been  used  to  promote  good 
designs. 

The  book  from  Mr.  Stillman  we  have  received,  though  lately,  as  Mr.  Story  did  not  do 
his  errand  to  Mr.  Stillman  faithfully. 

I  have  written  to  Mr.  Edwards  respecting  the  books  in  his  hands,  and  expect  an 
answer  soon.  Perhaps  you  may  meet  this  in  London.  If  so  you  need  not  mention  the 
hint  relative  to  Dr.  Chauncey ;  for  I  believe  he  has  not  yet  forwarded  anything  of  that 
nature. 

To  give  you  a  full  detail  of  facts  and  instances  of  the  ill-will  of  persons  to  the  Col- 
lege1 would  require  "  centum  ora  etferrea  vox,"  as  sung  the  poet.  Dr.  Stiles,  of  Newport, 
gave  as  a  reason  to  the  Corporation  for  not  accepting  a  place  in  the  Faculty,  the  offense 
he  should  give  his  brethren  should  he  accept  it.  The  manner  of  obtaining  the  Charter, 
has,  by  the  clergy  of  the  Congregational  society,  been  represented  as  highly  iniquitous. 
(But  the  particulars  of  this  affair  you  shall  have  as  soon  as  the  College  history  can  be 
completed  and  sent  to  you,  together  with  other  particulars  which  you  request.)  Those 
gentlemen  of  that  denomination  who  have  spoken  favorably  of  the  Institution  have 
been  reprimanded,  as  I  have  been  credibly  informed,  and  that  by  a  convention,  for 
showing  us  so  much  countenance  as  to  attend  the  Commencement.  I  was  lately  told 
by  a  worthy  minister  of  that  order  in  Connecticut,  that  one  of  the  same  order  in  this 
town,  a  sour  man,  had  done  the  College  amazing  damage  by  representing  us  as  bigots, 
and  our  sole  design  to  be  that  of  proselyting  to  the  Baptist  sentiments ;  and  that  if  they 
sent  their  children  here  they  never  could  get  into  any  employment  in  that  Government ; 
so  that  he  had  it  not  in  his  power  to  send  us  the  scholars  to  whom  he  taught  grammar, 


i  Mr.  Ryland,  in  a  letter  to  Manning,  under  date  of  Feb.  9, 1773,  thus  writes : 

"  I  wish  you  would  give  me  a  full  detail  of  facts  and  instances  of  the  ill-will  of  men  to  your 

Seminary.    I  would  make  use  of  them  for  its  benefit  and  advantage,  without  hurting  you  in  the 

least." 


1773-1774.  AND    MANNING.  243 

though  he  chose  it.  The  same  zeal  has  been  used  in  the  neighboring  provinces,  both  by 
him  and  others  ;  and  both  parents  and  tutors  have  repeatedly  told  me  that  everything 
except  violence  has  been  used,  and  almost  that  in  some  instances,  to  prevent  them 
from  sending  their  children  here.  Some  of  them  have  boasted  that  they  have  pre- 
vented persons  from  coming  who  designed  it ;  and  few  scholars  come  but  say  every 
obstacle  has  been  laid  in  their  way  to  prevent  them.  The  characters  of  the  teachers, 
their  abilities,  and  the  character  of  the  place  even,  have  been  aspersed  to  the  highest 
degree  for  the  same  purpose.  But  I  should  tire  you  to  recite  a  small  part  of  our  ill- 
treatment.  They  know  that  the  low  state  of  the  College  fund  requires  considerable 
tuition  money  to  support  the  teachers,  and  that  that  depends  on  the  number  of  scholars. 
If,  therefore,  they  can  prevent  them  from  coming,  they  know  they  distress  us.  But, 
notwithstanding  what  I  have  said  of  our  enemies,  there  are  many  valuable  men  in  that 
society  in  these  parts,  some  of  whom  are  friendly  to  the  College;  but  through  their  con- 
nections, or  want  of  ability,  few  of  them  have  it  in  their  power  to  express  their  friend- 
ship. 

You  may  expect  a  particular  account  of  our  mode  of  education,  and  of  the  students, 
their  characters,  proficiency,  piety,  etc.,  when  we  send  you  an  account  of  the  rise,  prog- 
ress, and  present  state  of  the  College,  which  I  intend  to  draw  up  as  soon  as  I  can,  and 
forward  it  by  the  first  opportunity.  Our  number  of  scholars  is  thirty,  and  amongst 
them  are  many  pious,  promising  young  men.  Take  them  together,  they  are  a  set  of 
well-behaved  boys.  I  have  a  Latin  school  under  rny  care,  taught  by  one  of  our  grad- 
uates, of  about  twenty  boys.  Amongst  those  who  have  left  us  are  three  eminent  Bap- 
tist ministers,  their  age  considered,  and  another  just  entered  on  the  work,  who,  I  am 
told,  promises  as  fair  as  any  of  the  others  ;  one  attorney-at-law,  the  most  eminent  at  the 
bar  in  this  Colony,  etc.,  etc. 

I  thank  you  for  the  list  of  ministers  of  the  Church  of  England,  and  shall  be  glad  to 
see  that  of  the  Calvinist  Baptist  ministers. 

What  treatise  upon  fluxions  do  you  deem  the  best  ?  The  state  of  religion  is  generally 
at  a  low  ebb  amongst  us.  May  the  Lord  revive  it!  Would  your  English  people  be 
scared  at  an  American  Indian?  I  remain,  dear  sir,  your  unworthy  friend  and  brother 
in  the  Gospel, 

James  Manning. 

Ryland's  Memoranda  and  Hints  for  Professor  Manning,  at  Rhode  Island. 

1.  The  Calvinistical  Baptist  ministers  in  England  and  Wales  are  about  two  hun- 
dred ;  but  I  have  given  away  my  printed  lists,  and  forgot  to  ask  Mr.  Wallin  for  some 
more.    Be  so  good  as  to  mention  it  to  him. 

2.  I  cannot  yet  procure  a  complete  list  of  the  Independent  ministers  and  churches. 


244  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  VI. 

You  know  there  are  about  thirty-two  in  London,  and  we  have  twelve  or  fourteen  more 
in  Northampton. 

3.  I  suppose  you  know  that  it  was  Dr.  Stennett  that  procured  an  order  from  Govern- 
ment to  put  a  stop  to  the  oppression  of  the  Baptists  near  Boston.  I  have  not  a  perfect 
idea  of  that  affair. 

4.  Two  young  men,  of  good  parts  and  sound  knowledge  of  the  learned  languages, 
and  men  of  eloquence  and  piety,  are  lately  come  into  the  ministry  from  Mr.  Evans's 
academy  in  Bristol;  namely,  Mr.  Biggs,  just  going  to  be  ordained  over  the  Baptist 
church  at  Wantage,  in  Berkshire,  and  Mr.  Dunscombe,  at  Coat  in  Oxfordshire,  whose 
ordination  is  to  be  at  the  same  time.  You  will  do  well  to  mark  them  down  as  men  of 
uncommon  merit,  worthy  of  your  feathers  in  a  year. 

5.  The  sooner  you  send  over  a  clear,  short,  printed  account  of  your  College,  in  its 
rise  and  present  state,  the  better.  I  beg  you  would  pay  due  and  equal  attention  to  our 
leading  men,  in  presenting  each  with  a  copy,  that  no  jealousy  or  pique  against  you  may 
arise.  You  know  our  chief  ministers.  We  have  about  thirty  or  forty  that  can  read 
Greek.  Let  not  one  be  forgot.  If  you  know  not  all  of  them,  I  will  inform  you,  or  take 
the  trouble  of  giving  them  a  copy  in  your  name. 

6.  As  to  your  visit  to  old  England,  I  shall  be  glad  to  see  you,  and  will  do  you  all 
the  service  I  can ;  but  I  wish  you  to  attach  some  more  of  our  ministers  to  your  interest 
by  your  pretty  baubles  first,  and  also  let  your  account  of  the  College  come  six  months 
before  you. 

7.  As  to  your  worthy  mathematical  professor,  I  wish  him  all  possible  success ;  but 
I  must  not  presume  to  assist  or  direct  hirn  with  respect  to  the  best  book  on  fluxions. 
The  students  at  our  Cambridge  use  chiefly  an  abridgment  of  Sanderson's  Algebra,  an 
octavo,  price  six  shillings;  and  then  we  have  such  a  number  of  books  on  fluxions,  so 
good  that  'tis  hard  to  say  which  is  the  best.  There  are  four  of  great  note ;  namely, 
Maclaurin,  Ditton,  Thomas  Simpson,  and  Emerson  last  of  all,  who  is  now  living.  He 
has  published  a  noble  course  of  mathematical  learning,  in  about  ten  or  twelve  octavo 
volumes.  He  is  an  amazing  genius  in  the  north  of  England.  His  Mechanics,  quarto, 
fourteen  shillings,  and  Astronomy,  six  shillings,  I  have  in  my  study.  But  the  lovely 
humane  philosopher,  and  my  intimate  friend,  is  James  Ferguson,  F.  R.  S.  He  has  just 
now  assisted  me  to  complete  my  optical  cards,  which  are  engraving  on  copper  plates. 
You  will,  I  hope,  approve  of  them,  as  the  easiest  introduction  to  Optics  ever  seen  in  the 
world.  By  the  way,  Ferguson  drew  up  the  book  you  have  in  your  hands  with  my 
name  to  it ;  for  I  could  not  persuade  him  to  put  his  own,  for  fear  of  appearing  ungrate- 
ful to  Andrew  Miller,  bookseller,  who  had  been  his  friend  in  time  of  need. 


•  London. 


1773-1774.  AND   MANNING.  245 

CALVINISTIC    BAPTIST   MINISTERS    IN    ENGLAND  WHO   CAN   READ   THE   GREEK 
TESTAMENT,    ETC. 

1.  Samuel  Stennett,  D.D., 

2.  Benjamin  "Wallin, 

3.  William  Clark, 

4.  John  Reynolds, 

5.  Abraham  Booth, 

6.  Dr.  Gifford, 

1.  Hugh  Evans, 

2.  Caleb  Evans,     \  Bristol. 

3.  Mr.  Newton, 

1.  Benjamin  Beddome,  Bourton,  on  the  water,  Gloucester. 

2.  John  Ash,  Preshore,  "Worcestershire. 

3.  Joshua  Symonds,  of  Bedford,  who  has  lately  altered  his  sentiments  from  a  Pedo- 

haptist,  and  honestly  is  come  into  and  submitted  to  believer's  baptism ;  for 
which  he  is  abhorred  and  despised  by  the  Independent  ministers.  Give  him 
your  best  honors. 

4.  Daniel  Turner,  Abingdon,  Berkshire. 

5.  Mr.  Robinson,  of  Cambridge. 

6.  Philip  Gibbs,  of  Plymouth. 

7.  Morgan  Jones,  of  Hampstead,  Hertfordshire. 

8.  Samuel  James,  of  Hitchin,  Hertfordshire.    Now  dying. 

9.  Isaac  "Woodman,  of  Leicestershire. 

10.  John  Brown,  of  Kettering,  Northamptonshire. 

11.  Biggs  and  Dunscombe  ;  excellent  scholars. 

12.  Robert  Day,  "Wellington,  Somersetshire. 

13.  Benjamin  Fuller,  Devizes. 

14.  John  Poynting,  Worcester. 

15.  John  Oulton,  of  Rawden  in  Yorkshire. 

16.  John  Fawcett,  of  Wainsgate,  Yorkshire ;  now  keeps  a  seminary. 

17.  Joseph  Jenkins. 

18.  Benjamin  Davies,  in   "Wales,  keeps  an    academy  at  Abergavemry,  about  ten 

pupils.    Give  him  a  feather. 

19.  Mr.  John  Rippon,  at  Dr.  Gill's  meeting-house. 

20.  Ryland,  Sen. 

21.  Ryland,  Jun. 


246  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  VI. 

Among  the  papers  on  file  in  the  College  archives  is  one  entitled, 
"  A  Remonstrance  of  the  Senior  Class  of  Rhode  Island  College  to  the 
respectable  the  President  and  the  Professor  of  the  same,"  bearing  date 
Feb.  19,  1773.  From  this  it  appears  that  serious  objections  had  been 
made  to  a  Commencement  for  this  year,  on  the  ground  mainly  that  the 
members  of  the  class  to  graduate  were  not  "orators."  This  objection 
was  finally  overruled,  and  the  anniversary  exercises  of  the  College  were 
held  as  usual.  The  following  account  from  the  diary  or  journal  of  the 
valedictorian,  Doctor  Solomon  Drowne,  is  kindly  furnished  us  by  his 
grandson,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Thomas  S.  Drowne,  of  the  class  of  1845.  The 
author  was  throughout  life  an  intimate  friend  of  President  Manning, 
and  as  a  physician,  attended  him  in  his  last  sickness.  We  shall  make 
frequent  mention  of  him  in  succeeding  chapters.  He  served  as  surgeon 
in  the  Continental  army  from  1776  to  1780.  From  1783  to  1834, 
a  period  of  fifty-one  years,  he  rendered  his  Alma  Mater  good  service  as 
a  member  of  the  Board  of  Fellows;  and  from  1811  to  1834  he  was  the 
Professor  of  Materia  Medica  and  Botany  in  the  University.  He  deliv- 
ered numerous  addresses,  some  of  which  attracted  attention,  especially 
a  funeral  oration  on  Gen.  James  Mitchel  Varnum,  a  eulogy  on  Wash- 
ington, and  an  oration  in  1824  in  aid  of  the  cause  of  the  Greeks.  The 
accompanying  likeness  is  from  a  photograph  of  a  painting  in  the  collec- 
tion in  Sayles  Memorial  Hall.  The  diary  begins  with  Drowne's 
examination  for  entrance  into  College.  He  was  a  native  of  Providence, 
it  may  be  observed,  his  father,  Solomon  Drowne,  being  one  of  the 
committee  to  wait  on  President  Manning  upon  his  arrival  from  Warren, 
and  invite  him  to  preach  for  the  Baptist  church :  — 

July  2,  1770.  After  examination  in  June,  by  the  Rev.  James  Manning  and  Prof. 
David  Howell,  entered  Rhode  Island  College.  Began  Horace,  Longinus,  and  Lucian 
in  October,  and  French  in  December.  1771.  Recited  with  the  first  class  that  recited  in 
the  new  College  Building.  Commenced  Geography  in  January ;  Xenophon  in  Febru- 
ary;  Watt's  Logic  in  May;  Ward's  Oratory  in  June;  Homer's  Iliad  in  July;  Duncan's 
Logic  in  August ;  Longinus  in  October ;  Hill's  Arithmetic  same  month ;  Hammond's 
Algebra  and  British  Grammar  in  December.  Appointed  by  his  fellow  students  Presi- 
dent of  a  Society  for  mutual  improvement,  styled  the  "  Pronouncing  Society."  1772. 
Pronounced  an  eulogy  on  a  fellow  student.    Began  Ethics  in  January ;  Euclid's  Ele- 


Solomon  Drowne. 


1773-1774.  AND   MANNING.  247 

merits  in  February,  also  Metaphysics,  Trigonometry,  and  Cicero's  De  Oratore ;  Martin's 
Philosophy  in  May ;  Martin's  Use  of  the  Globes  in  August ;  Hebrew  Grammar  in  Decem- 
ber. 1773.  During  the  latter  part  of  March  and  beginning  of  April  accompanied  the  Pres- 
ident on  a  tour  to  New  London.  Went  by  way  of  Plainfield,  and  returned  by  way  of  Ston- 
ington  and  Westerly,  the  President  preaching  in  various  places  both  going  and  coming. 

This  is  the  tour  to  which  Manning  alludes  in  his  letter  to  Smith 
under  date  of  May  5,  1773  :  — "  I  have  made  a  tour  into  the  hither  parts 
of  Connecticut  this  vacation,  and  preached  fifteen  times  in  fourteen 
days,  seven  of  them  in  Presbyterian  meeting-houses."  Both  he  and 
Smith  were  accustomed  throughout  their  lives  to  make  tours  of  this 
kind. 

Wednesday,  Sept.  1,  1773.  At  length  the  day,  the  great,  the  important  day,  is  come. 
O  may  it  prove  propitious.  Now  we  must  pass  from  easy  College  duties  into  the  busy, 
bustling  scenes  of  life.  At  about  ten  o'clock,  the  Corporation  being  assembled,  we 
walk  in  procession  from  the  College  Hall  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Snow's  meeting-house,  where 
the  President  introduces  the  business  of  the  day  by  prayer,  after  which  Nash  addresses 
the  assembly  in  a  Latin  Salutatory  oration ;  then  follows  an  English  oration,  pro- 
nounced by  Mr.  Foster,  upon  the  discovery,  progressive  settlement,  present  state,  and 
future  greatness  of  the  American  colonies ;  which  is  succeeded  by  a  syllogistic  dispu- 
tation in  Latin,  wherein  Litchfield  is  the  respondent,  and  myself,  Padelford,  and  Til- 
liughast,  the  opponents.  After  this,  Tillinghast  delivers  an  oration  on  politeness, 
which  finishes  the  exercises  of  the  forenoon. 

The  afternoon  exercises  begin  with  an  English  oration  for  the  Master's  degree  upon 
civil  liberty,  by  Mr.  Dennis.  The  degree  of  A.  B.  is  then  conferred  on  myself,  Joseph 
Litchfield,  Jacob  Nash,  Philip  Padelford,  and  Henry  H.  Tillinghast;  and  the  degree  of 
A.  M.,  on  Messrs.  John  Dennis,  Theodore  Foster,  Samuel  Nash,  and  Seth  Read;  also 
on  Doct.  Thomas  Eyres,  Secretary  of  the  Corporation,  and  late  of  Yale  College;  to 
which  succeeded  my  valedictory  oration ;  and  then  a  most  solemn  and  pathetic  charge 
by  the  President,  to  our  class.    The  whole  is  concluded  by  prayer. 

To  this  account  by  Drowne  we  may  add  the  following  from  the 
Providence  Gazette :  — 

The  young  gentlemen  performed  their  respective  parts  with  great  propriety,  which 
justly  procured  them  the  universal  applause  of  a  judicious  and  candid  audience. 

This  charge  of  President  Manning,  for  which  we  are  indebted  to 
Henry   T.  Drowne,  Esq.,  of    New  York,  also  a   grandson   of    Doct. 


248  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  VI. 

Drowne,  we  are  happy  to  be  able  to  present  to  our  readers.  It  shows 
the  author's  excellent  good  sense,  and  the  value  he  put  upon  religion 
as  the  chief  concern  in  life.  It  was  first  printed  in  the  Documentary 
History  of  Brown  University. 

Manning's  Charge. 

You  will  naturally  expect  that  I  should  express  the  same  affectionate  regard  for 
your  welfare,  as  for  that  of  those  who  have  hefore  shared  the  honors  of  this  College,  hy 
giving  you  a  parting  charge.  But  if  I  thought  you  would  expect  and  imagine  I  would 
give  it  as  a  mere  thing  of  course,  and  with  unfeeling  formality,  I  should  either  entirely 
omit  it,  or  endeavor  to  conceive  it  in  such  terms  and  utter  it  with  such  tones  as  would 
convince  you  of  my  earnestness.  But  even  to  suggest  that  you  were  all  capahle  of  such 
unaccountable  insensibility,  would  be  highly  injurious  to  your  character,  for  which  I 
publicly  profess  the  most  tender  concern. 

With  you  I  consider  the  scene  now  shifted,  and  you  to  have  exchanged  the  retire- 
ment of  a  College,  for  the  clamorous,  or  at  least  busy,  scenes  of  life ;  —  for  that  agitated 
ocean  on  which,  unless  Providence  is  distinguishingly  propitious,  you  may  expect  to 
find  full  exercise  for  all  your  abilities,  and  at  last  perhaps  scarce  weather  out  the 
storms,  with  honor  and  advantage,  which  will  gather  and  thwart  even  a  virtuous 
course. 

To  lay  down  general  rules  and  useful  maxims  for  your  future  conduct,  is  a  matter 
extremely  easy;  for  you  to  adopt  and  apply  them,  untutored  by  experience,  is  not  so 
easy.  Experience  is  a  kind  of  knowledge  that  is  purely  personal,  and  hence  arise  the 
numberless  mistakes  of  inadvertent  youth ;  yet,  from  an  attentive  view  of  life,  much 
may  be  learned  from  others,  for  causes  similar  will  be  productive  of  similar  effects. 
The  same  course  of  action  which  has  brought  infamy  on  others,  will  involve  you  also; 
and  the  virtuous,  useful  life  of  others  points  you  directly  to  that  reputation  which  they 
have  acquired.  So  far,  then,  success  may  be  hoped  for  from  wholesome  lectures  read  to 
docile  minds,  and  a  suitable  charge  given  to  those  who  aim  to  tread  the  path  of  virtue 
and  climb  to  solid  reputation. 

The  sagacious  public  will  not  only  discern  your  quantity  of  capacity,  but  decide  who 
of  you  have  exerted  yourselves  to  improve  in  knowledge;  and,  small  as  this  class  is, 
and  numerous  as  the  disadvantages  under  which  it  has  labored  are,  I  am  not  without 
hopes  of  seeing  at  least  some  of  its  members  distinguish  themselves  amongst  the  sons 
of  science.  If  a  proper  foundation  has  not  been  laid  in  your  first  studies  to  initiate  you 
into  the  knowledge  of  letters,  I  believe  you  will  do  your  instructors  the  justice  to 
impute  it  to  something  else  as  the  cause,  rather  than  to  their  inattention  to  your  inter- 
est or  their  duty. 


1773-1774.  AND   MANNING.  249 

And  though  a  course  of  four  years  in  College  without  forfeiting  a  standing  hy 
vicious  conduct  is  generally  thought  sufficient  to  entitle  to  a  degree,  yet  something 
more  than  possessing  a  diploma  must  prove  that  you  merit  it.  I,  therefore,  charge  you 
to  press  forward  with  hasty  steps  in  the  road  to  knowledge,  and  if  an  immature  age, 
a  fickle  and  indolent  temper,  or  hut  a  moderate  capacity  has  distanced  you  in  the  race, 
let  more  confirmed  age,  future  activity  and  redouhled  diligence  urge  you  on  with  a 
nohle  amhition  at  once  to  even  outdo  yourselves,  and  agreeahly  disappoint  the  expecta- 
tions of  your  friends. 

In  forming  your  connections,  as  well  as  in  all  your  undertakings,  proceed  with  the 
utmost  caution.  The  neglect  of  this  has  proved  the  ruin  of  thousands.  Be  slow  to 
speak  and  swift  to  hear;  he  angry  only  when  ahsolutely  necessary,  and  then  you  will 
not  he  likely  to  exceed  due  hounds.  Despise  the  narrow,  contracted  principle  which 
actuates  the  selfish,  and  only  think  you  deserve  the  character  of  men  when  you  affec- 
tionately love  and  glow  with  ardor  to  promote  the  happiness  of  all  mankind.  Your 
personal  wants  are  few,  unless  unnecessarily  multiplied  hy  yourselves,  and  conse- 
quently you  may  expend  much  on  the  public. 

Remember  that  the  lowest  calling  in  life  may  be  honored  by  a  proper  attention  paid 
to  the  duties  of  it,  and  that  the  highest  may  be  degraded  by  the  neglect  of  them. 
Aspire  not,  therefore,  to  an  exalted  station  without  conscious  worth  to  entitle  you  to  it, 
and  an  unshaken  resolution  to  support  it.  Despise  as  well  those  fetters  of  the  mind 
forged  by  devoted  bigots  to  opinion,  as  those  for  the  body  by  tyrannic  princes  and  legis- 
latures. Challenge  the  glorious  prerogative  of  thinking  for  yourselves  in  religious 
matters,  and  generously  grant  to  others  without  a  grudge  what  you  yourselves  deem 
the  dearest  of  all  blessings. 

I  have  a  right  to  expect  your  friendship  for  this  College,  and  your  strenuous  exer- 
tions in  its  just  vindication,  while  I  interdict  an  ungenerous  partiality.  Make  religion 
your  first,  your  great,  your  only  concern.  Converse  intimately  with  death  by  devout 
meditation.  Read  with  the  closest  attention  the  Scriptures  of  God,  and  by  their  aid 
realize  the  awful  realities  of  eternity.  Make  them  alone  the  standard  of  both  your 
faith  and  your  practice.  Refute  the  daring,  licentious  infidel  with  a  holy  life,  without 
which  the  most  holy  profession  is  both  utterly  incredible  and  unavailing. 

And  should  any  of  you  assume  the  character  of  a  Christian  preacher,  I  warn  you 
to  beware  of  touching  this  sacred  ark  with  unhallowed  hands.  Remember  the  awful, 
ever  memorable  fate  of  those  who  offered  strange  fire ;  such  will  yours  be,  except  your 
hearts  are  purified  with  the  faith  of  the  Gospel.  Finally,  we  must  all  meet  at  the  tribu- 
nal of  the  Supreme  Judge,  to  hear  the  decisive  sentence  according  to  our  characters. 
May  this,  my  dear  pupils,  be  to  you  an  introduction  into  everlasting  joy. 
32 


250  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  VI. 

Smith  in  his  diary,  writes  thus  of  this  Commencement  week.  He 
preached,  it  will  be  observed,  the  usual  sermon  Wednesday  evening :  — 

Mon.  Aug.  10,  1773.  Set  out  for  Providence  in  Rhode  Island  Government.  Got 
there  on  Tuesday.  John  Duncan  went  with  me.  Wed.  Sept.  1.  Attended  the  Com- 
mencement. Five  took  their  degrees.  Preached  a  sermon  in  the  evening  from  Titus 
ii.  14.  Thurs.  2.  Met  with  the  Corporation  of  Rhode  Island  College.  Sab.  5.  Preached 
a  sermon  in  the  Baptist  meeting-house,  from  Luke  iv.  18,  and  in  the  afternoon  at  Mr. 
Snow's  meeting-house,  from  1  John  iii.  2.  It  was  a  funeral  discourse.  Mon.  6.  Went 
to  Attleborough.  Tues.  7.  Went  to  Medfield  and  met  in  Association,  when  it  was 
determined  by  a  great  majority  not  to  carry  in  any  more  certificates. 

At  this  meeting  of  the  Corporation,  which  was  attended  by  fourteen 
Trustees  and  six  Fellows,  Prof.  David  Howell  was  elected  a  Fellow  in 
the  room  of  the  Rev.  John  Davis,  deceased.  This  position  he  held 
until  his  death  in  1824,  a  period  of  fifty-one  years.  During  a  part  of 
this  time,  from  1780  until  1808,  he  served  as  Secretary.  Among  the 
votes  passed,  was  one  directing  Edward  Thurston,  Jr.,  to  procure  from 
England  a  copper  plate,  agreeable  to  a  form  prescribed  by  the  Fellow- 
ship for  conferring  degrees  by  diplomas,  and  that  one  hundred  of  said 
diplomas  be  struck  off  at  the  same  time  from  said  plate.  From  the 
records  it  appears  that  Capt.  William  Rogers,  of  Newport,  father  of  the 
"  first  student,"  had  bequeathed  to  the  College  the  sum  of  <£200,  lawful 
money.  The  salary  of  Professor  Howell  was  increased  to  .£90,  lawful 
money. 

In  regard  to  "certificates,"  to  which  Smith  in  his  diary  refers, 
Backus,  in  his  Church  history  thus  states  the  matter :  — 

In  September,'  1772,  the  author  was  chosen  an  agent  of  the  Baptist  churches  in  Mr. 
Davis's  room ;  and  the  following  events  took  place  among  them.  Though  their  church 
in  Chelmsford  had  given  in  certificates  according  to  law,  yet  they  were  all  taxed  to 
parish  teachers ;  and  in  a  cold  season,  Jan.  26,  1773,  three  of  their  society  were  impris- 
oned therefor  at  Concord,  one  of  whom  was  eighty-two  years  old ;  and  they  commenced 
a  suit  in  law  for  recompense ;  but  their  cases  were  long  delayed.  In  Bellingham  equal 
liberty  was  enjoyed,  because  there  was  none  but  a  Baptist  minister  in  the  town ;  but  a 
number  of  his  hearers  who  lived  in  Mendon  were  so  much  oppressed  with  taxes  to 
other  ministers,  that  in  the  three  preceding  years  they  estimated  their  damages  at  that 


1773-1774.  AND   MANNING.  251 

account  at  near  fifty  pounds.  And  these  and  other  things  heing  laid  before  the  Baptist 
Committee,  May  5th,  they  advised  their  agent  to  write  to  all  the  churches,  to  consider 
whether  it  was  not  their  duty  to  refuse  to  give  any  more  certificates  to  the  power  that 
oppressed  them,  and  to  bring  in  their  conclusions  upon  it  to  their  next  Association. 

The  Association  met  in  Medfield  on  the  7th  of  September,  and  con- 
tinued in  session  three  days.  Ebenezer  Hinds,  of  Middleborough,  was 
chosen  Moderator,  and  William  Williams,  of  Wrentham,  Clerk.  Eigh- 
teen churches  were  represented  by  pastors  and  delegates,  and  three 
more  churches  were  added  to  their  number.  The  debates  upon  the 
great  questions  of  the  day  must  have  been  full  and  spirited,  although 
the  meagre  printed  minutes  of  four  duodecimo  pages  contain  no  allu- 
sion thereto.  "It  was  determined  by  a  great  majority  not  to  carry  in 
any  more  certificates,"  for  the  following  reasons,  among  others,  as  stated 
by  Backus :  — 

1.  Because  it  implies  an  acknowledgment  that  civil  rulers  have  a  right  to  set  up  one 
religious  sect  above  another,  which  they  have  not.  2.  Because  they  are  not  represen- 
tatives in  religious  matters,  and  therefore  have  no  right  to  impose  religious  taxes 
3.  Because  such  a  practice  emboldens  the  actors  therein  to  assume  God's  prerogative, 
and  to  judge  the  hearts  of  others. 

The  Circular  Letter  has  this  paragraph :  — 

But  we  are  sorry  to  tell  you,  that  some  of  our  dear  Brethren  are  denied  the  free 
enjoyment  of  that  choice  blessing,  Liberty  of  Conscience,  especially  in  this  Province; 
having  many  of  them  had  their  goods  violently  taken  from  them  to  support  a  way  of 
worship  contrary  to  their  conscience,  while  others  in  the  year  past  have  been  impris- 
oned for  the  same  purpose  in  a  manner  that  was  very  inhuman. 

The  vacation  following  Commencement  Manning  improved  by 
visiting  the  churches  in  Massachusetts  and  Connecticut,  riding  in  his 
chaise  from  place  to  place,  and  preaching  as  he  had  opportunity.  The 
following  memoranda  of  his  journey  are  taken  from  Aitkens's  Ameri- 
can Register  and  Calendar  for  1773,  a  copy  of  which  was  preserved 
among  the  family  papers  and  books  of  Manning.  They  serve  to  show 
that  the  author's  preaching  services  were  in  request,  and  that  he  thus 


252  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  VI. 

commended  the  College  which  he  represented  to  the  good  will  of  the 
denomination :  — 

Memoranda  of  ye  places  and  times  I  am  to  preach  after  I  set  out  upon  my  journey 
18th  of  September,  1773.  At  Attleborough,  2  o'clock;  Medfield,  Sabbath;  Boston,  Mon- 
day evening:  Wareham,  Tuesday;  Ipswich,  Wednesday  to  Friday;  4  o'clock  at  Elder 
Harriman's ;  Sabbath  at  Haverhill ;  Monday,  4  o'clock  at  Chelmsford ;  Tuesday,  4 
o'clock  at  Grafton ;  Wednesday,  10  o'clock  at  Sutton ;  4  o'clock,  at  Charlton ;  Thursday, 
10  o'clock  at  Sturbridge ;  evening  at  Brimfleld ;  Friday,  1  o'clock,  at  Wilbraham  ;  Sab- 
bath at  Springfield ;  Monday,  10  o'clock,  at  Enfield ;  South  Brimfield,  evening ;  Tues- 
day, 2  o'clock,  Woodstock;  Wednesday,  10  o'clock,  at  Abington. 

President  Manning,  in  his  official  relations,  was  not  altogether 
unmindful  of  the  wise  man's  injunction  touching  the  rod.  "  John,"  to 
whom  Mr.  Hart  refers  below,  was  now,  it  seems  a  freshman  in  college. 
He  had  probably  been  one  of  Manning's  grammar-school  pupils. 
Whether  he  profited  by  the  "  discipline,"  we  cannot  say.  As  his  name, 
however,  appears  among  the  graduates  four  years  later,  it  is  reasonable 
to  draw  the  most  favorable  inferences. 

Charleston,  Nov.  5, 1773. 
Dear  Mr.  President  : 

I  have  hardly  time  to  say,  yours  of  the  6th  Sept.  ult.,  came  to  hand  two  days  ago.  I 
am  now  preparing  for  a  journey  into  Georgia,  very  high  up,  in  order  to  assist  my  good 
Brother  Pelot  in  constituting  a  Baptist  church.  The  Lord  has  greatly  owned  the  labors 
of  our  young  Bottford;  many  are  converted,  baptized,  and  are  now  waiting  for  the 
enjoyment  of  church  privileges.  This  intelligence,  I  know,  will  be  agreeable  to  you ; 
more  so  than  the  account  you  gave  of  my  sad  boy  was  to  me.  I  am  sorry  John  has  con- 
ducted so  as  to  give  you  so  much  trouble,  and  to  forfeit  the  place  he  had  under  the  man- 
agement of  Mr.  Manning.  Had  I  been  apprised  of  his  unworthy  conduct  sooner,  perhaps 
I  should  have  remanded  him  back  to  Carolina;  for  I  am  not  in  such  affluent  circum- 
stances as  to  throw  away  money  in  the  education  of  one  who  has  no  view  to  his  own 
advantage.  I  thank  you,  however,  for  all  the  pains  you  have  taken  with  him,  and  that 
you  have  made  trial  of  the  discipline  of  the  rod.  Let  me  entreat  you  unweariedly  to 
exert  your  best  endeavors  for  his  advantage.  Who  knows  but  God  may  give  him  a 
turn  ?  I  should  be  sorry  he  should  return  a  worthless  blockhead.  When  I  return  from 
my  Georgia  route,  which  will  take  me  near  a  month,  I  shall  use  my  utmost  endeavors 
to  remit  you  some  more  guineas.    I  have  enough  due  me  if  I  could  collect  it;  but  cash 


1773-1774.  AND    MANNING.  253 

was  never  so  scarce  in  Carolina  as  at  present.    This  is  an  unfavorable  circumstance, 
both  for  you  and  for  me. 

I  should  be  glad  to  see  an  account  of  your  late  Commencement  in  print.  Pray,  how- 
goes  on  the  great  man  of  Haverhill  ?  I  have  heard  nothing  from  him  for  a  great  while 
past ;  and  I  hear  almost  as  little  about  Mr.  Stillman,  or  our  affairs  in  Boston.  How  is 
Mr.  Davis's  place  supplied?    Has  that  church  any  minister? 

Could  you  not  prevail  on  John  to  write  to  me?  I  have  received  but  one  letter  from 
him  for  the  space  of  twelve  months,  although  I  have  sharply  reproved  him  for  his  neg- 
lect, over  and  over  again.    With  kind  love  to  Mrs.  Manning,  I  remain, 

Yours,  with  much  esteem, 

Oliver  Hart. 

To  the  Rev.  John  Ryland. 

Providence,  Nov.  25,  1773. 
Reverend  and  Dear  Sir  : 

Yours  J)y  Capt.  Shand  I  received  last  week.  I  am  obliged  to  you  for  the  number  of 
Calvinist  Baptist  ministers  in  England  and  "Wales,  and  for  information  where  I  may 
procure  a  list  of  Independent  ministers. 

I  did  not  know  before  that  it  was  Dr.  Stennett  who  procured  the  repeal  of  the  Ash- 
field  law  against  the  Baptists.  I  rejoice  at  the  addition  of  Messrs.  Biggs  and  Duns- 
combe  to  the  number  of  laborers  in  the  vineyard  of  our  Lord.  I  shall  remember  and  do 
honor  to  such  worthy  characters. 

I  expect  we  shall  be  able  to  send  over  a  printed  account  of  the  College  the  next 
spring,  together  with  diplomas  to  those  in  England  who  were  graduated  the  last  fall. 
The  reason  of  our  being  so  tardy  in  this  matter  is,  the  Corporation,  at  their  last  meeting, 
ordered  us  to  revise  the  form  of  our  diplomas,  and  send  it  to  England  to  be  engraved  in 
copper  plate,  and  procure  a  quantity  of  good  parchment,  as  we  had  none  here  fit  to  send 
abroad.  Should  you  happen  in  London  on  the  receipt  of  this,  I  should  be  glad  to  have 
you  inspect  the  draught  and  design,  and  prescribe  the  best  form  of  the  plate,  hands,  etc. 

I  shall  pay  due  attention  to  the  literary  gentlemen  you  mentioned,  when  the  account 
of  the  College  is  sent  over,  and  am  obliged  to  you  for  your  proffered  kindness  in  dis- 
tributing them.    This  I  shall  expect. 

I  know  not  whether  I  shall  ever  have  the  pleasure  of  seeing  your  face  in  the  flesh ; 
should  my  life  be  spared,  though,  it  would  be  very  agreeable.  However,  we  shall  omit 
nothing  which  is  judged  agreeable  or  necessary  to  pave  the  way  for  some  future  personal 
solicitation  in  favor  of  our  College  in  England,  should  it  be  thought  expedient.  Am 
obliged  to  you  for  the  account  of  books  on  fluxions  and  your  optical  card.  I  doubt  not 
I  shall  approve  of  it  when  favored  with  a  sight. 


254  BROWN    UNIVERSITY  Chap.  VI. 

In  company  with  yours  I  received  a  letter  from  that  venerable  man,  Rev.  Isaac  Wood- 
man, together  with  another  testimony  of  his  good-will  toward  us.  He  writes  like  an 
experienced,  modest  father.  This  letter  I  must  answer,  though  I  am  greatly  paralyzed 
with  a  crowd  of  business,  and  cannot  do  it  as  I  would  be  glad  to  do.  Also  Rev.  Benja- 
min Wallin,  of  London,  sent  me  an  agreeable  letter,  accompanied  with  all  he  has  pub- 
lished, in  ten  volumes,  neatly  bound  and  gilt,  with  the  most  valuable  works  of  John 
Bunyan,  in  six  volumes,  the  Reign  of  Grace,  by  William  Booth,  and  Wilson's  Ser- 
mons—  all  for  the  College  library.    These  I  esteem  valuable  presents. 

Enclosed  I  send  you  the  Minutes  of  the.  Association  at  Philadelphia,  and  that  called 
the  Warren  Association,  in  New  England. 

The  last  vacation  I  spent  in  riding  three  hundred  and  fifty  miles,  and  preaching 
twenty-five  times,  to  a  number  of  our  little  Baptist  churches  and  societies  in  New 
England ;  many  of  which  I  had  never  visited  before.  Was  cordially  received,  and 
importuned  to  repeat  my  visit  as  soon  as  might  be.  In  general  found  religion  to  wear 
a  promising  aspect ;  but  in  many  places  they  met  with  great  interruption  from  the 
Establishment  in  New  England.  I  wonder  how  men  by  human  laws  can  establish  a 
religion,  and  then  have  the  effrontery  to  call  it  Christ's  kingdom! 

I  should  have  sent  to  you  before  this  for  a  number  of  your  books,  but  understood  you 
had  sent  some  of  them  to  Mr.  Edwards,  directed  to  me,  which  I  have  not  seen.  With 
my  best  wishes  for  your  welfare,  lam,  sir, 

Your  unworthy  brother  in  the  Gospel, 

James  Manning. 

P.  S.  —  I  have  seen  Rev.  Augustus  Toplady's  Treatise  on  Predestination,  with  his 
letter  to  Rev.  Jno.  Wesley,  and  deem  them  masterly  performances,  answering  well  the 
character  you  gave  him. 

To  the  Rev.    Benjamin  Wallin. 

Providence,  Nov.  25,  1773. 
Reverend  and  Dear  Sir  : 

Yours  of  July  30th,  by  Capt.  Shand,  together  with  the  box  of  books,  came  safe  to  hand 
last  week;  for  which  I  return  you  many  thanks,  as  well  in  the  name  of  the  Corporation 
of  our  College  as  in  my  own.  I  have  not  had  leisure  to  peruse  many  of  the  pieces  since 
their  arrival,  but  from  my  prepossession  in  favor  of  the  author,  and  from  what  I  have 
read  of  his  works,  I  am  confident  they  will  be  highly  agreeable ;  so  that  you  might  have 
spared  everything  said  by  way  of  apology  for  them  on  that  account.  I  am,  however, 
greatly  obliged  to  you  for  the  information  you  give  concerning  your  entering  the  minis- 
try, your  age,  situation  in  the  world,  and  in  the  church  of  God,  etc.,  etc.  Your  present 
of  the  venerable  Bunyan's  works  were  not  the  less  welcome  for  being  accompanied  with 


1773-1774.  AND   MANNING.  255 

the  agreeable  present  from  the  Rev.  Abraham  Booth,  of  his  Reign  of  Grace,  and  of  Mr. 
Wilson's  Sermons.    I  must  trouble  him  with  a  letter,  too. 

We  expect  next  spring  to  send  over  a  printed  account  of  the  rise  and  present  state  of 
the  College,  in  which  we  shall  give  an  account  of  the  manner  of  donations  to  the  College 
by  wills ;  but  lest  that  should  come  too  late,  I  here  send  the  name  by  which  it  is  known 
in  law,  and  by  which  it  is  to  hold  donations,  until  some  more  distinguished  benefactor 
shall  give  it  a  new  one,  for  which  the  Corporation  have  liberty  in  the  charter. 

"  Item.  I  give  to  the  Trustees  and  Fellows  of  the  College  or  University  in  the 
English  Colony  of  Rhode  Island  and  Providence  Plantations,  in  New  England  in 
America,  the  sum  of ." 

The  Society  for  the  Propagation  of  the  Gospel  in  Foreign  Parts,  last  year  or  the  year 
before,  prescribed  a  form  of  bequeathment  to  them,  in  which  they  say:  "  To  be  raised 
and  paid  by,  and  out  of  my  ready  money,  plate,  goods,  and  personal  effects,  which,  by 
law,  I  may  or  can  charge  with  the  payment  of  the  same ;  and  not  out  of  any  part  of  my 
lands,  tenements,  or  hereditaments,  and  to  be  applied  towards,"  etc.  The  particular 
design  must  be  expressed,  or  it  must  be  left  to  them  to  dispose  of  as  they  shall  think 
proper.  I  suppose  the  statute  of  Mortmane,  or  that  of  9th  of  George  II.,  made  this  pre- 
caution necessary.  But  as  our  friends  in  Great  Britain  will  be  always  able  to  advise 
with  those  who  are  skilled  in  these  matters,  they  will  put  it  out  of  the  power  of  any  to 
defeat  their  benevolent  intentions,  after  they  are  gone  to  the  eternal  world.  Pardon  my 
being  so  particular  on  this  point:  the  loss  of  sundry  donations  to  the  society  above 
mentioned,  published  in  their  extracts,  suggested  the  thought. 

When  our  account  of  the  College  comes,  we  shall  not  be  sparing  in  numbers  to  be 
distributed,  as  our  friends  judge  proper. 

I  wonder  that  Mr.  Backus  is  behindhand  with  you,  as  he  is  not  commonly  tardy  in 
this  way.  He  is  an  excellent  man,  and  though  unfurnished  with  the  knowledge  of  let- 
ters, has  been  an  eminent  instrument  in  the  hands  of  God  to  spread  the  truth  in  this 
country,  as  well  by  his  publications  as  by  his  preaching.  He  has  lately  published  an 
appeal  to  the  public  in  favor  of  the  Baptist  society  in  New  England ;  and  he  is  now  col- 
lecting materials  for  the  history  of  the  Baptists.  I  will  forward  Mr.  Edwards's  list 
by  the  first  safe  conveyance. 

Your  information  of  the  low  state  of  religion  amongst  us  is  but  too  true !  May  the 
Lord  in  mercy  visit  us.  I  travelled  this  fall  about  three  hundred  and  fifty  miles,  and 
visited  many  of  the  Baptist  churches.  In  several  places  there  were,  I  thought,  evident 
marks  of  the  power  of  God  attending  gospel  means.  While  on  that  journey  I  baptized 
four  persons.  I  am  sorry  to  hear  of  the  decline  of  vital  godliness  in  old  England,  and 
of  the  prevalence  of  Anti-Trinitarianism,  or,  if  you  please,  infidelity.  I  believe  no 
arguments  will  effectually  refute  that,  in  men  of  corrupt  minds,  short  of  the  power  of 
divine  grace,  for  a  day  of  which  I  need  not  solicit  you  to  help  with  your  prayers. 


256  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  VI. 

I  am  glad  to  hear  you  express  that  happy  degree  of  resignation  to  the  will  of  God  in 
your  bereaved,  afflicted  state.  Oh  that  blessed  word!  "Our  light  afflictions,"  etc. 
May  Ood  grant  you  an  experience  of  its  full  import,  make  your  last  days  your  best, 
and  late,  very  late,  call  you  home  from  earthly  labors  to  mansions  of  glory.  This  is 
the  sincere  prayer  of 

Your  most  unworthy  brother  in  the  Gospel, 

James  Manning. 

The  following  is  a  letter  to  the  Rev.  Abraham  Booth,  of  London, 
proposing  an  "exchange  of  some  letters."  Mr.  Booth  was  an  eminent 
Baptist  minister  in  his  day,  and  ^,n  author  of  no  little  celebrity.  His 
"  Reign  of  Grace,"  "Pedobaptism  Examined,"  "Apology  for  the  Bap- 
tists," "Essay  on  the  Kingdom  of  Christ,"  and  numerous  other  relig- 
ious and  polemical  writings,  may  be  found  upon  the  shelves  of  the  Col- 
lege librarj^.  Most  of  them  were  republished  in  1813,  in  three  octavo 
volumes,  with  a  memoir  of  the  author.  An  account  of  him,  compiled 
from  this  memoir,  is  given  in  Rose's  General  Biographical  Dic- 
tionary :  — 

Newport,  Nov.  26,  1773. 
Reverend  and  Dear  Sir: 

The  last  week  brought  your  agreeable  present  of  the  Reign  of  Grace,  and  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Wilson's  Sermons,  a  present  to  our  College  library;  for  which  the  Corporation 
have  ordered  me,  in  their  name,  to  return  you  their  thanks ;  an  agreeable  task,  as  it  not 
only  gives  me  an  opportunity  of  expressing  my  gratitude  for  the  donation,  but  opens  a 
door  for  me  to  address  a  gentleman  and  brother  in  Christ  whose  character  has  often 
been  represented  to  me  in  so  amiable  a  light  that  I  should  think  it  a  happiness  to 
maintain  a  correspondence  with  you,  if  agreeable  on  your  part. 

It  gives  me  peculiar  pleasure  to  find  our  friends  in  Great  Britain  mindful  of  this 
infant  Seminary.  It  greatly  needs  and  most  cordially  accepts  their  patronage,  and 
wishes,  too,  an  increase  of  benefactors.  I  hope  in  our  turn  we  shall  show  all  proper 
respect  to  all  its  friends  who  can  justly  have  any  claim  upon  us. 

Should  it  be  agreeable  to  you,  sir,  to  exchange  some  letters,  you  will  always  find  me 
ready  to  execute  your  commands,  as  far  as  I  am  able.  May  you  experience  in  your  soul 
the  dominion  of  that  grace  you  have  so  agreeably  described,  is,  dear  sir,  the  devout 
wish  of 

Your  obliged  but  unworthy  brother, 

James  Manning. 


1773-1774.  AND   MANNING.  257 

Under  date  of  May  25,   1774,  we  find  the   following  brief  letter 
addressed  to  the  Rev.  Benjamin  Wallin  :  — 

Reverend  and  Dear  Sir: 

Yours  of  February,  now  before  me,  was  very  acceptable,  as  also  the  two  pamphlets; 
for  which  I  return  you  my  hearty  thanks.  Hope  the  separation  in  Dr.  Gill's  church, 
although  attended  with  some  circumstances  in  themselves  disagreeable,  may  eventually 
prove  to  the  furtherance  of  the  gospel. 

Any  apology  in  behalf  of  your  production,  dear  sir,  is  perfectly  unnecessary.  Mr. 
Booth's  piece  has  not  yet  come  to  hand.  Please  to  make  my  compliments  to  him,  and 
to  any  others  who  may  inquire  after  your  unworthy  friend. 

Mr.  Backus  is  now  raking  into  the  rubbish  of  time  to  collect  materials  for  a  History 
of  the  American  Baptists,  and  prosecutes  his  design  with  great  assiduity. 

*A  very  considerable  number  of  Baptists  were  last  winter  imprisoned,  for  the  non- 
payment of  their  rates  to  the  Presbyterians,  in  the  Colony  of  Massachusetts  Bay;  — 
very  ill-timed,  considering  their  contest  with  the  British  Parliament  respecting  the 
right  of  taxation,  and  the  measures  they  might  have  guessed  would  have  been  pur- 
sued.   But,  alas!  how  blind  are  we  to  our  own  faults! 

I  expect  the  account  of  the  College  will  be  complete  this  summer,  and  hope  you  may 

not  be  disappointed  in  the  manner  of  its  execution.    We  are  not  accustomed  to  write 

for  the  public  eye.    When  done  they  will  be  forwarded  to  England  with  all  speed.    A 

grievous  diarrhoea,  for  several  months  past,  has  put  it  out  of  my  power  to  contribute 

my  assistance,  or  it  would  have  been  more  forward  at  this  day.    I  heartily  thank  you 

for  your  good  wishes  for  me  and  for  the  seminary,  and  hope  the  institution  may  prove 

a  public  blessing.    Religion  is  in  a  flourishing  state  in  several  of  the  places  around  us, 

but  low  in  Providence.    May  the  Lord  revive  his  own  work.    With  sincere  regards,  I 

am,  dear  sir, 

Your  unworthy  friend, 

James  Manning. 

*The  Baptist  committee  are  to  meet  at  Boston  to-morrow  on  this  business.  If  no 
redress  is  granted  from  government,  they  will,  I  suppose,  apply  to  the  King  and  Council 
through  their  agents  in  London. 

We  close  this  chapter  with  a  letter  to  John  Ryland,  the  last  one 
which  Manning  was  able  to  send  him  for  more  than  two  years  :  — 

Newport,  May  27,  1774. 
Reverend  and  Dear  Sir: 

Though  I  had  no  letter  from  you  by  the  fast  vessels,  I  cannot  omit  sending  you  a 
line.    The  College  papers  have  been  retarded  by  my  indisposition  through  the  past  win- 
33 


258  BROWN   UNIVERSITY.  Chap.  VI. 

ter.  An  obstinate  diarrhoea,  for  several  months  together,  took  away  almost  all  hopes 
that  I  should  ever  recover  my  health,  and  prevented  my  attention  to  business  in  a  great 
measure ;  but  through  the  goodness  of  God  I  am  happily  recovered.  The  Anecdotes  of 
the  College  will  be  drawn  up  and  forwarded  as  soon  as  may  be,  and  the  other  papers. 
But  I  could  not  get  them  ready  by  this  opportunity.  This  spring  I  received  from  Phil- 
adelphia your  "  Cause  of  Deism  Ruined  Forever,"  etc. ;  and,  according  to  the  directions, 
forwarded  one  to  Harvard  College,  Mr.  Stillman,  etc.  Return  my  hearty  thanks  for  the 
one  presented  me,  and,  in  the  name  of  the  Corporation,  I  present  their  thanks  for  that 
given  to  our  College  library.  The  College  is  in  much  the  same  state  as  when  I  wrote 
last.  Religion  is  on  the  revival  in  some  places  in  New  England ;  but  great  calamities 
seem  to  threaten  us,  in  consequence  of  the  dispute  relating  to  taxation ;  and  the  Lord 
only  knows  when  this  dispute  will  end.  I  think  it  incumbent  on  all  who  have  any 
interest  at  the  throne  of  Grace,  to  employ  it,  both  in  Britain  and  America,  that  God 
would  pour  out  his  Spirit  on  us  all,  and  heal  the  breaches  sin  has  made. 

I  have  taken  the  liberty  to  draw  on  Mr.  Ryland,  in  favor  of  Mr.  John  Brown,  for 
five  guineas,  as  usual.  My  Brother  Gano  has  returned  to  New  York  from  a  tour  of  six 
or  seven  months  through  the  Carolinas.  Have  not  yet  seen  him,  but  am  informed  that 
he  brings  good  tidings  respecting  the  state  of  religion.    With  great  respect,  I  am,  sir, 

Yours,  etc., 

Jambs  Manning. 

We  find  no  further  mention  by  Dr.  Manning  of  his  "  Anecdotes  ' '  or 
"Narrative  "  of  the  College.  His  ill  health  at  this  time,  the  cares  and 
anxieties  of  a  pastor  in  seasons  of  a  revival,  and  the  breaking  out  of 
the  Revolutionary  War,  probably  prevented  the  completion  of  his  liter- 
ary undertaking.  It  is  a  matter  of  deep  regret  that  his  papers  and  let- 
ters were  not  more  carefully  preserved. 


CHAPTER   VII. 

1774. 

Murmurs  of  political  discontent  —  War  impending  —  Resolutions  passed  at  town  meet- 
ings—  Commencement  for  1774  —  Cadets,  Fusileers,  and  United  Train  of  Artillery — 
Barnabas  Binney's  remarkable  valedictory  address,  being  a  plea  for  religious  liberty 

—  Afterwards  published  —  Other  members  of  the  graduating  class  —  Letter  to 
Thomas  Ustick  —Meeting  of  the  Corporation  —  Donation  of  twenty  pounds  sterling 
from  the  estate  of  Dr.  Bernard  Foskett,  of  Bristol  —  Students  entering  the  College 
required  to  transcribe  the  laws  —  Copy  of  the  laws  belonging  to  Enoch  Pond,  of  the 
class  of  1777,  with  the  President's  signature,  now  preserved  on  file  —  Laws  and  Cus- 
toms of  Rhode  Island  College  in  1774  in  full  —  Vacations  —  Freedom  of  Conscience 

—  First  day  of  the  week,  or  Sunday  —  Chancellor  Hopkins  —  Freshmen  to  pay  due 
respect  to  their  Superiors  —  Speaking  on  the  Chapel  stage  evenings  —  College  edifice 
still  in  an  unfinished  state  —  Students  to  open  their  doors  to  the  College  officers  — 
Required  to  speak  in  Latin  in  study  hours  —  Freshmen  required  to  kindle  the  fires  — 
Religious  basis  of  the  College,  and  its  liberal  character  seen  in  these  "Laws  and 
Customs" — Distinction  between  freshmen  and  seniors  —  Steward  of  the  College  — 
Rooms  —  Meals  —  Orders  for  the  dining  room  —  Beginning  of  commons  —  Efforts  of 
Manning  in  resisting  oppressions  —  Meeting  of  the  Warren  Association  in  Medfield 

—  Resolve  to  send  Backus  to  the  Continental  Congress  in  Philadelphia  as  the  agent 
of  the  Baptist  churches  —  Idea  originated  with  Manning,  and  others,  at  the  Com- 
mencement the  week  previous  —  Case  stated  by  Backus  in  his  diary  —  Plan  adopted 
by  the  Association  for  aiding  the  College  —  Extract  from  circular  letter  prepared  by 
Hezekiah  Smith  —  Certificate  given  to  Backus  by  the  Association  —  Journey  to  Phil- 
adelphia—  Account  of  the  meeting  in  Carpenter's  Hall,  Oct.  14,  1774  —  Members  of 
the  Continental  Congress  present — Conference  opened  by  Manning,  who  read  a 
memorial  —  Result  of  the  Conference  not  satisfactory  at  the  time  —  Resulted  event- 
ually in  good  —  Backus's  appeal  to  the  public  —  How  this  Conference  of  the  Baptists 
with  the  delegates  to  Congress  was  regarded  by  their  opponents — Memoranda  of 
texts  from  which  Manning  preached  during  this  journey  to  the  Jerseys  —  Political 
measures  adopted  by  this  first  Continental  Congress  —  Approved  by  the  General 
Assembly  of  Rhode  Island  at  a  special  session  in  December — The  patriotism  of  the 
Colony  unsurpassed  by  that  of  any  other  Colony. 

And  now  the  murmurs  of  political  discontent  began  to  swell  and 
threaten,  which  were  soon  to  break  forth,  sajs  the  historian,  "  in  the 
war  cry. of  the  Revolution."  On  the  19th  of  January,  1774,  a  town 
meeting  was  called  in  Providence,  when  resolutions  were  passed  depre- 
cating "a  tame  submission  to  any  invasion  of  American  freedom;" 


260  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  VII. 

asserting  that  the  duty  imposed  by  Parliament  on  tea,  was  a  tax  on 
Americans  -udthout  their  consent ;  and  pledging  the  corporation  of  the 
town,  with  other  towns  and  colonies,  in  a  resolute  stand  against  this 
and  every  other  unconstitutional  measure,  and  forbidding  the  intro- 
duction of  tea  here  while  subject  to  a  duty. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  town  held  on  the  17th  of  May  following,  it  was 
resolved :  — 

That  this  town  will  heartily  join  with  the  Province  of  Massachusetts  Bay,  and  the 
other  colonies,  in  such  measures  as  shall  be  generally  agreed  on  by  the  colonies,  for 
the  protecting  and  securing  their  invaluable  natural  rights  and  privileges,  and  trans- 
mitting the  same  to  the  latest  posterity.  That  the  deputies  of  this  town  be  requested 
to  use  their  influence,  at  the  approaching  session  of  the  General  Assembly  of  this  Col- 
ony, for  promoting  a  Congress,  as  soon  as  may  be,  of  the  Representatives  of  the  General 
Assemblies  of  the  several  colonies  and  provinces  of  North  America,  for  establishing 
the  firmest  union,  and  adopting  such  measures  as  to  them  shall  appear  the  most  effect- 
ual, to  answer  that  important  purpose. 

In  accordance  with  these  instructions  the  General  Assembly,  at  the 
June  session,  appointed  Stephen  Hopkins  and  Samuel  Ward  delegates 
to  a  Continental  Congress.  This  was  the  famous  Congress  which  met 
in  Philadelphia,  to  which  we  shall  presently  refer. 

Commencement  this  year  was  held  for  the  last  time  in  Mr.  Snow's 
meeting-house.  For  the  following  full  and  interesting  account  we  are 
again  indebted  to  the  Providence  Gazette  :  — 

Wednesday  last  (September  7th)  being  the  anniversary  Commencement  of  the  Col- 
lege in  this  town,  the  Hon.  the  Governor  of  the  Colony,  escorted  by  the  Company  of 
Cadets,  under  the  command  of  Colonel  Nightingale,  preceded  the  usual  procession 
from  the  College  Hall  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Snow's  meeting-house.  After  the  President  had 
introduced  the  business  of  the  day  by  prayer,  Mr.  Jones  pronounced  the  Salutatory 
Oration  in  Latin,  upon  the  superior  advantages  which  the  moderns  enjoy  above  the 
ancients,  for  good  public  speaking;  after  which  Mr.  Foster  spoke  in  support  of  this 
Thesis:  —  " Theatrical  exhibitions  corrupt  the  morals  of  mankind,  and  are  prejudicial 
to  the  State ;  "  which  was  opposed  by  Mr.  Penniman.  To  this  disputation,  succeeded 
an  oration,  exposing  the  vulgar  notions  of  apparitions,  etc.,  spoken  by  Mr.  Mann.  An 
oration  upon  the  necessity  and  great  advantage  of  cultivating  our  own  language,  spoken 
by  Mr.  Dorrance,  concluded  the  exercises  of  the  forenoon.    A  syllogistic  dispute,  "An 


1774.  AND    MANNING.  261 

dictamina  Conscientiae  sunt  semper  optemperanda,"  introduced  the  exercises  of  the 
afternoon.  The  thesis  was  defended  by  Mr.  Dorrance ;  the  opponents  were  Messrs. 
Binney,  Foster,  Jones,  and  Penniman;  after  which  Mr.  Ward,  one  of  the  candidates 
for  the  Master's  degrees,  pronounced  an  oration  upon  patriotism,  in  which  were  con-  ; 
tained  many  judicious  observations  upon  the  present  political  circumstances  of  the 
American  Colonies.  The  degree  of  Bachelor  of  Arts  was  then  conferred  upon  Messrs. 
Barnabas  Binney,  John  Dorrance,  Dwight  Foster,  Timothy  Jones,  Jacob  Mann,  and 
Elias  Penniman.  The  degree  of  Master  in  Arts  was  conferred  on  Messrs.  Thomas 
Arnold,  Ranna  Cosset,  Benjamin  Farnham,  Thomas  Ustick,  and  Samuel  Ward,  alumni 
of  the  College.  The  Hon.  Joshua  Babcock,  of  Yale  College,  the  Rev.  Isaac  Skillman, 
Mr.  Benjamin  Steele,  of  Nassau  Hall  College,  and  Mr.  John  White,  Jr.,  of  Harvard  Col- 
lege, were  also  admitted  to  the  degree  of  Master  in  Arts  in  this  College.  The  Rev. 
David  Jones,  Rev.  William  Vanhorn,  and  Mr.  William  Tillinghast,  were  admitted  to 
the  honorary  degree  of  Master  in  Arts.  The  President  then  addressed  the  Bachelors 
with  a  concise  and  pertinent  charge,  to  which  succeeded  the  valedictory  oration,  by 
Mr.  Binney,  being  a  plea  for  religious  liberty,  corroborated  by  ecclesiastical  history, 
after  which  the  President  concluded  the  exercises  of  the  day  by  prayer. 
V 

The  account  in  the  Gazette  further  adds,  that  "  the  Company  of 
Cadets,  in  uniforms,  made  an  elegant  and  truly  military  appearance, 
and  both  in  the  procession  and  manoeuvres,  which  they  performed  on 
the  College  Green,  procured  universal  approbation,  and  convinced  the 
spectators,  that  Americans  are  no  less  capable  of  military  discipline  than 
Europeans."  This  company,  says  Staples,  had  been  incorporated  in 
1744,  as  an  Artillery  Company.  In  June,  1774,  they  assumed  the 
name  of  the  Cadet  Company,  by  permission  of  the  General  Assembly, 
and  were  commanded  by  a  colonel.  At  the  same  session,  June,  1774,  a 
Light  Infantry  company  was  also  incorporated.  Soon  after  this  a 
Grenadier  company  was  formed.  This  was  chartered  in  October,  and 
in  December  following,  the  Providence  Fusileers,  and  another  company 
of  Artillery.  In  April,  1775,  the  Fusileers  and  Artillery  were  united 
and  formed  into  the  United  Train  of  Artillery,  which  is  a  flourishing 
company  to-day.  The  Gazette  of  Dec.  18,  1775,  says :  "  Not  a  day 
passes,  Sundays  excepted,  but  some  of  the  companies  are  under  arms  ; 
so  well  convinced  are  the  people  that  the  complexion  of  the  times  ren- 
ders a  knowledge  of  the  military  art  indispensably  necessary." 


262  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  VII. 

Mr.  Binney,  who  was  graduated  on  this  occasion  with  the  valedic- 
tory honors  of  his  class,  was  the  son  of  Capt.  Barnabas  Binney,  of  Bos- 
ton. In  early  youth  he  discovered  a  ready  and  prolific  genius,  which 
gave  promise  of  usefulness  in  the  clerical  profession.  But  the  liberality 
of  his  ideas,  says  his  biographer,  rendered  it  difficult  for  him  to  attach 
himself  to  any  particular  sect,  and  hence  he  could  never  be  prevailed 
upon  to  assume  the  vows  and  duties  of  a  professed  teacher  of  religion. 
He  therefore  perfected  himself  in  the  various  branches  of  medicine, 
and  finally  established  himself  as  a  physician  in  the  city  of  Philadel- 
phia. Here  he  died  June  21,  1787.  During  the  war,  from  1780  to  1781, 
he  was  senior  surgeon  in  the  Continental  army  hospital.  His  son,  the 
late  Hon.  Horace  Binney,  LL.  D.,  ranked  among  the  most  distinguished 
lawyers  and  jurists  of  the  Pennsylvania  bar.  His  sister  Avis,  it  may  be 
added,  was  married  in  1785,  to  Nicholas  Brown,  to  whom  we  so  frequently 
refer  in  these  early  annals.  Mr.  Binney's  valedictory  oration,  which  was 
immediately  published,1  was  universally  regarded  as  a  splendid  produc- 
tion. After  the  usual  addresses,  it  discussed  fully  the  politics  of  that 
eventful  period,  and  was  listened  to  with  the  most  profound  attention. 
The  merits  of  this  production  were  greatly  enhanced  in  the  delivery  by 
the  gracefulness  of  the  orator,  and  the  uncommon  elegance  of  his 
manners. 

Judge  Dorrance,  of  Providence,  was  a  member  of  this  class.  He  has 
the  honor  of  being  the  first  librarian  of  the  College,  having  been 
appointed  in  his  senior  year.  He  was  also  a  tutor  two  years,  and  from 
1798  until  1813,  a  member  of  the  Board  of  Trustees.  Dwight  Foster, 
whose  name  also  appears  in  this  connection,  was  a  brother  of  the  Hon. 
Theodore  Foster,  of  the  class  of  1770.  He  settled  as  a  lawyer  in  Brook- 
field,  Mass.,  and  acquired  distinction  in  his  profession.  He  was  a  mem- 
ber of  Congress  six  years,  and  from  1800  to  1803  was  a  member  of  the 
United  States  Senate. 


1 A  copy  is  still  preserved  in  the  University  library.  The  following  is  the  title :  "An  Oration 
delivered  on  the  late  public  Commencement  at  Rhode  Island  College,  in  Providence,  September, 
1774;  being  a  plea  for  the  right  of  private  judgment  in  religious  matters,  or  for  the  liberty  of 
choosing  our  own  religion;  corroborated  by  the  well-known  consequences  of  priestly  power;  to 
which  are  annexed  the  valedictions  of  the  class  then  first  graduated.  By  Barnabas  Binney,  A.  B. 
Boston  :  1774."    The  oration,  with  the  illustrative  notes,  makes  a  small  quarto  of  forty-four  pages. 


1T74.  AND    MANNING.  263 

The  following  letter,  directed  to  "  Thomas  Ustick,  schoolmaster,  New 
York,"  has  reference  to  this  Commencement.  Mr.  Ward,  we  observe, 
delivered  an  oration  for  the  Master's  degree,  but  the  other  candidates 
for  this  honor  took  no  part  in  the  public  exercises. 

Providence,  May  30,  1774. 
Sir:  —  This  is  to  let  you  know  that  Messrs.  Ward  and  Arnold,  your  classmates, 
spent  this  evening  with  me  to  determine  their  Commencement  exercises,  and  they 
desired  me  to  ask  you  what  you  propose  to  do  for  Commencement,  when  you  expect  to 
be  at  Providence  to  prepare,  etc.,  etc.  These  things  you  are  desired  to  answer  by  the 
first  opportunity.  I  had  from  Ashford  in  Connecticut,  this  day,  an  application  for  a 
Baptist  minister.  I  mentioned  you  to  them ;  and  desire  you  to  confer  with  Mr.  Gano 
on  the  subject,  that  he  may  bring  over  word,  when  he  comes.  Their  start  for  a  Baptist 
minister  is  a  new  thing ;  but  they  subscribed  last  week  near  £500  lawful  money  towards 
building  a  meeting-house.  The  town  is  large  and  rich,  and  lam  told  that  full  one  third 
have  declared  for  the  Baptists  ;  and  that,  in  case  they  can  get  a  minister  of  abilities,  it  is 
the  general  opinion  that  much  above  half  the  town  will  attend  the  meeting,  though 
there  are  three  parishes  in  it.  The  richest  men  are  on  our  side,  and  they  say  they 
believe  in  supporting  the  minister  handsomely.  What  say  you  of  visiting  them,  at 
least,  as  soon  as  you  can  with  convenience  ?  I  want  you  to  send  me,  by  the  first  oppor- 
tunity, two  dozen  grammars,  and  I  will  satisfy  you  for  your  trouble.  Show  this  to  Mr. 
Gano,  and  tell  him  we  expect  him  over  very  soon,  and  also  Mrs.  Gano  and  the  children, 
to  spend  the  summer  with  us.  Tell  them  not  to  disappoint  us.  All  are  well  with  us, 
and  at  Middleborough.  Mr.  Hinds  went  from  here  this  day.  Enclosed  I  send  two  pro- 
posals, etc.,  which  I  received  this  evening  from  poor  Boston.  Please  hand  them  to  Mr. 
Gano,  to  use  as  he  thinks  proper.  It  is  now  almost  midnight,  and  I  can  hardly  see; 
besides,  I  have  told  Mr.  Gano  all  I  know  in  a  letter  written  since  I  received  any  from 
him,  or  I  would  write  him  now.  There  are  thirty-five  or  thirty-six  students  in  College, 
and  many  of  them  fine  young  men.    Tell  friends  they  are  remembered  by 

James  Manning. 

The  meeting  of  the  Corporation  was  held  on  the  day  of  Commence- 
ment and  adjourned  until  the  next  day,  Thursday,  September  8th. 
Among  those  present  we  notice  the  familiar  names  of  Nathan  Spear,  of 
Boston,  John  Gano,  Hezekiah  Smith,  Samuel  Stillman,  the  brothers 
Nicholas  and  Joseph  Brown,  Job  Bennet  and  Nicholas  Eyres.  Mr.  John 
Jenckes  was  chosen  a  Trustee  in  the  room  of  Judge  Daniel  Jen  ekes, 
recently  deceased.     Mr.  John  Brown,   "Merchant,"  was   now  chosen 


264  BROWN    UNIVERSITY  Chap.  VII. 

Trustee  in  the  room  of  William  Brown,  of  Swansea,  who  resigned. 
The  thanks  of  the  Corporation  were  voted  to  Mr.  Nathan  Spear  for  his 
generous  donation  of  ten  pounds,  lawful  mone}'-,  for  the  increase  of  Pro- 
fessor Howell's  salary ;  also  to  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Hugh  Evans  and  Benj. 
Beddome,  of  Great  Britain,  for  their  generous  donation  of  <£20  sterling, 
out  of  the  effects  left  in  their  hands  "with  discretionary  powers  " 
of  the  last  will  and  testament  of  Dr.  Bernard  Foskett.  Dr.  Foskett 
was  Principal  of  the  Bristol  Academy,  where  Evans,  Beddome,  John 
Ryland,  Morgan  Edwards,  and  other  distinguished  Baptist  divines 
received  their  education. 

Among  the  requirements  for  admission  to  Rhode  Island  College  in 
its  early  days  was  one  obliging  every  student  to  transcribe  the  laws 
and  customs  thereof ;  which  copy,  signed  by  the  President,  was  to  be 
the  evidence  of  his  admission,  and  to  be  kept  by  him  while  an  under- 
graduate. This  was  the  requirement  of  the  College  of  New  Jersey 
when  Manning  was  a  student,  as  we  have  stated  in  our  first  chapter. 
During  the  present  year,  1774,  fifteen,  says  Judge  Pitman  in  his 
Alumni  Address,  entered  the  Freshman  class  ;  eight  of  these  were 
from  the  Latin  School  in  Providence,  under  the  tuition  of  the  Rev. 
Ebenezer  David,  of  the  class  of  1772,  "one  of  the  best  instructors," 
says  one  of  the  eight,  "I  have  ever  known."  One  of  this  Class  was 
the  Rev.  Enoch  Pond,  of  Wrentham,  Mass.,  who  took  his  Bachelor's 
degree  in  1777.  Many  years  ago,  after  the  publication  of  the  writer's 
Life  of  Manning,  a  member  of  Mr.  Pond's  family  sent  to  the  Library 
his  copy  of  the  College  Laws,  with  the  corrections  and  signature  of  the 
President.  The  date  on  the  cover  is  March,  1774.  At  the  end  is  the 
following :  — "  Having  perused  the  above  I  find  them  to  correspond 
to  the  copy.  James  Manning,  President."  As  Montesquieu  well 
remarks,  "the  character  of  institutions,  and  alike  of  nations,  is  best 
known  from  their  laws."  Having  in  our  first  chapter  introduced  some 
of  the  "  Laws  and  Customs  "  of  the  College  of  New  Jersey,  we  now, 
making  use  of  Mr.  Pond's  copy,  publish  for  the  first  time  the  "  Laws 
and  Customs  "  of  our  own  Rhode  Island  College,  which  naturally  are 
based  upon  those  of  New  Jersey. 


1774.  AND    MANNING.  265 

Laws  and  Customs  of  Rhode  Island  College,  1774. 
1st.  That  the  hours  of  study,  between  the  fall  and  spring  vacations,  shall  be  from 
morning  prayers,  one  hour  before  breakfast;  from  9  o'clock  A.  H.  until  12  o'clock;  from 
2  o'clock  p.m.  until  sunset;  and  from  7  until  9  in  the  evening.  Between  the  spring 
and  fall  vacations,  one  hour  after  morning  prayers ;  from  8  o'clock  a.  m.  until  12 
o'clock;  from  2  o'clock  p.  m.  until  6;  and  no  one  shall  be  out  of  his  Chamber  after  9 
o'clock  in  the  evening. 

These  are  similar  to  the  hours  of  study  during  President  Wayland's 
administration. 

2d.  That  every  student  attend  prayers  in  the  Hall  morning  and  evening,  at  7 
o'clock  between  the  fall  and  spring  vacations,  and  at  6  o'clock  between  the  spring 
and  fall  vacations  in  the  morning;  and  at  6  o'clock  and  sunset  in  the  evening,  during 
which  they  shall  behave  orderly  and  decently. 

These  vacations,  as  specified  in  the  laws  of  1783,  were  as  follows :  — 
"From  September  6th  to  October  20th  ;  from  December  24th  to  Jan- 
uaiy  24th  ;  and  from  the  first  Monday  in  May  three  weeks ;"  that  is, 
six  weeks vin  the  fall,  four  weeks  in  the  winter,  and  three  weeks  in  the 
spring.  The  summer  term  commenced  about  the  first  of  June  and 
continued  until  Commencement  in  September.  In  these  later  days  it 
seems  almost  impossible  to  teach,  preach,  study,  or  even  to  do  business 
during  the  warm  season,  when  everyone  who  can  hies  to  the  mountains 
or  seashore.  In  the  catalogue  for  1843,  when  the  writer  entered  Col- 
lege, the  announcement  for  vacations  reads  as  follows  :  —  "The  first 
term  begins  on  the  Friday  after  Commencement  (which  was  held  on  the 
first  Wednesday  in  September)  and  continues  until  December  14th, 
fourteen  weeks,  when  it  is  succeeded  by  a  vacation  of  three  weeks. 
The  second  term  commences  January  5th,  and  continues  till  April  4th, 
thirteen  weeks,  when  it  is  succeeded  by  a  vacation  of  four  Weeks.  The 
third  term  commences  Majr  3d,  and  continues  to  July  25th,  twelve 
weeks,  when  it  is  succeeded  by  a  vacation  till  Commencement." 

3d.    That  every  student  attend  public  worship  every  First  Day  of  the  week  steadily, 
at  such  place  as  he,  his  parents,  or  guardians,  shall  think  proper;  provided  that  any 
who  do  not  attend  with  officers  of  instruction,  produce  vouchers,  when  demanded,  of 
their  steady  and  orderly  attendance. 
34 


266  BKOWN   UNIYEKSITY  Chap.  VII. 

N.  B.  Such  as  regularly  and  statedly  keep  the  seventh  day  as  the  Sabbath,  are 
exempted  from  this  law,  and  are  only  required  to  abstain  from  secular  concerns  which 
would  interrupt  their  fellow  students. 

Here,  again,  we  have  "freedom  of  conscience."  The  law  for  the 
attendance  on  public  worship  during  President  Wayland's  administra- 
tion, reads  as  follows:  —  "The  right  of  Christians  of  every  denomina- 
tion to  enjoy  without  molestation  their  religious  sentimeAts,  is  fully 
allowed;  nevertheless,  as  the  public  observance  of  the  Sabbath  is  a 
moral  duty,  at  the  beginning  of  each  term  every  student  shall  designate 
to  the  President  or  other  officer  named  by  him,  some  place  of  public 
worship  which  he  chooses  to  attend,  and  he  shall  attend  such  place  of 
worship  on  the  forenoon  and  afternoon  of  every  First  Day  of  the  week." 
During  subsequent  administrations,  the  law  reads  thus  :  —  "  All  stu- 
dents of  this  University  are  strictly  required  to  attend  public  worship 
twice  on  the  Sabbath.  For  this  purpose  each  one  shall  report  to  the 
President  at  the  beginning  of  every  term,  the  church  which  he  will 
attend." 

4th.  That  no  student  boarding  in  commons,  go  out  of  the  College  yard  on  the  First 
Day  of  the  week,  unless  to  public  worship ;  but  that  the  whole  of  the  day  be  observed 
by  abstaining  from  all  secular  concerns,  recreations  and  diversions. 

The  First  Day  of  the  week,  or  Sunday,  was  no  holiday  in  Manning's 
estimation.  Later  laws  are  similar.  In  the  laws  as  published  in  1835 
we  read  :  —  "Every  student  is  required  on  the  Sabbath  day  to  refrain 
from  the  usual  exercises  and  diversions,  from  playing  on  instruments  of 
music,  except  to  perform  a  part  in  sacred  psalmody,  and  from  anything 
which  is  unbecoming  the  retirement  and  sacredness  of  the  day." 

5th.  That  when  any  student  attends  any  religious  society  whatever,  he  behave  with 
suitable  gravity  and  decency. 

6th.  That  no  student  read  any  book  in  study  hours,  excepting  the  classics,  or  those 
which  tend  to  illustrate  the  subject  matter  of  his  recitations  for  the  time  being. 

7th.  That  each  one  continue  in  his  room  in  the  hours  of  study,  unless  to  do  an 
errand,  in  which  he  shall  be  speedy:  or  to  attend  recitations. 

8th.  That  no  one  enter  another's  room  without  first  knocking  at  the  door  and 
obtaining  liberty. 


1774.  AND    MANNING.  267 

9th.  That  no  student  make  any  stay  in  any  room,  or  meddle  with  anything  in  it 
belonging  to  the'occupants,  in  their  absence,  without  license. 

10th.  That  each  one  attend  recitation  twice  in  a  day,  at  such  time  and  place  as  shall 
be  appointed. 

11th.  That  no  one  practise  attending  upon  company  in  his  room  in  study  hours ;  or 
keep  spirituous  liquors  in  his  room  without  liberty  obtained  of  the  President. 

12th.  That  no  student  at  any  time  make  any  unnecessary  noise  or  tumult,  either  in 
his  room  or  in  the  entries ;  but  that  each  one  endeavor  to  preserve  tranquillity  and 
decency  in  words  and  actions  at  all  times. 

13th.  That  no  one,  when  in  another's  room,  meddle  with  or  examine  his  books  and 
writings. 

14th.  That  no  one  be  absent  from  any  collegiate  exercises  without  first  rendering 
his  excuse  to  his  instructors,  or  go  out  of  the  College  yard  in  the  time  of  study,  without 
liberty. 

15th.  That  if  any  one  do  damage  to  the  College  edifice,  or  the  goods  of  others,  he 
shall  repair  the  same. 

16th.  That  no  student  wear  his  hat  within  the  College  walls,  excepting  those  who 
steadily  attend  the  Friends'  Meeting. 

17th.  Nor  when  speaking  to,  or  is  spoken  to,  or  is  in  company  with,  any  officers  of 
instruction,  except  he  is  permitted  by  them  to  put  it  on. 

Chancellor  Hopkins,  who  was  Manning's  constant  adviser  in  all 
matters  pertaining  to  the  College,  doubtless  assisted  in  the  framing  of 
these  Laws  and  Customs.  He  was  a  member  of  the  Society  of  Friends, 
and  attended  their  worship. 

18th.  That  no  one  pass  by  any  of  the  Corporation,  or  officers  of  the  College,  with- 
out showing  them  proper  respect. 

19th.  That  due  respect  be  paid  to  those  of  a  superior  standing  by  inferiors,  by  giving 
them  the  precedence  and  choice  of  seats. 

This  is  in  accordance  with  the  laws  of  the  College  of  New  Jersey, 
which  required  Freshmen  to  go  on  errands,  give  the  highest  place  to 
Seniors,  if  spoken  to  give  a  direct  answer,  with  the  word,  Sir,  at  the 
end  thereof,  and  to  abstain  from  wearing  a  gown.  See  Chapter  I., 
pages  30,  31. 

20th.  That  each  student  treat  the  inhabitants  of  the  town  and  all  others  with  whom 
they  converse  with  civility  and  good  manners. 


268  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  VII. 

21st.  That  each  one  observe  strictly  the  rules  of  morality  in  general,  transgressions 
of  which  shall  he  punished  according  to  their  nature  and  aggravating  circumstances. 

22d.  That  no  one  play  at  cards  or  any  unlawful  games,  swear,  lie,  steal  or  get 
drunk,  use  obscene  or  idle  words,  strike  his  fellow  students  or  others ;  or  keep  com- 
pany  with  persons  of  a  known  bad  character,  or  attend  at  places  of  idle  and  vain 
sports. 

23d.  That  the  conduct  of  each  student  with  respect  to  morality  or  good  manners  in 
the  vacation,  shall  be  cognizable  equally  as  when  present  at  the  College. 

24th.  That  no  student,  during  the  time  of  recitations,  suggest  anything  to  his 
classmates  ;  or  by  any  other  means  interrupt  their  attention. 

2oth.  That  every  evening  two  shall  pronounce  on  the  stage,  beginning  with  the 
Senior  Class,  and  proceeding  down  alphabetically  through  all  the  classes. 

This  custom  was  kept  up,  with  certain  modifications,  down  to  nearly 
the  close  of  President  Wayland's  administration.  In  the  writer's  day 
it  was  customary  for  one  member  of  the  Senior,  or  Junior  class,  to 
deliver  after  evening  prayers  an  original  oration,  or  essay,  on  the  stage. 
The  Hon.  Tristam  Burges,  in  an  address  before  the  Federal  Adelphi, 
thus  alludes  to  this  custom  in  his  day :  —  "  You  all  remember  the  ele- 
vated, advanced  stage  where  the  speaker  took  his  stand,  when,  under 
the  supervision  of  the  authority,  surrounded  by  the  entire  collegiate 
assembly,  awed  by  the  continued  and  pervading  spirit  of  the  hour  and 
the  occasion,  he  gave  utterance  to  his  own,  so  soon  as  the  last  echo  of 
the  voice  of  devotion  had  ceased  to  whisper  in  the  ear  of  the  listening 
audience.  It  was  not  to  all  the  assembled  Greeks,  it  was  not  at  the 
Olympic  Games  that  he  spoke ;  but  the  pupil  who  passed  through  this 
ordeal  under  the  eye  of  Manning  or  Maxcy,  has  never  since  that  time, 
with  more  anxiety  prepared  himself  for  any  other,  or  gone  through  it 
with  more  fear  and  trembling."  The  laws  for  1835  read:  —  "  One  stu- 
dent from  each  of  the  two  upper  classes  shall  declaim  in  the  Chapel, 
every  evening,  immediately  after  prayers." 

26th.  That  on  the  first  Wednesday  of  every  month,  each  student  shall  publicly  pro- 
nounce an  oration,  which  he  shall  have  previously  committed  to  memory. 

27th.  The  Senior  and  Junior  classes  shall  each  of  them  write  a  Dispute  every  week 
and  read  the  same,  upon  such  subjects  as  shall  be  appointed  them.  Latin  Syllogistic 
Disputes  are  to  be  kept  up  and  duly  cultivated. 


1T74.  AND    MANNING.  269 

28th.  That  no  student  make  use  of  any  boards,  timber,  or  any  other  materials 
belonging  to  the  College  edifice,  for  any  purpose  whatever,  without  first  obtaining  lib- 
erty from  the  committee  for  that  purpose. 

The  College  edifice  was  still  in  an  unfinished  state,  and  hence  mate- 
rials, as  here  described,  were  stored  in  the  building  or  packed  up  in  the 
yard. 

29th.  That  every  student  in  College  shall  take  particular  care  of  fire,  not  carrying 
it  needlessly  out  of  their  rooms  in  pipes  or  otherwise;  that  they  carefully  cover  or 
quench  their  fires  when  they  retire  to  bed  or  leave  their  rooms ;  and  that  they  cause 
their  respective  chimneys  to  be  swept  out  every  year. 

30th.  That  no  student  stay  beyond  the  limited  term  of  vacation,  or  any  other  term 
allowed  him  to  be  absent  from  College. 

31st.  That  a  weekly  bill  be  kept  in  rotation,  beginning  and  proceeding  alphabeti- 
cally, by  all  except  the  Senior  class;  in  which  shall  be  noted  inattendance  at  prayers, 
unbecoming  conduct  there,  or  any  breach  of  the  laws  of  College,  of  which  the  monitor 
shall  take  strict  notice. 

32d.  That  a  Quarterly  Monitor  shall  be  appointed,  who  shall  take  the  weekly  bills 
after  they  are  examined,  and  take  a  particular  account  of  all  the  transgressions  which 
shall  not  be  excused;  and  this  bill  shall  be  produced  at  the  quarterly  examination 
before  the  gentlemen  who  may  attend  the  same,  as  matter  of  conviction  against  those 
who  shall  be  tardy  and  deficient.  He  shall  also  collect  the  fines  and  deliver  them  to 
the  President. 

33d.  And  that  none  may  imagine  that  the  officers  of  instruction  desire  any  benefit 
to  themselves  from  the  fines  arising  from  the  transgressions  of  the  laws,  it  is  declared 
that  all  the  money  so  arising  shall  be  converted  into  premiums,  to  be  awarded  to  those 
who  shall  excel  at  the  public  examination,  always  observing  that  the  premiums  of  each 
class  shall  be  made  up  of  the  fines  of  the  class. 

34th.  That  no  student  refuse  to  open  his  door  when  he  shall  hear  the  stamp  of  the 
foot  or  staff  at  his  door  in  the  entry,  which  shall  be  a  token  that  some  officer  of  instruc- 
tion desires  admission ;  which  token  every  student  is  forbid  to  counterfeit  or  imitate 
under  any  pretence  whatever. 

The  law  of  the  College  of  New  Jersey  reads :  —  "  The  President,  or 
Tutors,  when  not  admitted  into  a  room,  may  signify  their  presence  by 
a  stamp,  which  signal  no  scholar  shall  imitate  on  penalty  of  five  shil- 
lings, proclamation  money.     (Six  shillings  to  the  dollar.) 


270  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  VII. 

35th.  That  the  Quarterly  Monitor  shall  take  an  account  of  the  fines  imposed,  and 
render  his  account  and  deliver  the  money  to  the  President  at  each  quarter  day,  which 
shall  he  proposed  as  premiums  for  each  class  at  tbe  end  of  the  ensuing  quarter. 

36th.  That  in  the  hours  of  study  no  one  speak  to  another  in  the  College,  or  College 
yard,  except  in  Latin. 

Were  this  rule  enforced  to-day,  profound  silence,  in  the  words  of  a 
witty  critic,  would  reign  throughout  the  College  halls.  Latin,  a  cen- 
tury and  more  ago,  received  far  more  attention  than  now.  This  same 
rule  is  repeated  in  the  laws  enacted  in  1783.  Rule  27,  it  will  be  noticed, 
requires  Latin  Syllogistic  Disputes  to  be  kept  up  and  duly  cultivated. 
At  most  of  the  early  Commencement  exercises  there  was  a  Latin  Dis- 
putation, and  Latin  Theses  were  printed  in  the  programmes,  as  we  have 
before  stated,  even  until  near  the  close  of  Messer's  administration. 
The  school  first  established  by  Manning  in  Warren  was  called  a  "  Latin 
School." 

37th.  That  the  Freshmen  Class,  in  alphabetical  order,  kindle  a  fire  seasonably  before 
morning  prayers,  in  the  room  where  they  are  attended,  during  the  winter  season. 

No  wonder  that  the  Freshmen  sought  to  be  promoted,  and  rejoiced 
when  they  were  advanced  to  a  higher  class.  One  of  the  laws  of  the 
College  of  New  Jersey  required  that  "  every  Freshman  sent  of  an 
errand  shall  go  and  do  it  faithfully  and  make  quick  return."  One  of 
the  traditions  of  Rhode  Island  College,  and  of  the  University  in  the 
days  of  Messer,  is  that  the  Freshmen  were  expected  to  wait  upon  the 
Seniors.  The  custom,  it  is  said,  was  broken  up  when  a  bright  Fresh- 
man, having  been  sent  by  a  Senior  with  a  dollar  bill  to  the  store  near 
by  for  some  smoking  tobacco  and  a  pipe,  returned  with  ninety-nine 
pipes  and  one  cent's  worth  of i  tobacco. 

38th.  That  the  penalties  annexed  to  the  foregoing  laws  shall  be  proportioned  to  the 
nature,  circumstances,  and  aggravations  attending  the  several  offences.  After  private 
admonition  the  pecuniary  penalties  shall  be  from  two  pence,  lawful  money,  to  three 
shillings.  The  highest  and  last,  excepting  for  absence  from  College,  shall  be  six  shil- 
lings, or  a  dollar,  after  which  they  shall  be  publicly  admonished  before  the  College  and 
Corporation,  which,  proving  ineffectual,  the  offenders  shall  be  rusticated,  or  suspended, 


1774.  AND    MANNING.  271 

from  all  connection  with  the  College,  after  which  degraded,  if  judged  necessary.  For 
the  last  and  concluding  punishment  they  shall  he  totally  and  forever  expelled  from  the 
College. 

39th.  As  it  is  an  incumbent  duty  on  all  the  instructors  of  youth  faithfully  to  guard 
and  solemnly  to  warn  them  against  the  most  distant  approaches  to  vice  and  licentious- 
ness, as  well  as  to  inculcate  the  principles  of  virtue  and  religion ;  and  as  infidelity,  or 
the  denial  of  the  authenticity  of  the  Scriptures  of  the  Old  and  New  Testaments,  as 
appears  from  fact  as  well  as  from  obvious  reasoning,  has  a  direct  tendency  to  frustrate 
this  most  important  design,  the  grand  object  in  view  of  the  founders  of  this  Institution, 
as  appears  from  the  Charter,  which  enacts  that  Christians  of  every  denomination  shall, 
without  the  least  molestation  in  the  peculiarities  of  their  religious  principles,  enjoy 
free  liberty,  etc.,— 

40th.  In  order,  therefore,  that  youth  of  every  denomination  of  Christians,  who  have 
resorted  or  who  may  resort  here  for  education,  may  not  in  any  wise  be  molested  in  the 
free  enjoyment  of  their  peculiarities  in  religious  sentiments  and  Christian  faith,  by 
ridicule,  sneers,  scoffing,  infidel  suggestions,  or  any  other  means  which  tend  to  harass, 
disquiet  and  render  them  uneasy  during  their  residence  at  College. 

41st.  It  is  ordered  and  enacted,  that  if  any  student  of  this  College  shall  deny  the 
being  of  a  God,  the  existence  of  virtue  and  vice  ;  or  that  the  books  of  the  Old  and  New 
Testaments  are  of  divine  authority,  or  suggest  any  scruples  of  that  nature,  or  circulate 
books  of  such  pernicious  tendency,  or  frequent  the  company  of  those  who  are  known 
to  favor  such  fatal  errors,  he  shall  for  the  second  offense  be  absolutely  and  forever 
expelled  from  this  College.  (Young  gentlemen  of  the  Hebrew  nation  are  to  be 
exempted  from  this  law,  so  far  as  it  relates  to  the  New  Testament  and  its  authenticity.) 

The  religious  basis  of  the  College  in  the  days  of  Manning,  as  well 
as  its  liberal  character,  are  plainly  seen  in  these  last  laws,  which 
in  a  later  edition  are  classed  as  "  Concerning  a  religious,  moral,  and 
decent  behavior."  The  President  evidently  believed,  with  the  Divine 
Teacher,  in  "Moses  and  the  Prophets."  The  writings  of  men  like 
Paine  and  Voltaire,  which  teach  that  "no  book  in  the  Bible  was  written 
before  the  exile,"  that  all  the  books  are  compilations,  and  full  of  con- 
tradictions, and  that  "  all  the  contradictions  in  time,  place,  and  cir- 
cumstance, that  abound  in  the  books  ascribed  to  Moses  prove  to  a 
demonstration  that  those  books  could  not  be  written  by  Moses,  nor  in 
the  time  of  Moses,"  found  no  favor  with  him.  It  is  a  singular  fact 
that  at  the  present  day,  after  the  lapse  of  a  century,  views  like  those 


272  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  VII. 

above  named  are  endorsed  by  scholars,  writers,  and  even  professed 
teachers  of  religion,  as  the  results  of  the  "  Higher  Criticism,"  so  called, 
and  openly  taught  in  many  of  our  colleges  and  theological  schools.1 

42d.  Whoever  shall  stay  beyond  the  limited  term  of  vacation,  or  the  expiration  of 
the  time  for  which  he  had  liberty  to  be  absent,  shall  pay  commons  bill  to  the  Steward 
in  the  same  manner  as  though  present,  unless  he  shall  bring  a  certificate  from  two 
reputable  physicians,  that  his  state  of  health  would  not  admit  the  prosecution  of  his 
studies. 

43d.  Ordered  that  the  Senior  Class  have  authority  to  detain  in  the  Hall  after 
evening  prayers,  such  of  the  under  classes  as  they  shall  observe  breaking  any  of  the  laws 
of  College,  and  there  admonish  them  of  such  offenses,  as  well  as  correct  and  instruct 
them  in  their  general  deportment,  correcting  their  manners  in  such  minute  particulars 
of  a  genteel  carriage  and  good  breeding,  as  does  not  come  within  any  express  written 
law  of  the  College ;  which  admonitions,  corrections,  and  instructions  the  delinquents 
are  to  receive  with  modesty  and  submission,  and  punctually  observe. 

N.  B.  —  But  as  the  present  Senior  class  does  not  reside  in  College,  this  authority  is 
committed  to  the  present  Junior  class. 

The  distinction  between  Freshmen  and  Seniors  was  quite  obvious 
in  the  olden  times.  It  is  doubtful,  to  say  the  least,  whether  Freshmen 
of  any  College  would  to-day  receive  from  Seniors,  "  with  modesty  and 
submission,"  such  admonitions  as  are  here  described.  These  laws  are 
dated  March,  1774.  "The  present  Senior  Class"  above  referred  to, 
consisted  of  six  members,  five  of  whom  belonged  in  Providence,  and 
hence  resided  at  their  homes.  The  sixth  member,  Barnabas  Binney, 
belonged  in  Boston.  Being  a  young  man  of  note,  he  made  it  his  home 
with  one  of  the  families  in  town. 

44th.  That  the  students  who  board  in  Commons,  observe  order  in  going  in  and  out 
of  the  dining  room,  as  of  the  hall ;  that  at  the  table  each  class  sit  together  in  alphabet- 
ical order,  and  while  there  behave  decently,  making  no  unnecessary  noise  or  disturb- 
ance, either  by  abusing  the  table  furniture,  or  ungenerously  complaining  cf  the 
provisions,  etc. 

Notwithstanding  which,  if  any  are  dissatisfied  they  may  mention  it  decently  to  the 


1  See  Prof.  Howard  Osgood's  paper  on  the  "  Higher  Criticism,"  before  the  Baptist  Congress  at 
Detroit,  November,  1894.    Proceedings,  pp.  201-206. 


1774.  AND    MANNING.  273 

steward  in  private,  and  if  he  does  not  redress  any  supposed  grievance,  they  may  then 
apply  to  the  President. 

45th.  Those  who  neglect  to  attend  at  the  stated  meal  times,  shall  forfeit  such 
meals,  unless  sufficientjeasons  for  their  absence  appear  to  the  steward. 

46th.  That  the  steward  take  special  care  that  the  laws  of  the  dining  room  he 
observed,  and  give  immediate  information  to  the  authority  of  the  College  of  all  trans- 
gressions of  the  same. 

In  order  that  the  fines  imposed  upon  the  students  may  he  duly  collected,  the  quar- 
terly monitor  shall,  at  the  end  of  the  quarter,  render  the  account  to  the  steward  of 
uncollected  fines;  who  shall  collect  the  same,  and  upon  the  neglect  or  refusal  of  any 
one  to  pay,  they  shall  not  he  permitted  to  advance  into  the  next  class,  as  in  case  of 
non-payment  of  tuition. 

The  steward  at  this  time,  as  stated  by  Manning  in  his  Sketch  of 
Rhode  Island  College,  (published  in  our  Documentary  History,  pp.  19- 
21,)  was  Josiah  Arnold.  Concerning  him  we  know  nothing  further. 
He  was  neither  a  graduate  of  the  College  nor  a  Trustee. 

47th.  In  order  to  perpetuate  the  infamy  of  the  transgressors  of  the  laws,  a  book  is 
purchased,  in  which  shall  be  recorded  all  the  punishments,  except  pecuniary,  publicly 
inflicted  on  every  delinquent,  with  the  cause  thereof ;  and  every  student  whose  name 
shall  be  recorded  therein,  as  a  transgressor,  shall  be  excluded  from  being  chosen  by 
the  President  or  his  class  to  any  of  the  orations  at  Commencement ;  provided,  how- 
ever, that  by  extraordinary  and  continued  reformation,  the  authority  erase  such  cen- 
sures before  the  time  of  choosing  orators. 

Concerning  the  Rooms,  Stewards,  and  Commons. 

At  a  meeting  of  a  number  of  the  members  of  the  Corporation,  held 
in  the  College  edifice,  towards  the  close  of  1773,  it  was  proposed  that 
the  steward  cause, 

All  the  rooms  inhabited  by  the  students  who  board  in  Commons,  to  be  swept  clean 
once  every  day,  as  also  the  entries. 

That  he  cause  all  the  beds  in  said  rooms  to  be  decently  made  every  day  in  the  fore- 
noon. 

That  he  furnish  three  good  meals  of  victuals  per  day  sufficient  for  those  who  board 
in  Commons,  agreeably,  or  nearly  so,  to  the  following  prescriptions:  — 
33 


274  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap,  VII. 

FOR  DINNER  EVERY  WEEK. 

Two  meals  of  salt  beef  and  pork,  with  peas,  beans,  greens,  roots,  etc.,  and  puddings 
For  drink,  good  small  beer  and  cider. 

Two  meals  of  fresh  meat,  roasted,  baked,  broiled,  or  fried,  with  proper  sauce  or 
vegetables. 

One  meal  of  soup  and  fragments. 

One  meal  of  boiled  fresh  meat  with  proper  sauce  and  broth. 

One  meal  of  salt  or  fresh  fish,  with  brown  bread,  for  dinners. 

FOR  BREAKFAST. 

Tea,  coffee,  chocolate,  or  milk  porridge.  "With  tea,  or  coffee,  white  bread  with 
butter,  or  brown  bread  toasted,  with  butter.  With  chocolate  or  milk  porridge,  white 
bread  without  butter.    With  tea,  coffee,  and  chocolate,  brown  sugar. 

FOR  SUPPER. 

Milk,  with  hasty  pudding,  rice,  samp,  white  bread,  etc.  Or  milk  porridge,  tea, 
coffee,  or  chocolate,  as  for  breakfast. 

The  several  articles  and  provisions  above  mentioned,  especially  dinners,  are  to  be 
diversified  and  changed  as  to  their  succession  through  the  week,  as  much  as  may  be 
agreeable;  with  the  addition  of  puddings,  apple  pies,  dumplings,  cheese,  etc.,  to  be 
interspersed  through  the  dinners,  as  often  as  may  be  convenient  and  suitable. 

All  the  articles  of  provision  shall  be  good,  genuine,  and  unadulterated. 

The  meals  are  to  be  provided  at  stated  times,  and  the  cookery  is  to  be  well  and 
neatly  executed. 

That  the  steward  sit  at  meals  with  the  students,  unless  prevented  by  company  or 
business,  and  exercise  the  same  authority  as  is  customary  and  needful  for  the  head  of  a 
family  at  his  table. 

That  the  steward  be  exemplary  in  his  moral  conduct,  and  do  not  fail  to  give  infor- 
mation to  the  authority  of  the  College  against  any  of  the  students  who  may  transgress 
any  of  the  College  orders  and  regulations ;  and  to  this  purpose  that  he  keep  by  him  a 
copy  of  the  same. 

For  the  services  above  mentioned,  that  the  steward  be  allowed  and  paid  by  every 
person  boarding  in  Commons,  one  dollar  per  week;  to  be  paid  at  the  expiration  of  each 
quarter;  if  not,  interest  until  paid. 

Ordered,  That  upon  any  person  being  entered  into  College,  the  steward  take  an 
obligation  and  sufficient  security  for  the  payment  of  his  tuition,  room-rent,  board,  and 
all  College  bills,  and  bills  for  necessary  charges  in  this  town,  the  said  bills  being 
approved  by  the  President. 


1774.  AND    MANNING.  275 

Orders  for  the  Dining  Room. 
It  is  enacted  by  the  authority  of  the  College  in  Providence  : 

That  those  who  hoard  in  Commons,  upon  heing  called  to  meals,  shall  immediately 
repair  to  the  dining  room  without  unnecessary  noise ;  and  that  the  under  classes  always 
wait  for  those  of  the  superior  classes  to  go  in  first,  provided  any  of  them  are  in  sight 
when  at  the  door ;  and  that  they  ohserve  the  same  decorum  in  returning. 

That  the  steward  shall  call  on  whom  he  thinks  proper  to  ask  a  hlessing  and  return 
thanks  at  tahle,  during  which  no  student  shall  meddle  with  any  of  the  provisions  or 
tahle  furniture,  hut  hehave  with  decency  and  sohriety. 

That  the  Senior  class  he  divided,  and  some  sit  at  one  part  of  the  tahle  and  others  at 
another  part ;  and  that  they,  or  such  others  as  shall  he  appointed,  only  shall  call  for 
what  may  be  wanting  at  table ;  and  all  others  are  forbid  either  calling  or  using  any 
signs  of  calling,  except  decently  mentioning  to  the  above  named  what  is  wanted ;  — 
and  provided  any  person  or  persons  shall  use  indecent  gestures  at  table,  or  in  anywise 
transgress  the  orders  of  the  table,  the  Senior  sitting  at  the  head  of  the  table  shall  imme- 
diately order  him  to  sit  next  to  him,  that  he  may  observe  his  or  their  future  conduct 
and  behavior. 

That  the  whole  body  be  so  divided  as  that  a  determinate  number  only,  in  succession 
through  the  whole,  shall  carve,  this  being  done  in  alphabetical  order;  the  one  next  to 
him  shall  distribute  the  meat  and  sauce,  no  one  else  being  allowed  to  take  them  him- 
self; and  the  same  person  for  the  day  shall  pour  out  coffee,  tea,  etc.,  and  put  in  a  proper 
quantity  of  sugar. 

That  no  one  pretend  to  make  the  least  waste  of  provisions,  or  carry  provisions, 
kitchen  furniture,  etc.,  out  of  the  dining-room,  without  special  liberty  from  the  steward 
so  to  do. 

Next  to  the  steward,  the  persons  to  call  for  provisions  as  above  mentioned  are 
required  to  admonish  the  above  delinquents  at  table;  which  proving  ineffectual,  to 
forthwith  communicate  the  name  of  the  offender,  his  misdemeanor,  etc.,  to  the  author- 
ity of  the  College. 

That  the  present  Senior  class  do  forthwith  direct  the  students  how  to  sit,  and  who 
shall  begin  to  carve,  etc. ;  and  cause  the  above  orders,  signed  by  the  President  and 
written  in  a  fair  hand,  to  be  posted  up  in  the  dining  room. 

It  would  seem  from  this  closing  paragraph,  that  this  was  the  begin- 
ning of  Commons.  Doubtless  this  was  the  case,  as  the  building  had 
only  been  occupied  recently,  and  was  still  in  an  unfinished  state. 
Boarding  at  this  time,  Manning  states  in  his  Sketch,  was  "one  dollar 
a  week." 


276  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  VII. 

The  correspondence  of  President  Manning,  as  we  have  had  occa- 
sion to  state  in  previous  chapters,  abounds  in  allusion  to  the  oppression 
of  his  brethren  in  Massachusetts  and  elsewhere,  on  the  part  of  the 
"standing  order."  This  oppression  he  felt  called  upon  to  resist  to  the 
extent  of  his  ability.  To  his  intelligent  and  active  exertions  in  behalf 
of  religious  liberty,  we  of  the  present  day  and  generation  are  greatly 
indebted  for  what  we  now  enjoy  as  our  birthright. 

To  set  forth  in  detail  the  efforts  of  Manning  and  his  contemporaries 
in  this  direction,  would  require  more  space  than  can  be  allotted  to  our 
present  work.  For  full  information  on  the  points  involved  in  this 
controversy,  the  reader  is  referred  to  Backus's  Church  History  of 
New  England,  to  Professor  Hovey's  Memoir  of  the  Life  and  Times  of 
Backus,  and  to  "Chaplain  Smith  and  the  Baptists."  One  effort  of  his 
demands  special  mention.  During  the  present  year,  which  was  one  of 
marked  importance  in  the  history  of  the  country,  the  spirit  of  resist- 
ance to  the  unjust  claims  of  England  had  greatly  increased  among  all 
classes  throughout  the  land,  until  it  was  at  length  determined  to  unite 
the  separate  colonies  in  defense  of  their  rights.  For  this  purpose  a 
Congress  of  Delegates  met  in  Philadelphia,  on  the  5th  of  September, 
1774.  This  is  known  in  history  as  the  Continental  Congress,  to  which 
Rhode  Island,  as  we  have  already  stated,  sent  as  delegates  Governors 
Hopkins  and  Ward.  To  this  Congress  it  was  resolved  to  send  Mr. 
Backus,  the  agent  of  the  Baptist  churches  in  New  England,  to  see  if 
something  could  not  be  done  to  secure  rights  and  liberties  from  the 
colonial  governments  at  home,  as  well  as  from  the  English  govern- 
ment abroad.  The  idea  originated  at  the  College  Commencement. 
Backus  in  his  diary  thus  states  the  case :  — 

September  7th.  Went  over  to  Providence  to  Commencement.  Met  with  Mr.  Gano, 
of  New  York,  and  Mr.  William  Van  Home,  of  South  Hampton,  in  Pennsylvania. 
They,  with  Messrs.  Manning  and  Hezekiah  Smith,  all  were  in  earnest  for  me  to  go  to 
the  Association,  and  also  to  the  Congress  at  Philadelphia,  and  represented  that  now 
was  the  most  likely  time  to  obtain  our  religious  liberty  that  we  had  ever  known. 

The   Association   met   in   Medfield,  as  it  had  the  year   previous, 
although   the   Baptist   church  in   the  place  was  not  constituted  until 


1774.  AND    MANNING.  277 

1776.  Being  central  it  was  convenient  for  the  churches.  In  the  printed 
minutes,  which  are  brief,  we  notice  the  following  relating  to  the  Col- 
lege :  —  "Adopted  the  plan  proposed  by  the  Association  in  Charleston, 
South  Carolina,  to  raise  a  fund  for  Rhode  Island  College,  viz.,  by  recom- 
mending to  every  member  to  pay  six  pence  sterling  annually  for  three 
years  successively  to  their  elder,  or  some  suitable  person  :  This  money 
to  be  paid  to  the  Treasurer  of  the  College."  This  shows  a  commenda- 
ble disposition.  No  large  fund,  however,  was  raised  in  this  way.  The 
members  were  too  few  and  too  poor  to  contribute  largely  to  the  support 
of  an  institution  of  learning. 

The  Circular  Letter  to  the  churches  was  prepared  by  Hezekiah 
Smith.     A  part  of  it  reads  as  follows  :  — 

And  as  it  is  a  day  of  great  affliction,  when  our  civil  rights  are  invaded,  and  our 
religious  privileges  also  are  in  danger,  we  have  concluded  to  recommend  to  you  four 
days  in  the  course  of  the  ensuing  year  for  fasting  and  prayer.  The  first  on  Friday 
hefore  the  last  Lord's  day  in  November ;  the  second  on  Friday  before  the  last  Lord's 
day  in  February;  the  third  on  Friday  before  the  last  Lord's  day  in  May;  the  fourth  on 
Friday  before  the  last  Lord's  day  in  August. 

Nothing  is  said  in  the  minutes  respecting  the  Congress  at  Philadel- 
phia ;  but  the  proposition  to  send  an  agent  to  represent  the  churches 
was  entertained,  and  the  following  certificate  was  given  Mr.  Backus  :  — 

To  the  Honorable  Delegates  of  the  Several  Colonies  in  North  America, 

Met  in  a  General  Congress  at  Philadelphia. 
Honorable  Gentlemen: 

As  the  Anti-pedobaptist  churches  in  New  England  are  now  heartily  concerned  for  the 
preservation  and  defense  of  the  rights  and  privileges  of  this  country,  and  are  deeply 
affected  by  the  encroachments  upon  the  same  which  have  lately  been  made  by  the 
British  Parliament,  and  are  willing  to  unite  with  our  dear  countrymen,  vigorously  to 
pursue  every  prudent  measure  for  relief,  so  we  would  beg  leave  to  say  that,  as  a  distinct 
denomination  of  Protestants,  we  conceive  that  we  have  an  equal  claim  to  charter- 
rights  with  the  rest  of  our  fellow-subjects ;  and  yet  we  have  long  been  denied  the  free 
and  full  enjoyment  of  those  rights,  as  to  the  support  of  religious  worship.  Therefore 
we,  the  elders  and  brethren  of  twenty  Baptist  churches,  met  in  Association  at  Med- 
field,  twenty  miles  from  Boston,  September  14,  1774,  have  unanimously  chosen  and 


278  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  VII. 

sent  you  the  Reverend  and  beloved  Mr.  Isaac  Backus,  as  our  agent,  to  lay  our  case,  in 

these  respects,  before  you,  or  otherwise  to  use  all  the  prudent  means  he  can  for  our 

relief. 

John  Gano,  Moderator. 

Hezekiah  Smith,  Clerk. 

Mr.  Backus,  having  thus  been  duly  appointed  by  the  Warren  Asso- 
ciation, set  out  for  Philadelphia  on  the  26th  of  September.  His  jour- 
ney occupied  nearly  a  fortnight.  This  circumstance  is  here  mentioned 
to  show  what  travelling  facilities  were  in  those  days,  and  what  sacrifices 
were  sometimes  made  by  ministers  who  attended  from  a  distance  the 
meetings  of  the  College  and  of  the  Associations.  Upon  his  arrival  in 
Philadelphia  he  immediately  conferred  with  President  Manning,  and 
with  the  Philadelphia  Baptist  Association,  then  holding  its  sessions  in 
that  city. 

In  the  evening  of  October  14,  says  Backus,  — 

There  met  at  Carpenter's  Hall,1  Thomas  Cushing,  Samuel  Adams,  John  Adams,  and 
Robert  Treat  Paine,  Esqs.,  delegates  from  Massachusetts;  and  there  were  also  present 
James  Kinzie,  of  New  Jersey,  Stephen  Hopkins,  and  Samuel  Ward,  of  Rhode  Island, 
Joseph  Galloway,  and  Thomas  Miflin,  Esqs.,  of  Pennsylvania,  and  other  members  of 
Congress.  Mr.  Rhodes,  Mayor  of  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  Israel  and  James  Pemberton, 
and  Joseph  Fox,  Esqs.,  of  the  Quakers,  and  other  gentlemen;  also  Elders  Manning, 
Gano,  Jones,  Rogers,  Edwards,  etc.,  were  present.  The  conference  was  opened  by  Mr. 
Manning,  who  made  a  short  speech,  and  then  read  the  memorial  which  we  had 
drawn  up. 

This  memorial,  which  may  be  found  in  Hovey's  Memoir,  after  an 
eloquent  plea  in  behalf  of  both  civil  and  religious  freedom,  recounts  in 
brief  the  various  acts  of  oppression  which  the  Baptists  had  suffered  in 
the   province   of    Massachusetts    Bay,    commencing   with   the   charter 


1  "  On  the  morning  of  the  5th  of  Septemher,  1774,  the  '  old  Congress,'  as  it  is  now  familiarly 
known  in  our  history,  commenced  its  sessions,  in  Carpenter's  Hall,  in  Philadelphia.  The  place  but 
ill  corresponded  with  the  real  magnitude  of  the  occasion.  No  tapestry  bedecked  its  walls,  no 
images  of  sages  and  heroes  of  other  days  looked  down  upon  the  scene.  Yet,  to  one  who  could  read 
the  future,  it  would  have  presented  a  simple  grandeur,  such  as  we  may  look  for  in  vain  within  the 
majestic  halls  of  the  Capitol,  and  amidst  the  imposing  forms  of  the  Constitution."— Professor 
Gammell's  Life  of  Governor  Ward. 


1774.  AND    MANNING.  279 

obtained  at  the  "happy  restoration."  What  part  Manning  had  in  the 
drafting  of  it  we  cannot  now  determine.  It  was  probably  the  joint  pro- 
duction of  several  hands.  The  introductory  plea  and  the  closing 
remarks  may  very  properly  be  attributed  to  his  skilful  pen.  A  copy 
was  afterwards  delivered  to  each  of  the  delegates,  together  with  Mr. 
Backus's  "Appeal  to  the  Public."1  The  result  of  the  conference  was 
not  at  all  satisfactory,  John  Adams  remarking  that  we  might  as  well 
expect  a  change  in  the  solar  system  as  to  expect  that  they  would  give 
up  their  Establishment;  or,  as  he  himself  gives  the  account,2  "they 
might  as  well  turn  the  heavenly  bodies  out  of  their  annual  and  diurnal 
courses,  as  the  people  of  Massachusetts  at  the  present  day  from  their 
meeting-house  and  Sunday  laws."  This  effort  of  Manning  and  his 
associates  was  nevertheless  the  means  indirectly  of  accomplishing  great 
good.  It  opened  the  minds  of  the  people  generally  to  a  knowledge  of 
their  true  position  and  principles,  and  prepared  the  way  for  the  aston- 
ishing increase  of  the  Baptists,3  and  for  the  remarkable  spread  of  their 
sentiments  throughout  the  land.  Doubtless  it  was  one  of  the  important 
agencies  which  slowly  and  silently  effected  a  change  in  the  public  sen- 
timent of  Massachusetts  herself,  until,  April  1,  1834,  the  Bill  of  Rights 
was  so  amended,  that  Church  and  State  were  separated  in  the  old  Com- 
monwealth, and  "Soul  Liberty,"  as  maintained  by  Baptists  of  every 
age,  was  finally  and  perfectly  secured. 

How  this  conference  of  the  Baptists  with  the  members  of  Congress 
was  regarded  by  their  opponents,  may  be  seen  by  an  extract  from  a 
letter  of  President  Manning,  dated  Dec.  2,  1774,  which  we  quote  from 
Hovey's   Memoir  of   Backus.     The  writer  states  that   the   following 


1  The  following  is  the  title  of  this  pamphlet,  which  Backus  had  prepared  and  published  the  pre- 
vious year :  "  An  Appeal  to  the  Public  for  Religious  Liberty,  against  the  oppressors  of  the  present 
day.  '  Brethren,  ye  have  been  called  unto  liberty;  only  use  not  liberty  for  an  occasion  to  the  flesh, 
but  by  love  serve  one  another.'  Gal.  v.  13.  Boston :  Printed  by  John  Boyle,  in  Marlborough  Street, 
1773,"  pp.  62.    A  copy  of  this  rare  pamphlet  is  in  the  library  of  the  University. 

2  See  Works  of  John  Adams,  Vol.  II.,  p.  399. 

*  In  1704,  when  the  College  was  founded,  the  Baptists  in  all  America  numbered  less  than  seventy 
churches,  with  perhaps  five  thousand  members  or  communicants.  The  lapse  of  one  hundred  and 
thirtj'-two  years  finds  them,  with  a  single  exception,  the  largest  denomination  of  Protestant 
Christians  in  the  United  States,  numbering  nearly  four  millions  of  communicants,  and  represent- 
ing twenty  millions  of  worshippers. 


280  BKOWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  VII. 

assertions  in  reference  to  said  conference  were  made  by  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Stiles,  viz. :  — 

That  the  Baptists  had  made  an  application  to  the  Congress  against  the  Massachu- 
setts Bay ;  that  the  delegates  of  that  Province  expected  only  a  private  interview  with 
some  of  the  Baptists ;  hut  instead  of  that,  when  they  came  they  found  a  house  full,  etc. ; 
that  they  were  attacked  and  treated  in  the  most  rude  and  ahusive  manner ;  that  the 
Baptists  pretended  they  were  oppressed,  hut,  after  all  their  endeavors,  they  could  only 
complain  of  a  poor  fourpence ;  that  they  were  ashamed  of  their  errand,  and  gave  up 
their  point,  except  one  or  two  impudent  fellows,  who,  with  Israel  Pemherton,  abused 
them  in  a  most  scandalous  manner ;  that  all  the  delegates  present  were  surprised  at 
and  ashamed  of  them,  and  thought  they  complained  without  the  least  foundation,  etc. 

Then  Dr.  Stiles  added  :  — 

When  ice  have  the  power  in  our  hands  toe  will  remember  them. 

In  a  copy  of  Aitken's  American  Register  preserved  among  the  fam- 
ily papers  of  Manning,  we  find  the  following  memoranda  of  texts  from 
which  he  preached  during  this  journey  in  1774  :  — 

October  16th,  at  Philadelphia,  John  ix.  27;  do.,  2d  Corinthians  iv.  17;  October  19th, 
at  Nathaniel  Drakes,  John  ix.  27;  October  22d,  at  ye  Short  Hills,  Acts  viii.  8;  October 
23d,  at  Lyons  Farms,  Galatians  ii.  19;  do.  John  ix.  4;  October  30th,  at  Newport,  Gala- 
tians  ii.  19;  do.  John  ix.27;  November  7th,  at  Providence,  Isaiah  liv.  15;  do.  Isaiah  liv. 
15;  November  7th,  at  Mr.  Foster's,  Hebrews  xii.  5. 

The  principal  measures  adopted  by  this  Continental  Congress 
were :  —  "A  Declaration  of  the  rights  of  the  Colonies,  and  a  list  of  the 
infringements  and  violations  of  them ;  "  "  An  Address  to  the  People  of 
Great  Britain;  "  "An  Address  to  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Colonies  they 
represented;"  "An  Address  to  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Province  of 
Quebec;"  and  "A  Petition  to  the  King."  They  also  signed  "An 
Association,"  binding  themselves  and  their  constituents  not  to  import 
from  Great  Britain  or  Ireland  any  goods  whatever,  or  from  any  other 
country  any  goods  the  growth  or  manufacture  of  Great  Britain  or  Ire- 
land, nor  any  East  India  tea  from  any  part  of  the  world  after  the  first 
day  of  December. 


1774.  AND    MANNING.  281 

The  delegates  from  Rhode  Island  arrived  home  after  the  close  of  the 
October  session  of  the  General  Assembly.  A  special  session  was  there- 
fore called,  which  was  held  on  the  first  Monday  in  December,  to  which 
they  reported.  Their  acts  were  approved,  and  the  thanks  of  the 
Assembly  were  voted  them  for  the  "faithful  and  spirited  discharge  of 
the  important  trust  reposed  in  them."  The  act  of  the  town  of  Provi- 
dence on  the  17th  of  May,  instructing  its  representatives  in  the  General 
Assembly  to  use  their  exertions  to  have  a  General  Congress  called,  was 
among  the  earliest,  says  Staples,  if  not  in  fact  the  earliest,  movement 
of  any  municipal  corporation  in  favor  of  a  Congress  at  this  juncture  of 
affairs.  And  the  appointment  of  delegates  by  the  General  Assembly, 
Wednesday,  June  15th,  preceded  the  appointment  of  all  the  other  del- 
egates. The  proceedings  of  the  June  session  of  the  General  Assembly 
contain  furthermore  the  earliest  proposal  for  an  Annual  Congress  by 
any  colony  or  municipal  corporation.  The  record  of  Rhode  Island  as  a 
patriotic  State  or  Colony  is  indeed  unsurpassed  by  that  of  any  other 
state  or  colony. 

36 


CHAPTER    VIII. 

1775-1779. 

Providence  during  the  first  years  of  the  "War  —  Committee  of  Inspection,  including 
prominent  members  of  the  Corporation,  appointed  by  the  town  —  Address  to  the 
inhabitants,  March  1,  1775,  in  regard  to  the  purchase  and  use  of  tea  —  Burning  of 
three  hundred  pounds  in  Market  Square  —  News  of  the  battle  of  Lexington  —  Within 
two  days  a  thousand  men  ready  to  march  to  the  assistance  of  their  brethren  in 
Massachusetts  —  Special  session  of  the  General  Assembly  —  Army  of  Observation 
appointed,  and  day  of  fasting  and  prayer  —  Governor  "Wanton  deposed  from  office 
for  disloyalty  —  Next  meeting  for  the  annual  election  of  officers  held  in  Providence 
instead  of  Newport  —  Preamble  and  resolution  of  the  General  Assembly  relating 
thereto  —  Richest  men  of  the  old  families  in  Newport,  Loyalists  —  Battle  of  Bunker 
Hill  —  Extra  session  of  the  General  Assembly  called  —  Minute  men  and  inde- 
pendent companies  drilled  —  Everywhere  sights  and  sounds  of  war  —  Attack  of  the 
British  on  Bristol  —  Communication  from  the  Senior  class  respecting  the  propriety 
of  holding  Commencement  —  Reply  of  President  Manning  and  Professor  Howell  — 
No  Commencement  for  1775  —  Prominent  members  of  the  class  —  Pardon  Bowen  — 
Robert  Rogers  —  Meeting  of  the  Corporation  —  Vote  respecting  Daniel  Gano,  John 
Hart,  and  William  Edwards  —  January  session  of  the  General  Assembly,  1776  — 
Address  to  the  Continental  Congress  representing  the  inability  of  the  Colony  from 
its  exposed  situation  to  defend  itself,  and  praying  for  assistance  —  Great  distress 
in  Providence  —  General  Assembly  in  May  repealed  the  Act  of  Allegiance  to  His 
Majesty  —  Virtually  a  declaration  of  independence  two  months  before  the  National 
Declaration  of  Independence  —  National  Declaration  endorsed  by  the  General 
Assembly,  July  18th  —  Event  celebrated  in  Providence  July  25th  —  Commencement 
for  1776  celebrated  in  the  new  Baptist  meeting-house  —  Account  from  the  Providence 
Gazette  —  Prominent  graduates  —  Meeting  of  the  Corporation  —  Petition  to  the  Gen- 
eral Assembly  to  continue  the  College  funds  in  the  treasury  of  the  Colony  —  British 
troops  land  and  take  possession  of  Newport  —  College  studies  suspended  from 
Dec.  7,1776,  until  May  27,  1782  —  College  edifice  occupied  for  barracks  and  a  hos- 
pital —  Number  of  students  up  to  this  time  —  Letter  to  Ryland  giving  a  vivid  idea 
of  the  war  —  Letter  to  Benjamin  Wallin  giving  an  account  of  the  revival  of  1775  — 
Wallin's  reply  —  Letter  of  sympathy  to  Miss  A.  Howard  —  Controversial  letter  to 
John  Berridge  on  Infant  Baptism  and  Sprinkling  —  War  of  the  Revolution  a  Church 
war  —  Disloyalty  of  the  Episcopal  clergy  —  No  Commencement  for  1777  —  Degrees 
conferred  upon  seven  members  of  the  Senior  class  —  Students  recommended  to 
prosecute  their  studies  at  home  —  Manning's  position  in  this  hour  of  trial  as  a 
man  of  influence,  and  the  Pastor  of  the  church  —  Anecdotes  respecting  —  Important 
Civil  function  —  Deplorable  condition  of  the  State  —  Letter  to  Moses  Brown  — Letter 
to  Thomas  Ustick  —  Letter  from  Judge  Howell  resigning  his  position  as  Professor  of 
Philosophy. 


1775-1779.  BROWN   UNIVERSITY.  283 

In  pursuance  of  the  recommendations  of  the  Continental  Congress, 
a  committee  of  inspection  was  appointed  by  the  town  of  Providence, 
consisting  of  eighteen  of  the  prominent  citizens.  Among  them  we 
notice  the  familiar  names  of  Jabez  Bowen,  John  Brown,  Joseph  Brown, 
John  Jenckes,  Nicholas  Cooke,  and  Joseph.  Russell,  all  active  members 
of  the  Corporation  of  the  College.  This  committee  met  at  the  cham- 
ber of  the  Town  Council  on  the  third  Wednesday  of  every  month. 
At  its  first  meeting  they  published  a  synopsis  of  the  "Association,'* 
which  the  delegates  to  Congress  recommended  and  signed.  One  of  the 
articles  of  agreement  by  the  "Association,"  had  reference  to  the  use  of 
tea  after  the  first  day  of  March,  1775.  As  that  day  approached  the 
committee  issued  an  address  to  the  inhabitants,  beginning  as  follows  :  — 

We,  the  Committee  of  Inspection,  of  the  town  of  Providence,  hesides  the  notice 
we  have  already  given  for  your  exact  conformity  to  the  Association  Agreement  of  the 
General  Congress,  think  it  our  duty,  at  this  time,  when  the  first  day  of  March  is  at 
hand,  to  remind  you,  in  special,  that  in  the  third  article  it  is  solemnly  agreed  and  asso- 
ciated, not  to  purchase  or  use  any  East  India  tea  whatever,  from  and  after  the  first  day 
of  March  next.  This  measure,  among  others,  was  thought  necessary  to  gain  redress  of 
those  grievances  which  threaten  destruction  to  the  lives,  liberty,  and  property  of  his 
Majesty's  subjects  in  North  America. 

In  accordance  with  this  address,  the  people  assembled  at  five  o'clock 
in  the  Market  Place,  on  the  second  day  of  March,  and  burned  some 
three  hundred  pounds  of  tea  brought  in  "by  the  firm  contenders  for 
the  true  interests  of  America."  A  large  fire  was  kindled,  the  tea,  a 
tar  barrel,  Lord  North's  speech,  Rivington's,  Mill's,  and  Hicks's  news- 
papers, and  divers  other  ingredients  entering  into  the  composition  of 
the  bonfire.  The  bells  of  the  several  churches  were  tolled,  and  a  large 
crowd  assembled  to  testify  by  their  presence  their  patriotism,  and  dis- 
position to  conform  to  the  recommendations  of  Congress.  Such  was 
the  spirit  which  secured  the  liberty  and  final  independence  of  the 
Colonies.1 


1  Staples's  Annals  of  Providence,  pp.  243-244. 


284  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  VIII. 

News  of  the  battle  of  Lexington,  says  Staples,  reached  Providence 
on  the  evening  of  the  19th  of  April.  On  the  morning  of  the  21st,  the 
several  independent  companies  of  this  and  the  neighboring  towns,  and  a 
body  of  the  militia,  in  all  about  one  thousand  men,  had  either  marched 
or  were  in  readiness  to  march,  to  the  assistance  of  their  brethren  in 
Massachusetts.  This  must  have  included  nearly  every  available  man 
in  Providence  and  vicinity  capable  of  bearing  arms.  Whether  any  of 
the  students  were  included  in  this  number  we  are  not  informed. 
Without  doubt  they  were  keen  observers  of  passing  events,  and  took 
an  interest  in  all  patriotic  proceedings.  Their  utterances  at  the  first 
Commencement  in  Warren,  were  in  advance  of  the  Declaration  of 
Independence. 

A  special  session  of  the  General  Assembly  was  convened  at  Provi- 
idence  on  the  22d,  three  days  after  the  battle  of  Lexington.  At 
this  session,  the  11th  of  May  was  set  apart  "as  a  day  of  fasting, 
prayer,  and  humiliation,"  and  the  Governor  was  requested  to  issue  a 
proclamation  for  the  same.  The  Assembly  also  passed  an  act  for 
raising  an  "army  of  observation"  of  fifteen  hundred  men,  "for  the 
preservation  of  the  liberties  of  America."  The  Governor  (Joseph 
Wanton)  entered  his  protest  against  this  act,  as  a  measure,  using  his 
own  words,  that  "  will  be  attended  with  the  most  fatal  consequences  to 
our  charter  privileges."  He  refused  to  issue  a  proclamation  for  a  day 
of  fasting  and  prayer,  and  to  sign  the  commissions  of  the  officers  of  the 
troops  voted  to  be  raised  by  the  Assembly.  For  this  and  other  acts  of 
disloyalty,  he  was  subsequently  deposed  from  office,  and  Nicholas 
Cooke,  the  famous  war  Governor,  was  appointed  in  his  place.  This 
act,  says  the  historian,  was  without  precedent.  There  was  nothing  in 
the  charter  which  authorized  the  Assembly  thus  to  depose  a  Governor, 
nor  in  any  law  previously  enacted.  But  this  was  an  age  of  revolution. 
The  circumstances  of  the  case  justified  the  act ;  and  it  was  warranted 
by  "the  fundamental  principles  of  the  constitution  "  of  this  and  every 
other  free  government. 

At  this  same  special  session,  the  General  Assembly  passed  the  fol- 
lowing preamble  and  resolution :  — 


1775-1779.  AND    MANNING.  285 

Inasmuch  as  there  is  the  most  apparent  urgent  occasion  that  the  General  Assembly- 
should  be  holden  in  some  place  other  than  the  town  of  Newport  at  the  approaching 
annual  election  for  the  year  1775, 

It  is  therefore  Voted  and  Resolved,  That  the  General  Assembly,  for  the  election 
of  general  officers  and  for  the  transacting  of  such  business  as  may  be  laid  before  them 
on  the  first  Wednesday  in  May  next,  be  held  at  the  Colony  House  in  Providence,  and 
that  the  Secretary  publish  a  copy  of  this  vote  in  the  next  Newport  News  and  Providence 
Gazette. 

The  charter  of  the  Colony  required  the  May  session  of  the  Assem- 
bly to  be  holden  in  Newport,  ' '  or  elsewhere  if  urgent  occasion  do 
require ; ' '  and  up  to  this  time  the  May  session  had  invariably  been 
holden  in  Newport.  The  presence  of  British  ships  of  war  in  the  harbor 
may  have  been  the  "urgent  occasion"  which  now  required  the  change. 
Or  it  may  have  been  the  suspected  disloyalty  of  Governor  Wanton  and 
of  not  a  few  of  the  other  residents  of  the  town.  Howland,  in  his 
"  Recollections,"  says :  — 

Before  the  Revolution,  as  Providence  increased  in  population  and  commerce,  an 
unreasonable  prejudice  existed  in  Newport  against  it  (Providence),  and  when  the  war 
began  the  richest  men  of  the  old  families  there  were  generally  Loyalists.  The  case  was 
different  in  Providence.    Here  there  were  none  who  took  the  side  of  the  enemy. 

It  was  amidst  scenes  like  these  that  the  Baptist  meeting-house  was 
built,  as  we  have  seen  in  a  previous  chapter.  It  was  publicly  dedicated 
with  appropriate  services  on  the  28th  of  May.  The  battle  of  Bunker 
Hill  soon  followed.  An  extra  session  of  the  Assembly  was  at  once 
called.  Committees  were  appointed  to  take  account  of  the  arms  and 
ammunition  in  the  Colony,  and  report  it  to  Congress.  Saltpetre  and 
brimstone  were  sent  to  the  powder  mills  of  New  York.  A  signal  post 
was  established  on  Tower  Hill,  and  a  beacon  at  Providence,  on  Pros- 
pect Hill.  The  Colony  was  put  upon  a  war  footing,  every  man  able  to 
bear  arms  being  required  to  hold  himself  in  readiness  for  active  service. 
A  fourth  of  the  militia  were  held  for  minute  men,  and  drilled  half  a 
day  every  fortnight.  The  Independent  Companies  were  drilled  with 
them.     The  Army  of  Observation,  which  now  numbered  about  seven- 


286  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  VIII. 

teen  hundred  men,  was  placed  under  the  command  of  Washington. 
Everywhere,  says  the  historian,1  were  sights  and  sounds  of  war.  On 
the  7th  of  October,  1775,  an  attack  on  Bristol  was  made  by  Captain 
Wallace,  who  anchored  in  the  harbor  with  fifteen  sail,  bombarded  the 
town  for*an  hour,  discharging  one  hundred  and  twenty  cannon.  Much 
damage  was  done  to  buildings,  the  neighboring  farms  were  plundered, 
and  forty  sheep  were  carried  away.  The  British  fleet  at  Newport  being 
reinforced  by  four  more  vessels  in  search  of  supplies,  Captain  Wallace 
made  a  threatening  demand  upon  the  islands  of  Conanicut  and  Rhode 
Island  for  live  stock. 

The  following  communication,  which  we  copy  from  the  Providence 
Gazette,  sufficiently  explains  the  position  of  affairs  in  reference  to  the 
Commencement  for  1775  :  — 

to  the  reverend  president,  honorable  professor,  and  the  rest  of  the  honorable 
Corporation  of  Rhode  Island  College,  —  the  dutiful  petition  of  the  Senior 
class  : 

Most  worthy  Patrons  :  —  Deeply  affected  with  the  distress  of  our  oppressed  coun- 
try, which  now,  most  unjustly,  feels  the  baneful  effects  of  arbitrary  power,  provoked  to 
the  greatest  height  of  cruelty  and  vengeance  by  the  noble  and  manly  resistance  of  a 
free  and  determined  people,  permit  us,  gentlemen,  to  approach  you  with  this  our  hum- 
ble and  dutiful  petition,  that  you  would  be  pleased  to  take  under  your  serious  consid- 
eration the  propriety  of  holding  the  ensuing  Commencement  in  a  public  manner,  as 
usual ;  whether  such  a  celebration  of  that  anniversary  would  be  in  conformity  to  the 
8th  Article  of  the  Association  formed  by  the  grand  American  Congress,  and  which  all 
the  colonies  are  now  religiously  executing ;  and  that  you  would  be  pleased  to  signify 
unto  us  your  resolution  respecting  the  same,  that  we  may  govern  ourselves  accordingly. 

J.osiah  Read,      )       Committee 
Andrew  Law,    >  in  behalf  of  the 

James  Fulton,  )     Senior  class. 
College  in  Providence,  June  8,  1775. 

To  this  communication  the  President  and  Professor  thus  reply :  — 

To  the  Committee  of  the  Senior  Class: 

Gentlemen: — Your  dutiful  and  reasonable  petition  has  been  duly  attended  to;  and 
permit  us  to  assure  you,  that  it  gives  us  no  small  satisfaction  that  the  present  members 


i  Short  History  of  Rhode  Island.     By  George  W.  Greene.    12mo.    Providence,  1877. 


1775-1779.  AND    MANNING.  287 

of  this  Institution,  and  particularly  the  respectable  Senior  class,  are  so  sensibly 
affected  with  the  distresses  of  our  country  in  its  present  glorious  struggles  for  liberty. 
We  rejoice  that  you  are  so  ready  to  sacrifice  that  applause  to  which  your  abilities  would 
entitle  you  at  a  public  Commencement ;  and  though  by  this  means  you  may  be  deprived 
of  an  advantageous  opportunity  to  give  proof  of  your  abilities  in  pleading  the  righteous 
cause  of  liberty,  for  which  your  predecessors  in  this  Institution  have  been  justly  cele- 
brated, yet  you  have  hereby  given  us  a  convincing  proof  of  your  inviolable  attachment 
to  the  true  interests  of  your  country.  Be  assured  that  we  shall  most  heartily  concur  in 
this,  and  every  other  measure  which  has  been,  or  may  be,  adopted  by  the  grand  Amer- 
ican Congress,  as  well  as  the  Legislature  of  this  Colony,  in  order  to  obtain  the  most 
complete  redress  of  all  our  grievances ;  and  deem  it  the  greatest  honor  to  which  a 
noble  and  generous  mind  can  aspire,  to  contribute  in  any  degree  towards  a  restoration 
and  reestablishment  in  our  country  of  all  those  liberties  and  privileges,  both  civil  and 
religious,  which  the  Almighty  Father  of  the  universe  originally  granted  to  every  indi- 
vidual of  the  human  race,  and  which  all  ought  to  enjoy  till  bylaw  forfeited;  which 
reason  claims,  which  the  right  of  soil,  obtained  of  the  natives  by  free  purchase,  settles 
upon  us ;  which  our  charters  insure  to  us,  and  which  have  been  recognized  by  Great 
Britain,  and  guaranteed  to  us  by  the  faith  of  the  English  nation.  These  inestimable 
rights  and  privileges  our  country  has  for  many  years  enjoyed,  —  the  source  of  its 
present  wealth  and  strength,  more  than  its  fertile  soil  or  healthy  climate ;  by  the  cruel 
and  wanton  invasion  and  violation  of  these,  she  now  bleeds  in  almost  every  vein;  and 
finally  it  is  these  that  her  noble  sons,  the  illustrious  American  patriots,  prompted  as 
well  as  justified  by  the  examples  of  heroes  in  all  ages,  are  now  prepared  to  defend,  by 
the  same  means  which  have  hitherto  preserved  the  liberties  of  Great  Britain,  and 
raised  to  royal  dignity  the  House  of  Brunswick. 

And  though  the  din  of  arms  and  the  horrors  of  a  civil  war  should  invade  our  hitherto 
peaceful  habitations,  yet  even  these  are  preferable  to  a  mean  and  base  submission  to 
arbitrary  power  and  lawless  rapine. 

Institutions  of  learning  will  doubtless  partake  in  the  common  calamities  of  our 
country,  as  arms  have  ever  proved  unfriendly  to  the  more  refined  and  liberal  arts  and 
sciences ;  yet  we  are  resolved  to  continue  College  orders  here  as  usual,  excepting  that 
the  ensuing  Commencement,  by  the  advice  of  such  of  the  Corporation  as  could  be  con- 
veniently consulted,  will  not  be  public. 

James  Manning,  President. 

David  Howell,  Philos.  Professor. 
College  Library,  June  9,  1775. 

In   accordance  with  the  decisions  of    the  College  authorities  thus 
announced,  and  for  the  reasons  assigned,   there  was  no  public  Com- 


288  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Cha*.  VIII. 

mencement,  although  the  graduating  class  consisted  of  ten, —  a  larger 
number  than  any  heretofore.  The  battles  of  Concord,  Lexington,  and 
Bunker  Hill  had  electrified  the  public  mind,  and  turned  away  its  atten- 
tion from  the  literary  performances  of  the  stage,  to  the  sterner  duties  of 
the  field  and  the  camp.  A  prominent  member  of  this  class  was  Pardon 
Bowen,  who  afterwards  became  one  of  the  most  distinguished  physicians 
of  Providence.  He  was  an  active  member  of  the  Rhode  Island  Medical 
Society,  and  for  seven  years  served  as  its  presiding  officer.  From  1817 
until  his  death  in  1826,  he  was  a  Trustee  of  the  University.  In  this  class 
also  was  Robert  Rogers,  who  served  in  the  war  as  second  and  first  lieu- 
tenant in  a  Rhode  Island  regiment.  He  was  afterwards  principal  of  a 
classical  school  in  Newport,  and  for  twenty  years  was  secretary,  treas- 
urer, and  librarian  of  the  Redwood  Library.  He  was  elected  to  the  Fel- 
lowship of  the  College  in  1788,  and  attended,  it  is  said,  nearly  every 
Commencement  and  meeting  of  the  Corporation  until  his  death  in  1835. 
In  this  class  also  was  Andrew  Law,  a  clergyman,  who  in  1820,  received 
the  degree  LL.  D.  from  Alleghany  College. 

The  Corporation  met  as  usual  on  the  first  Wednesday  in  September, 
and,  a  quorum  not  being  present,  adjourned  for  one  week.  At  the 
adjourned  meeting  ten  young  men,  members  of  the  Senior  class,  were 
admitted  to  the  degree  of  Bachelor  in  the  Arts.  It  was  voted,  "  That 
the  president  write  to  the  parents  of  Daniel  Gano,  John  Hart,  and  Wil- 
liam Edwards,  informing  them,  that  upon  their  sons  applying  at  some 
future  Commencement,  and  passing  the  usual  examination,  together  with 
their  bringing  recommendations  of  their  good  conduct,  they  may  be 
admitted  to  the  honors  of  this  College."  These  parents  were,  Rev.  John 
Gano,  Manning's  brother-in-law,  Rev.  Oliver  Hart,  of  Charleston,  South 
Carolina,  and  Rev.  Morgan  Edwards,  the  founder,  in  one  sense,  of  the 
College.  At  this  meeting  Mr.  John  Brown  was  elected  treasurer,  in 
place  of  Col.  Job  Bennet,  who  resigned  after  eight  years  of  faithful 
service. 

At  the  January  session  of  the  General  Assembly,  1776,  William 
Bradford,  deputy  governor,  Henry  Ward,  secretary,  William  Ellery, 
Joseph  Brown,  Henry  Marchant,  Sylvester  Child,  and  Gideon  Mumford, 


1775-1779.      •  AND   MANNING.  289 

were  appointed  to  draft  "  a  suitable  address  to  the  Honorable  the  Conti- 
nental Congress,  representing  the  inability  of  the  Colony,  from  its  situ- 
ation, smallness  and  poverty  to  defend  itself,"  and  praying  assistance. 
Some  extracts  from  the  address  drafted  and  adopted  will  be  of  interest 
to  the  reader  in  this  connection.  Describing  the  situation  of  the  Colony 
the  committee  say :  — 

Unfortunately,  this  Colony  is  scarcely  anything  but  a  line  of  sea  coast.  From  Provi- 
dence to  Point  Judith,  from  thence  to  Pawcatuck  river,  is  nearly  eighty  miles.  On  the 
east  side  of  the  Bay,  from  Providence  to  Seaconnet  Point,  and  including  the  east  side  of 
Seaconnet  until  it  meets  the  Massachusetts  line,  is  about  fifty  miles ;  besides  which  are 
the  navigable  rivers  of  Pawcatuck  and  Warren.  On  the  west  side  the  Colony  doth  not 
extend  twenty  miles,  and  on  the  east  side  not  more  than  eight  miles,  from  the  sea  coast 
above  described.  In  the  Colony  are  also  included  the  following  islands:  —  Rhode 
Island,  about  sixteen  miles  in  length ;  Conanicut  nine ;  Block  Island  nine ;  Prudence 
seven;  and  the  smaller  islands,  Patience,  Hope,  and  Gould  Island;  all  of  which  are 
cultivated  and  fertile,  and  contribute  largely  to  the  public  expense.  The  greater  part  of 
the  above  mentioned  shores  are  accessible  to  ships  of  war. 

After  speaking  of  ship  building  and  commerce  as  the  principal 
sources  from  which  the  inhabitants  derived  subsistence  before  the  war, 
the  address  adds :  — 

The  convenient  situation  of  this  Colony  for  receiving  supplies  from  the  other  colonies 
for  the  Continental  army  near  Boston,  we  suppose,  was  a  principal  reason  why  so  great 
a  number  of  the  king's  ships  were  stationed  in  our  Bay.  We  have  had  for  above 
seven  months  past,  two  ships  of  twenty  guns,  one  of  sixteen,  a  bomb  ketch,  and  about 
eight  tenders,  who  have  made  prizes  of  more  vessels  belonging  to  this  Colony  than  have 
been  lost  by  any  other ;  have  put  almost  a  total  end  to  commerce ;  have  committed 
repeated  depredations  in  different  parts  of  the  Colony ;  have  kept  our  coasts  constantly 
alarmed,  and  obliged  the  inhabitants  to  keep  almost  constantly  under  arms.  The  once 
flourishing  town  of  Newport,  by  the  loss  of  trade,  and  consequent  cessation  of  all  busi- 
ness, instead  of  being  able  to  contribute  to  the  expenses  of  the  war,  hath  been  reduced 
to  so  deplorable  a  state,  that  we  have  been  obliged  to  grant  money  out  of  the  general 
treasury  for  the  support  of  the  poor,  and  many  of  the  wealthy  inhabitants  have  not  only 
left  the  town  but  the  Colony.  Conanicut  and  Prudence,  lately  the  scenes  of  the  most 
wanton  and  savage  desolation  and  barbarity,  are  deserted;  New  Shoreham,  from  its 
37 


290  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  VIII. 

situation,  is  rendered  worse  than  useless  to  the  Colony,  and  the  other  islands  will  no 
longer  be  of  service  to  any  but  the  enemy.  * 

In  May  of  this  year,  the  General  Assembly  repealed  the  act  entitled 
"An  act  for  the  more  effectual  securing  to  His  Majesty  the  allegiance 
of  his  subjects  in  this  his  Colony  and  dominion  of  Rhode  Island  and 
Providence  Plantations."  The  preamble  of  the  repealing  act  is  as  fol- 
lows, as  given  in  Staples's  Annals,  to  which  important  work  we  are 
indebted  for  many  of  our  facts  during  this  eventful  period :  — 

Whereas,  in  all  States,  existing  by  compact,  protection  and  allegiance  are  recip- 
rocal, the  latter  being  only  due  in  consequence  of  the  former ;  and  whereas,  George  the 
Third,  King  of  Great  Britain,  forgetting  his  dignity,  regardless  of  the  compact  most 
solemnly  entered  into,  ratified  and  confirmed  to  the  inhabitants  of  this  Colony,  by  his 
illustrious  ancestors,  and,  till  of  late,  fully  recognized  by  him,  and  entirely  departing 
from  the  duties  and  character  of  a  good  King,  instead  of  protecting,  is  endeavoring  to 
destroy  the  good  people  of  this  Colony,  and  of  all  the  united  colonies,  by  sending  fleets 
and  armies  to  America,  to  confiscate  our  property,  and  spread  fire,  sword,  and  desola- 
tion throughout  our  country,  in  order  to  compel  us  to  submit  to  the  most  debasing  and 
detestable  tyranny ;  whereby  we  are  obliged  by  necessity,  and  it  becomes  our  highest 
duty,  to  use  every  means,  with  which  God  and  nature  have  furnished  us,  in  support  of 
our  invaluable  rights  and  privileges,  and  to  oppose  that  power  which  is  exerted  only 
for  our  destruction. 

The  act  then  goes  on  to  repeal  the  act  referred  to  in  the  title, 
requires  the  name  and  authority  of  the  King  to  be  omitted  in  all  com- 
missions and  judicial  processes,  and  that  of  the  Governor  and  Company 
of  the  Colony  to  be  inserted  in  lieu  thereof.  New  oaths  of  office  were 
also  prescribed  by  the  same  act,  omitting  allegiance  to  the  King.  This 
act,  by  its  terms,  severed  the  connection  between  this  Colony  and  Great 
Britain.  It  is  virtually,  says  Staples,  a  declaration  of  independence  ; 
and  it  is  believed  to  be  prior  in  date  to  any  act,  of  a  similar  character 
passed  by  any  other  colony.     Congress  did  not  make   its  famous  Decla- 


1  Staples's  Rhode  Island  in  the  Continental  Congress.  Edited  by  Reuben  A.  Guild.  8vo.  Provi- 
dence, 1870.  Pp.  53-54.  Great  distress,  says  Arnold,  prevailed  among  the  poor,  especially  on  the 
exposed  islands  in  the  Bay.  Providence  County  received  and  provided  for  four  hundred  of  the 
poor  of  Newport,  who  were  removed  to  Providence. 


1775-1779.  AND   MANNING.  291 

ration  of  Independence  until  July  following,  two  months  afterward. 
The  Assembly  met  to  consider  the  same  on  the  18th  of  July.  Of  course 
the  National  Declaration  received  its  sanction.  The  event  was  cele- 
brated in  Providence  on  the  25th.  The  Governor  and  members  of  the 
Assembly  were  escorted  by  the  Cadet  and  Light  Infantry  Companies 
to  the  Court  House,  where  the  repealing  act  of  the  Assembly  and  the 
Declaration  of  Independence  were  publicly  read.  A  salute  of  thirteen 
guns  from  the  Artillery,  and  the  Continental  ships  in  the  harbor  fol- 
lowed. A  public  dinner  was  provided,  and  spirited  and  appropriate 
toasts  were  given. 

This  year  Commencement  was  held  as  usual,  and  for  the  first  time 
in  the  new  Baptist  Meeting-house.  Nine  young  gentlemen  were  grad- 
uated, .and  received  their  diplomas.  The  Providence  Gazette,  under 
date  of  Sept.  7,  1776,  gives  the  following  account :  — 

On  "Wednesday  last,  was  celebrated  the  public  anniversary  Commencement  of  the 
College  in  this  town ;  the  usual  procession  was  from  the  College  to  the  new  Baptist 
meeting-house.  The  exercises  of  the  day,  being  introduced  by  a  prayer  from  the 
President,  were  the  following,  viz. :  In  the  forenoon  a  Latin  Salutatory  Oration  by  Mr. 
Mann,  upon  the  Calamities  of  War;  an  English  Oration,  by  Mr.  Thayer,  upon  the 
Advantages  of  Literature ;  and  another  English  Oration,  by  Mr.  Cummings,  satirising 
Toryism  and  Negro  Slavery. 

In  the  afternoon,  a  Latin  Syllogistic  Dispute  by  Messrs.  Thayer  and  Cummings, 
"An  leges  divinae  aliquid  ultra  vires  humanas  ab  hominibus  exigunt?"  An  English 
Oration  by  Mr.  Coe,  upon  the  great  importance  and  advantages  resulting  to  the  State, 
as  well  as  individuals,  from  a  good  education  of  youth  of  both  sexes;  an  Oration 
attempted  in  Hebrew,  according  to  the  modern  pronunciation,  without  the  vowel 
points,  upon  the  advantages  of  the  study  of  the  languages,  by  Mr.  Cummings;  after 
which  the  following  young  gentlemen  were  admitted  to  the  degree  of  Bachelor  of  Arts, 
viz. :  Curtis  Coe,  Amasa  Cooke,  Abraham  Cummings,  Ebenezer  Dutch,  William 
Edwards,  Daniel  Gano,  John  Hart,  John  Preston  Mann,  and  Jabez  Thayer. 

After  a  pertinent  and  solemn  charge,  delivered  to  the  Bachelors  by  the  President, 
the  Valedictory  Oration  was  spoken  by  Mr.  Dutch,  upon  Liberty,  with  some  anecdotes 
from  the  present  times. 

The  young  gentlemen  performed  their  respective  parts  with  much  propriety,  and  to 
the  entertainment  and  satisfaction  of  a  numerous  and  polite  assembly,  who  attended 
with  the  utmost  decorum  through  the  whole. 


292  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  VIII. 

Coe,  Cooke,  Cummings,  and  Dutch,  of  this  class,  became  clergy- 
men, and  lived  to  a  good  age.  Gano  served  in  the  war  as  lieutenant 
and  captain,  and  afterwards  settled  in  Kentucky  as  a  pioneer.  He  died 
in  Scott  county,  April  8,  1849.  Mann  of  Attleborough,  one  of  four 
brothers,  became  a  physician  and  settled  in  Newport,  where  he  was  for 
years,  says  Daggett,  the  historian  of  Attleborough,  a  leader  in  social 
circles.  He  acquired  wealth,  and  owned  a  handsome  and  extensive 
place  which  is  still  a  fine  looking  residence.  His  acquaintance  embraced 
the  most  distinguished  persons  of  his  time. 

At  the  meeting  of  the  Corporation  there  were  present  fourteen 
Trustees  and  five  Fellows.  Smith  and  Gano  were  in  the  army  serving 
as  chaplains,  and  Stillman  had  hardly  recovered  from  the  ten  months' 
siege  of  Boston,  and  the  effects  of  British  occupation.  The  Honora- 
ble Chancellor  Hopkins  being  absent,  (the  Continental  Congress  was 
now  in  session,)  the  Honorable  Darius  Sessions,  Esq.,  was  elected  Vice 
Chancellor.  "In  consideration  of  the  great  abilities,  literary  merit, 
and  the  many  eminent  services  performed  by  Major-General  Greene  to 
this  State  in  particular,  and  the  Continent  in  general,"  so  reads  the 
record,  it  was  "  Voted,  that  the  honorary  degree  of  Master  of  Arts  be 
conferred  on  him."  Col.  William  Russell  was  elected  a  Trustee  in  the 
room  of  the  Honorable  Samuel  Ward,  Esq.,  deceased.  Mr.  Russell,  it 
will  be  remembered,  was  the  one  through  whose  agency  the  lot  for  the 
meeting-house  was  purchased  of  John  Angell.  He  was  at  that  time, 
it  is  stated,  a  worshipper  at  the  Episcopal  Church.  He  was  now 
regarded  as  a  Baptist.  The  piety  and  eloquence  of  Manning  drew 
largely  from  the  other  societies.  The  following  item  in  the  records  is 
of  interest : — 

Henry  Ward,  Esq.,  agreeable  to  appointment,  presented  the  draught  of  a  petition  to 
the  Honorable  General  Assembly,  praying  them  to  continue  the  College  funds  in  the 
treasury  of  the  Colony  notwithstanding  their  vote  of  March  4th ;  which  draught  being 
agreed  to  was  presented  to  the  Assembly  by  the  whole  Corporation  in  a  body.  And 
"  the  Corporation  having  waited  upon  the  Honorable  General  Assembly,  and  being 
heard  upon  their  petition,  the  prayer  thereof  was  generously  granted." 

This  was  the  last  public  Commencement  held  during  the  war.  For 
months  the  enemy's  cruisers  had  swarmed  in  the  Bay,  interrupting  the 


1775-1779.  AND    MANNING.  293 

trade  and  commerce  of  Providence.  Their  numbers  increased  as  the 
season  advanced,  and  on  Saturday,  December  7th,  Sir  Peter  Parker, 
the  British  commander,  with  seven  ships  of  the  line,  four  frigates  and 
a  fleet  of  seventy  transports,  anchored  in  Newport  harbor,  landed  a  body 
of  six  thousand  troops  and  took  possession  of  the  place.  All  was  now 
in  confusion,  it  being  supposed  that  the  British  would  march  through 
Providence  to  Boston.  Troops  were  massed  throughout  the  town, 
martial  law  was  proclaimed,  College  studies  were  interrupted,  and  the 
students  were  dismissed  to  their  respective  homes,  as  appears  from  the 
following  notification  of  the  President,  published  in  the  Providence 
Gazette  :  — 

This  is  to  inform  all  the  students  that  their  attendance  on  College  orders  is  herehy 
dispensed  with,  until  the  end  of  the  next  spring  vacation;  and  that  they  are  at  liberty 
to  return  home,  or  prosecute  their  studies  elsewhere,  as  they  may  think  proper;  and 
that  those  who  pay  as  particular  attention  to  their  studies  as  these  confused  times 
will  admit,  shall  then  be  considered  in  the  same  light  and  standing  as  if  they  had  given 
the  usual  attendance  here.    In  witness  whereof,  I  subscribe, 

James  Manning,  President. 
Providence,  Dec.  10,  1776. 

"The  Seat  of  the  Muses,"  in  the  expressive  words  of  another, 
"now  became  the  habitation  of  Mars."1  From  Dec.  7,  1776,  until 
May  27,  1782,  the  course  of  studies  was  suspended,  and  the  College 
edifice  was  occupied  for  barracks,  and  afterwards  for  a  hospital  by  the 
American  and  French  forces. 

For  three  years,  says  Staples,  whose  "Annals  "  we  again  quote,  until 
Oct.  25,  1779,  the  British  retained  possession  of  Newport  and  the 
Island.  Their  presence  kept  the  whole  State  in  continual  alarm. 
Excursions  were  frequently  made  by  the  tenders  and  small  armed  ves- 
sels to  the  neighboring  islands,  and  to  the  main.  To  guard  against  these, 
it  was  necessary  to  maintain  a  chain  of  posts  all  around  Narragansett 


1  Dp  to  this  time  the  number  of  College  students  had  steadily  increased  from  year  to  year.  In 
1769  there  were  thirteen  students ;  in  1770,  twenty-one ;  in  1771,  twenty-five ;  in  1772,  thirty ;  in  1773, 
thirty-three ;  in  1774,  thirty-four ;  and  in  1775,  forty-one.  These  facts  we  learn  from  a  paper  pre- 
served on  file  by  Judge  Howell. 


294  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  VIII. 

Bay.  Though  aided  by  some  Continental  troops,  and  by  soldiers  from 
the  adjoining  states,  the  inhabitants  of  Rhode  Island  were  almost  con- 
stantly engaged  in  keeping  watch  and  ward.  Providence,  at  the  head 
of  navigable  water,  was  supposed  to  be  especially  in  danger.  The  town 
exhibited  the  appearance  of  a  camp.  The  College  building  was  first 
used  as  quarters  for  the  Artillery,  and  the  grounds  around  it  for  a 
parade,  and  afterwards  for  a  hospital  for  the  sick  soldiery.  The  ordi- 
nary business  of  the  town  was  suspended.  Many  of  the  inhabitants 
removed  to  places  of  safety  in  the  interior,  and  there  was  nothing  but 
the  din  of  arms,  and  the  thrilling  sounds  of  martial  music,  to  break  the 
silence  that  reigned  in  the  streets. 

President  Manning  having  thus  far  discharged  his  arduous  and 
responsible  duties  with  unwearied  assiduity  and  the  most  gratifying 
success,  now  employed  this  interval  of  relaxation  from  Collegiate  ser- 
vice in  the  labors  of  the  ministry,  and  in  various  acts  of  social  benevo- 
lence which  the  perils  and  distresses  of  that  period  in  our  national 
history  prompted  him  to  perform.  A  letter  to  his  friend,  the  Rev.  John 
Ryland,  written  a  few  days  before  the  closing  of  the  College,  gives* 
vivid  idea  of  the  war,  regarded  by  a  Christian  and  a  philanthropist :  — 

Providence,  Nov.  13, 1776. 
Reverend  and  Dear  Sir: 

After  a  long  interruption  of  our  correspondence,  an  opportunity  again  offers  of 
sending  you  a  line,  by  some  of  our  captive  brethren,  who  have  liberty  to  return  directly 
to  England.  The  bearer,  Mr.  Thomas  Mackaness,  partner  with  Mr.  Thornton,  can  give 
you  many  more  particulars  of  our  affairs  than  I  can  by  a  letter. 

Since  I  wrote  you  last  I  have  seen  both  glorious  and  gloomy  days.  The  winter 
before  last  it  pleased  God  to  pour  out  his  Spirit  upon  the  people  of  this  town  in  a  most 
glorious  manner.  I  believe  about  two  hundred  persons  were  converted  within  the 
space  of  a  few  months.  I  baptized  more  than  half  that  number  in  less  than  a  year. 
But  the  fatal  19th  of  April,  the  day  of  the  Lexington  battle,  like  an  electric  stroke  put 
a  stop  to  the  progress  of  the  work,  as  well  in  other  places  as  here.  Oh  horrid  war ! 
How  contrary  to  the  spirit  of  Jesus !  May  you  never  be  alarmed,  as  we  have  been, 
with  the  horrid  roar  of  artillery,  and  the  hostile  flames,  destroying  your  neighbors' 
habitations.  These  I  have  repeatedly  seen  and  heard,  sitting  in  my  house  and  lying  in 
my  bed.  I  desire  to  bless  God,  these  scenes  of  carnage  always  appeared  shocking  to 
me,  and  I  feel  no  disposition  to  destroy  or  injure  my  fellow-men.    May  the  Lord  turn 


1775-1779.  AND   MANNING.  295 

the  hearts  of  all  to  himself,  and  then  I  know  war  will  instantly  cease.  The  scene  of 
action,  in  a  hostile  way,  has  been  at  the  distance  of  more  than  two  hundred  miles  from 
me  this  campaign,  and  I  could  wish  it  had  heen  more  than  ten  thousand,  if  it  must  he 
at  all.  You  will  not  think  strange  that  the  colleges  have  suffered  greatly  by  this  tre- 
mendous convulsion;  though  I  believe  we  have  not  suffered  more  than  our  neighbors.. 
Our  number  is  about  thirty  ;  but  the  high  price  of  everything  amongst  us,  I  fear,  will 
drive  some  of  the  students  away. 

For  more  than  a  year  the  state  of  religion  has  been  truly  lamentable,  except  in  some 
places  in  Connecticut.  But  there  are  pleasing  prospects  opening  in  several  places 
around  us  ;  I  think  there  are  some  favorable  symptoms  in  my  congregation.  May  the 
Lord  increase  them.  There  have  been  seven  Baptist  ministers  ordained  in  New 
England  since  last  April,  and  about  that  number  of  churches  constituted  within  about 
a  year.    These  are  encouraging  circumstances  amidst  our  troubles. 

My  dear  Brother  Gano1  has  suffered  greatly  by  the  war,  and  where  he  now  is  with  his 
distressed,  numerous  family,  I  cannot  learn,  as  I  have  never  had  a  line  from  him  since 
he  was  obliged  to  quit  New  York. 

There  was  a  glorious  revival  of  religion,  last  winter,  at  Hopewell  in  the  Jerseys. 
Ninety  were  baptized  and  added  to  that  church  in  seven  months.  I  have  heard  nothing 
of  the  state  of  religion  from  the  southward  for  a  long  time ;  but  I  fear  that  politics  and 
war  have  not  promoted  it.    If  they  have,  they  have  fared  better  than  New  England. 

Mr.  Mackaness  informs  me  that  there  is  a  glorious  revival  in  many  parts  of  England, 
especially  in  the  Establishment.  I  heartily  rejoice  to  hear  the  news.  May  the  kingdom 
of  the  Redeemer  come  throughout  the  world! 

The  gentlemen  you  recommended  to  me  as  worthy  of  the  honors  of  the  College  were 
all  graduated ;  but  as  the  communication  was  shut  up  their  diplomas  were  never  writ- 
ten ;  and  as  I  have  but  sliort  notice  of  this  opportunity,  and  as  there  is  no  parchment  in 
the  country,  I  could  not  forward  them  now.  But  I  hope  it  may  not  be  long  before  these 
obstructions  are  removed. 

I  wish  you  great  success  in  your  labors  in  the  Gospel,  and  many  crowns  of  rejoicing 
in  the  day  of  Christ  Jesus.  If  possible,  let  me  have  a  line  from  you.  If  not,  grant  me 
an  interest  in  your  prayers  at  our  Father's  throne,  that  I  maybe  kept  in  the  day  of  temp- 
tation, and  be  enabled  to  fulfil  the  ministry  which  I  have  received.  With  great  respect, 
and  many  obligations,  I  remain,  dear  sir, 

Your  unworthy  brother  in  the  Gospel, 

James  Manning. 

1  Rev.  John  Gano.  He  served  as  chaplain  during  the  war,  and  hy  his  patriotic  counsels  and 
earnest  prayers  did  very  much  to  encourage  the  officers  and  privates  of  the  American  army.  After 
the  occupation  of  New  York  by  the  British,  he  retired  with  his  family  to  a  farm  within  five  miles 
of  Warwick,  near  the  New  Jersey  line.  Mr.  Manning  visited  his  family  in  May,  1779,  as  we  learn 
from  his  diary  or  journal. 


/ 


296  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  VIII. 

The  religious  awakening  to  which  Manning  here  refers  we  have 
already  alluded  to  in  a  previous  chapter.  Backus  states  in  his  church 
history  that  Manning  heard  the  celebrated  Fristoe,  of  Virginia,  during 
the  sessions  of  the  Philadelphia  Association,  in  October,  1774,  and  that 
he  returned  home  to  preach  with  renewed  zeal.  The  revival  which  fol- 
lowed is  more  particularly  described  in  the  following  letter  to  the  Rev. 
Benjamin  Wallin,  dated  Nov.  12,  1776  :  — 

Reverend  and  Dear  Sir  : 

It  is  long  since  I  have  had  the  pleasure  of  hearing  from  you,  or  an  opportunity  of 
writing  to  you,  in  consequence  of  the  perilous  times  in  which  we  live.  But  I  hope, 
though  Great  Britain  and  America  are  at  war,  that  the  saints  of  God  do  not  mean  to 
wage  war  against  each  other,  or  suffer  their  love  and  affection  towards  each  other  in  the 
least  to  abate,  because  a  wise  Providence  has  cast  their  lot  in  the  respective  contending 
countries.  I  do  not  think  it  the  business  of  the  ministers  of  Christ  to  meddle  much 
with  politics,  as  they  are  concerned  to  promote  a  kingdom  not  of  this  world.  You  will 
not,  therefore,  expect  anything  from  me  on  this  subject,  except  so  far  as  the  cause  of  the 
Redeemer  appears  to  be  affected  by  the  alarming  aspect  of  public  affairs. 

In  the  beginning  of  the  winter  of  1774,  it  pleased  the  Lord  in  a  most  remarkable  man- 
ner to  revive  his  work  in  the  town  of  Providence,  and  more  especially  among  the  people 
of  my  charge.  Such  a  time  I  never  before  saw.  Numbers  were  pricked  to  the  heart. 
Our  public  assemblies  by  night  and  by  day  were  crowded,  and  the  auditors  seemed  to 
hear  as  for  the  life  of  their  souls.  It  was  frequently  an  hour  before  I  could  get  from  the 
pulpit  to  the  door,  on  account  of  the  numbers  thronging  to  have  an  opportunity  of  stat- 
ing the  condition  of  their  minds, —  some  exulting  in  the  love  of  God  and  speaking  of  a 
precious  Jesus,  and  others  bewailing  their  awful,  ruined  state,  and  asking,  "  What 
must  I  do  to  be  saved?"  My  dear  sir,  never  until  now  did  I  so  effectually  feel  the 
insufficiency  of  instruments  to  afford  the  poor  sinner  the  least  help.  How  glorious  now 
to  view  the  all-sufficient  Saviour!  There  I  would  stand  pointing  to  him,  and  saying, 
"  Behold  the  Lamb  of  God,  which  taketh  away  the  sin  of  the  world."  This  was  all  I 
could  do.  Never  before  did  I  experience  such  happy  hours  in  the  pulpit.  Day  and 
night  my  dear  people  resorted  to  my  house  to  open  to  me  the  state  of  their  souls,  inso- 
much that  it  was  with  difficulty  I  could  at  any  time  attend  to  secular  business ;  and  I 
think  I  may  say  with  truth,  that  I  had  as  little  inclination  as  leisure  for  it,  further  than 
the  absolute  demands  of  duty  required. 

And  what  added  peculiarly  to  my  happiness  was,  that  the  Lord  visited  the  College 
as  remarkably  as  the  congregation.  Frequently,  when  I  went  to  the  recitation-room,  I 
would  find  nearly  all  the  students  assembled,  and  joining  in  prayer  and  praise  to  God. 


1775-1779.  AND   MANNING.  297 

Instead  of  my  lectures  on  logic  and  philosophy,  they  would  request  me  to  speak  to  them 
of  the  things  concerning  the  kingdom  of  God.  But  your  experience  in  the  service  of 
the  dear  Redeemer  will  enahle  you  to  form  a  more  adequate  idea  of  the  concomitant 
circumstances  of  such  a  work  of  grace  than  I  can  here  communicate.  In  a  word,  the 
mountains  seemed  to  melt  at  the  presence  of  the  Lord ;  the  pride  and  haughtiness  of  man 
were  laid  low;  and  the  Lord  alone  was  exalted.  In  the  space  of  ahout  six  months,  I 
baptized  more  than  one  hundred  persons.1  Many  were  also  added  to  the  other  churches 
of  the  town,  who,  I  believe,  were  first  added  to  the  Lord.  Thus  the  glorious  work  con- 
tinued, and  rather  increased,  until  the  fatal  19th  of  April,  when  the  affair  at  Lexington 
happened,  which,  like  an  electric  shock,  filled  every  mind  with  horror  and  compassion. 
"When  one  would  have  thought  this  would  have  promoted  seriousness  amongst  us,  it, 
strange  to  tell,  operated  the  very  reverse ;  for  since  the  fatal  day  languor  and  abatement 
of  zeal  for  God  seem  greatly  to  have  obtained,  and  instances  of  conversion  to  Christ  are 
rare.  Yet  I  hope  our  affairs  are  now  somewhat  improving.  I  have  often  labored  to 
investigate  the  cause  of  the  almost  universal  decline  of  vital  godliness  amongst  us  since 
the  commencement  of  this  unhappy  war,  but  can  find  no  other  than  that  war  is  in  its 
nature  a  hardening  judgment.  I  have  heard  of  and  know  many  places  where  the  Lord 
by  his  Spirit  appeared  to  be  at  work  when  hostilities  commenced,  and  in  every  instance 
the  work  immediately  abated.  In  one  instance  only  were  they  made  the  means  of  any 
considerable  awakening.  Yet,  blessed  be  God !  the  dews  of  divine  grace  have  distilled 
gloriously  in  many  places,  and  reformations  are  commencing.  I  know  you  will  heartily 
join  at  the  throne  of  grace  that  Christ's  kingdom  may  so  come  in  both  countries,  yea,  in 
all  the  world,  that  war  may  cease  from  the  ends  of  the  earth.  I  expect  Mr.  Thomas 
Mackaness,  merchant  in  partnership  with  Mr.  Thornton,  will  hand  you  this.  He  has 
been  a  great  sufferer  by  having  been  taken  on  his  voyage  to  Quebec,  in  consequence  of 
which  he  lost  vessel  and  cargo.  He  can  give  further  information  concerning  me,  if  you 
desire.    With  sincere  regards,  I  am,  dear  sir, 

Your  friend  and  unworthy  brother, 

James  Manning. 

The  following  reply,  the  last  letter  from  Wallin  ever  received  by- 
Manning,  shows  that  war  had  not  alienated  all  our  English  friends. 
This  fact  is  delightfully  evident  in  the  correspondence  of  a  later 
period :  — 


i  Among  those  who  became  religious  at  this  time  was  Mrs.  Manning,  whom  her  husband  baptized 
in  the  month  of  January,  1775. 
38 


298  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  VIII. 

Maze  Pond,  Southwark,  Aug.  30,  1777. 
Reverend  and  Dear  Sir: 

I  embrace  the  opportunity  of  acknowledging  your  very  acceptable  favor,  which  came 
to  hand  in  January  last.  Oh  the  wonders  of  Omnipotent  love!  Peace  on  earth  and 
good-will  to  men,  dispensed  by  the  everlasting  Gospel  in  a  rebellious  world,  like  the 
antediluvian,  corrupt  before  God,  and  filled  with  violence!  It  is  the  Lord's  doings 
and  marvellous  in  our  eyes.  Your  striking  account  of  the  heavenly  visitation  on  the 
church  and  College  over  which  you  preside  filled  me  with  gratitude  and  joy,  as  it  did 
my  people,  and  indeed  many  others,  ministers  and  respectable  individuals,  from  whom 
I  could  not  conceal  the  glad  tidings.  They  proved  as  cold  water  to  a  thirsty  soul. 
Dear  sir,  if  you  would  have  such  good  news  a  secret,  you  must  not  trust  a  man  with  it 
who  wishes  to  spread  abroad  the  salvation  of  God,  that  all  who  love  it  may  have  con- 
tinual occasion  to  glorify  his  name.  Many  thanksgivings  redounded  to  the  King  of  all 
grace  upon  a  rehearsal  of  this  glorious  display  of  his  mercy,  —  an  evidence  this  of  a 
genuine  love  among  the  saints  whose  lot  is  cast  in  the  respective  contending  countries, 
originally  united,  now  waging  war,  to  the  grief  of  all  who  wish  well  to  Great  Britain. 
What  stronger  proof  of  this  divine  grace  than  a  free  communication  and  an  unfeigned 
great  joy  in  each  other's  prosperity ! 

It  would  be  pleasing  to  return  a  similar  account  from  the  mother  country,  but  the 
state  of  religion  is  not  so  delightful  and  promising.  Indeed,  many  preachers  go  forth, 
and  the  number  of  hearers  increases,  but  it  is  not  so  strictly  in  the  way  of  the  Lord  as  I 
could  wish.  It  seems  to  me  vain-glorious,  and  in  some  respects  tending  to  confusion, 
of  which  God  is  not  the  author.  Among  the  Episcopalians  who  have  any  idea  of  gos- 
pel truth  (though  I  think  for  the  most  part  they  are  rather  superficial),  their  way  is  to 
open  a  chapel,  as  they  style  it,  and,  having  drawn  an  audience,  they  are  fixed  at  a  cus- 
tom-rate for  their  seats.  On  this  plan  many,  and  some  of  them  sumptuous  buildings 
have  been  erected,  to  which,  by  report,  great  numbers  resort.  I  would  hope  by  this 
means  some  may  be  led  into  a  saving  knowledge  of  Christ,  and  so  far  I  rejoice ;  yet  I 
cannot  but  lament  the  tending  and  the  effect  of  this  carnal  contrivance  and  vague  kind 
of  social  religion  to  the  accommodation  of  man  and  the  neglect  of  all  gospel  order.  A 
becoming  zeal  for  this  is  now  a  matter  of  reproach  with  many  among  us,  insomuch  that 
the  enlightened,  who  wish  to  be  conformed  to  the  positive  institutions  of  the  Redeemer, 
are  under  great  discouragements,  and  few  join  the  regular  churches  of  any  denomina- 
tion; so  that  a  godly  discipline  in  particular  communion  is  in  a  manner  out-of-doors. 
The  consequence  of  all  this  will,  I  fear,  be  a  greater  declension  from  real  and  practical 
piety.  The  Baptists  more  especially  are  obnoxious  to  these  popular  gentlemen,  of 
which  a  specimen  has  lately  transpired  in  an  abusive  pamphlet,  by  a  warm-spirited 
young  clergyman.    Irritated  by  some  altercations  on  a  late  baptizing  in  the  parish  of 


1775-1779.  •  AND   MANNING.  299 

his  vicarage,  he  has  fallen  foul  on  me  for  my  little  address  to  the  churches  of  the  Con- 
gregational order,  —  the  first  edition  of  which  you  have  in  a  volume  of  mine.  This  piece 
has  nothing  to  do  with  the  point  in  dehate,  and,  heing  anonymous,  was  hy  many 
ascrihed  to  a  person  of  the  Independent  persuasion  hefore  the  author  was  discovered. 
This  man  holds  me  up  to  the  puhlic  as  a  masterpiece  of  bigotry,  and  an  enemy  to  all 
Pedobaptist  communion,  and  at  the  same  time  pretends  to  much  candor. 

This  newly-adopted  mode  has  already  emboldened  some  froward  men  to  set  up  for 
themselves,  under  the  color  of  Protestant  dissenters ;  and,  among  them,  lately,  one 
Mr.  Dawson,  a  Sabbatarian  Baptist,  not  long  since  in  New  England.  Alas!  these  men 
make  a  trade  of  religion!  It  likewise  favors  party  divisions  in  church,  too  frequent, 
and  which  now  for  the  most  part  end  in  grievous  and  shameful  separations,  to  the 
prejudice  of  brotherly  love ;  it  being  the  taste  of  the  day  to  follow  new  societies  and 
teachers.  This  is  a  melancholy  case  ;  for  we  know  by  the  disciples  at  Corinth  that  in 
this  carnal  spirit  there  is  little  regard  to  the  power  and  grace  of  God  in  the  increase 
of  his  church. 

As  to  my  congregation,  they  are  in  general  steady,  and  our  church  state  gradually 
advances.  Of  late  we  have  been  favored  with  some  remarkable  instances  of  conver- 
sion ;  among  others,  last  month  I  baptized  four  young  persons  of  one  family,  brothers 
and  sisters  in  the  flesh,  the  children  of  a  deacon  lately  deceased,  who  was  the  second 
person  that  passed  under  my  hands.  This  was  in  the  year  1741.  Their  grandfather  and 
grandmother  were  also  valuable  members  of  the  church  some  years  after  I  succeeded 
my  honored  father  in  the  pastoral  charge.  The  Lord  will  not  fail,  but  may  exceed  the 
terms  of  his  promise.  His  grace  is  not  bound.  You  will  not  wonder  at  the  joy  of  the 
brethren  on  this  singular  occasion. 

I  fear  the  Papists  take  advantage  of  our  civil  and  religious  confusion.  According  to 
some  there  are  alarming  symptoms  of  their  increase  in  our  nation  and  cities.  Indeed, 
unknown  and  disorderly  societies  but  too  much  favor  their  design,  while  the  political 
sentiments  of  many  Protestants  are  a  hindrance,  at  least,  to  their  social  prayers.  But 
with  our  God  nothing  is  impossible.  May  he  pour  out  the  Spirit  from  on  high  on  both 
countries,  and  graciously  restore  our  public  tranquillity  on  an  honorable  and  permanent 
foundation ;  and  may  you,  dear  sir,  enjoy  many  happy  hours  in  the  closet  and  in  the 
pulpit,  and  again  be  employed  in  a  field  white  for  harvest,  as  in  the  year  1775. 

As  for  me,  my  age  and  infirmities  promise  little  further  capacity  for  usefulness. 
Infinite  are  the  obligations  upon  me  for  the  grace  by  which  I  have  been  sustained 
thirty-seven  years  in  the  arduous  work  of  the  ministry.  Our  great  Divine  Master  doth 
not  cast  off  his  old  servants ;  yet  the  prayers  of  my  brethren  may  subserve  to  a  finish 
with  joy ;  a  request,  I  am  persuaded,  you  will  not  deny  me. 

Having  the  honor  of  a  place  in  your  library,  it  seemed  decent  to  present  a  copy  of 
another  attempt  since  my  last.    Parents,  you  know,  sir,  oft  show  their  vanity  in  dress- 


300  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.   VIII. 

ing  up  their  children.  Excuse  the  uniform  of  the  eleventh  volume.  It  comes  in 
expectation  of  the  same  kind  reception  with  that  of  its  preceding  companions.  If  any 
hints  concerning  parables  in  general,  or  that  in  particular  which  is  the  subject  in 
hand,  prove  pertinent  and  useful,  the  author  flatters  himself  that  some  other  pen  may 
improve  them  to  public  advantage. 

For  an  increase  of  the  church's  prosperity  and  a  period  to  the  national  trouble,  we 
unite  in  our  prayers  to  the  Most  High,  with  which  I  conclude. 
Dear  sir, 

Your  very  obliged  and  affectionate  brother, 

Benjamin  "Wallin. 

P.  S.  —  The  copy  on  The  Prodigal  presented  to  the  College  with  my  most  respectful 
compliments  to  the  venerable  members,  if  it  be  needful  to  mention  so  trifling  a  matter 
to  them,  was  bound  in  readiness  soon  after  the  publication.  My  notice  of  this  oppor- 
tunity was  short,  which  it  is  hoped  will  apologize  for  the  mourning  dress  of  those 
directed  to  you  and  the  other  gentlemen,  on  whose  candor  in  perusing  them  I  rely.  If 
by  any  means  you  can  inform  me  of  the  arrival  of  these,  it  will  be  acceptable.  Before 
the  present  interruption  to  our  intercourse  took  place,  I  was  in  expectation  of  soon 
receiving  a  digested  and  authentic  account  of  your  College,  which,  I  hope,  will  survive 
the  civil  commotions,  and  prove  a  flourishing  seminary  of  learning  under  your  direc- 
tion. If  this  design  is  carried  into  execution,  I  hope  to  be  presented  with  some  copies 
the  first  opportunity. 

The  following  letter,  addressed  to  Miss  A.  Howard,  in  Scarboro, 
England,  illustrates  the  peculiar  tact  and  delicacy  of  Manning  in  his 
efforts  to  alleviate  the  distressed,  and  to  give  sympathy  and  counsel  to 
the  bereaved  and  unfortunate.  In  a  footnote  he  remarks  that  the  letter 
actually  sent  to  Miss  Howard  was  greatly  altered  and  enlarged  from 
this,  which  seems  to  be  the  first  copy.  Captain  Bell,  it  appears,  was 
taken  with  his  vessel,  by  some  of  our  cruisers,  and  brought  into  Provi- 
dence, where  he  died.  He  was  engaged  to  be  married  to  the  lady  in 
question,  who,  as  will  be  observed,  was  an  entire  stranger  to  Manning. 

Providence,  New  England,  Nov.  19,  1776. 
Dear  Madam: 

I  hope  you  will  excuse  the  forwardness  of  a  stranger  in  addressing  a  line  to  you, 
when  I  inform  you  of  the  amiable  character  given  you  by  my  dear  unfortunate  friend, 


1775-1779.  AND   MANNING.  301 

Mr.  Thomas  Mackaness ;  as  also  from  the  sympathetic  feelings  of  my  heart  under  the 
distress  which  the  news  of  the  unexpected  and  truly  lamentable  death  of  the  dear  Cap- 
tain Bell  must  occasion,  especially  considering  the  endearing  relation  which,  I  am 
informed,  he  soon  expected  to  stand  in  to  you.  Horrid  war!  What  havoc  dost  thou 
make!  To  glut  thy  rage,  must  the  youthful,  amiable,  virtuous,  and  what  exceeds  all 
these,  must  the  singularly  pious  Bell  fall  a  victim  to  thy  relentless  stroke !  Must  the 
hearts  of  tender  parents  bleed  ?  Must  more  than  half  of  all  your  happiness  on  earth 
perish?  Must  the  dear  bereaved  church  at  Hull  be  bathed  in  tears?  Must  the  tender 
orphans,  his  peculiar  care,  bewail  the  loss  of  their  kindest  benefactor,  under  thy  unnat- 
ural domain? 

But  why  do  I  open  afresh  the  wounds  which,  long  ere  this  arrives,  have  often  bled? 
You,  doubtless,  have  oft  portrayed  the  bliss  of  the  intended  conjugal  relation,  and 
recounted  the  joys  of  such  a  virtuous  connection,  which,  by  a  stroke,  is  now  all  blasted, 
and  you  sit  solitafy  as  one  forsaken,  and,  in  the  plaintive  strain  of  the  sweet  singer  of 
Israel,  cry,  Lover  and  friend  hast  thou  removed  from  me,  and  mine  acquaintance  into  dark- 
ness. "  I  shall  no  more  see  good  in  the  land  of  the  living."  But  stop,  my  friend!  Why 
these  unavailing  sighs  ?  For  whom  do  you  thus  lament  ?  Is  it  for  him  who  was  so  fully 
ripe  for  heaven,  that  earth  was  no  longer  for  him  a  fit  habitation,  — for  him  whose  heart 
and  conversation  were  so  in  heaven,  that  the  Redeemer  chose  to  receive  him  to  that 
society  where,  unmolested,  he  might  sing  those  songs  of  praise,  and  give  full  scope  to 
that  ardor  of  spirit,  which  he  had  here  so  oft  attempted,  and  so  uniformly  felt  ?  True,  the 
loss  to  you  is  great ;  but  greater  far,  to  him,  the  gain.  And  could  you  wish  to  disengage 
him  from  that  blessed  employment,  —  from  that  glorious  society  for  which  you  long, 
and  where  you  hope  to  bear  a  part  in  those  anthems  of  praise  to  God  and  the  Lamb 
forever?  Can  you  desire  that  he,  disengaged  from  every  earthly  clog,  should  again,  for 
many  painful  years,  groan  under  the  weight  of  a  body  of  death,  and  see  the  object  of 
his  highest  love  through  faith's  dim  medium,  as  we  do  now,  and  mourn  his  absence  from 
our  Father's  house,  —  and  all  this  to  gratify  and  assist  you  through  this  painful  journey 
home  to  glory?  No,  madam ;  both  reason  and  religion  forbid  this  selfish  passion;  and, 
painful  as  the  thought  of  separation  is,  I  know  your  generous  soul  can't  wish  it.  You 
only  mourn  that  you  are  left  behind,  and  that  our  degenerate  world  has  lost  his  bright 
example.  But  remember  that  he  has  left  you  in  better  hands,  — that  the  swift-revolv- 
ing years  will  soon  land  you  at  the  same  peaceful  haven,  where  not  only  he  but  Jesus 
waits  to  welcome  travellers  home.  Instead  of  pensive  sadness,  then,  cheer  up,  and,  as 
the  poet  sung,  let  us  go  singing  on.  It  will  render  the  journey  less  painful ;  and  per- 
haps more  than  half  the  way  is  passed.  Remember  that  now  your  attachment  to  heaven 
is  stronger  than  ever.  There  your  best  friend,  your  kindred  dwell,  there  God  your  Saviour 
reigns.  May  he  grant  you  his  divineipresence  to  support  you  under  the  sore  affliction, 
and  abundantly  sanctify  his  hand  to  you,  that  you  may  be  more  and  more  prepared  for 


302  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  VIII. 

glory.  Had  I  great  interest  at  a  throne  of  grace,  you  should  not  want  a  share  of  it ;  for 
I  think  if  joining  in  your  sorrow  and  mingling  a  friendly  tear  will  alleviate  your  grief, 
I  have  borne  a  part  for  you. 

Since  the  ship  was  taken  and  brought  in  here,  I  have  often  thought  I  should  have 
been  peculiarly  happy  had  it  been  the  will  of  Heaven  to  have  spared  the  life  of  the  clear 
man  whose  untimely  death  more  than  British  friends  lament.  But  here  I  find  my  want 
of  submission  to  the  will  of  God ;  for  I  am  only  happy  when  from  the  heart  I  can  say 
to  God,  Thy  will  be  done. 

Probably  I  shall  never  see  your  face  in  the  flesh ;  but  should  this  happiness  be  denied 
me,  I  hope  to  see  you  where  there  shall  be  no  more  sorrow  nor  sighing ;  where  God 
shall  wipe  away  every  tear  from  our  eyes ;  where  we  shall  see,  not  only  the  dear  man 
whom  we  lament,  but  all  the  saints  on  earth,  with  those  uncalled  as  yet,  with  Abra- 
ham, Isaac,  and  Jacob,  with  the  apostles  and  prophets,  and  the  general  assembly  of 
those  whose  names  are  written  in  heaven,  with  Jesus,  the  mediator,  a*t  their  head,  and 
God  the  Judge  of  all.  Oh!  what  a  glorious  day  when  we  shall  rise  to  this  exalted  sta- 
tion! My  dear  friend,  let  us,  then,  walk  worthy  of  such  a  calling;  that  whether  we  are 
absent  or  present  in  body,  we  may  be  present  with  the  Lord.  And  here,  I  recollect,  we 
may  have  an  interview;  I  mean  at  the  throne  of  grace.  Wishing  you  the  highest  pos- 
sible happiness,  I  subscribe  myself,  madam, 

Your  friend  and  servant, 

James  Manning. 

The  following  letter  to  the  Rev.  John  Berridge,  of  London,  shows 
Dr.  Manning  in  the  light  of  a  controversialist.  How  skilfully  he  could 
handle  the  weapons  of  polemic  warfare,  will  best  be  learned  from  its 
perusal.  The  pungency  of  its  wit,  the  force  of  its  argument,  and  the 
excellence  of  its  style  and  spirit,  amply  compensate  for  its  unusual 
length.  Mr.  Berridge,  it  may  be  added,  was  famous  in  his  day  as  a 
preacher  of  the  Whitfield  stamp,  and  was  classed  among  the  friends 
and  favorites  of  Lady  Huntington.  In  this  work  he  represents  him- 
self as  a  physician  conversing  with  his  patient  and  prescribing  for  his 
disease.  Thus  the  way  is  opened  for  a  thorough  discussion  of  practical 
and  doctrinal  Christianity,  in  language  as  plain  and  forcible,  says  a 
reviewer,  "as  was  ever  used  by  the  dreamer  of  Bedford  Jail."  The 
work  was  republished  in  1854  by  Gould  and  Lincoln,  with  a  short 
memoir  of  the  author  by  Dr.  Thomas  Guthrie. 


1775-1779.  AND   MANNING.  303 

Providence,  New  England,  Nov.  19,  1776. 
Reverend  and  Dear  Sir: 

Lately,  through  the  kindness  of  my  friend  Mr.  Thomas  Mackaness,  of  London,  I 
had  the  perusal  of  the  "Christian  "World  Unmasked.1  Pray,  Come  and  Peep.  By 
John  Berridge,  A.M.,  etc."  8vo.  Lond.,  1773.  I  accepted  the  invitation,  and  found  the 
hook  in  general  corresponded  well  to  the  title-page,  until  I  came  to  pp.  223-5,  inclusive, 
when  I  peeped  again,  hut  could  not  discover  the  least  gleam  of  light,  and  therefore 
concluded  the  mask  was  in  the  way ;  when  lo !  I  turned  to  my  New  Testament,  and 
found  that  light  which  is  concealed  by  a  veil  while  we  search  the  Old  for  New  Testa- 
ment ordinances.  Ay,  Baptist,  Baptist ;  I  thought  you  were  a  water-fowl  when  you 
referred  to  the  pages.  Well,  be  it  so;  if  he  can  be  an  instrument  to  pick  open  your 
«yes  a  little  wider,  I  hope  you  will  have  no  objection  to  him  on  that  account.  You 
say,  "I  would  hate  no  man,  and  do  condemn  no  man  for  thinking  differently  in  this 
matter."  Now  if  you  mean  to  place  the  emphasis  on  thinking,  I  think  I  shall  not  fare 
well  for  saying  differently.  However,  as  you  have  made  very  free  with  the  Grazier, 
I  hope  I  may  with  the  Doctor,  upon  the  same  principle,  without  offense. 

You  say  that  you  have  no  doubt  that  infant-baptism  is  attended  with  the  same 
blessing  that  infant-circumcision  was  formerly.  Both  the  ordinances  are  of  God's 
appointment,  etc.  Till  now,  I  find  you  producing  plain  Scripture  warrant  for  the 
glorious  doctrines  you  advance.  And  must  we  only  rely  upon  the  Doctor's  bare  word 
for  the  truth  of  this  last  assertion?  "What  shall  I  say,  then,  to  that  voice  I  hear  from 
Heaven,  "This  is  my  beloved  Son,  hear  ye  him,"  and  that,  too,  in  the  presence  of  Moses 
andElias?  Pray,  Doctor,  have  me  excused  till  you  point  me  to  the  page  where  this 
great  prophet  authorizes  you  to  say  this.  I  have  carefully  examined  the  dispensatory, 
but  can  find  no  such  prescription  between  the  lids  of  it.  You  ask  why  Christian  chil- 
dren may  not  be  received  into  the  church's  fold  by  baptism,  as  were  the  Jewish  by 
circumcision.  Answer :  The  former  was  by  God's  special  appointment,  but  not  the 
latter.  Surely,  then,  wide  is  the  difference  in  their  case.  To  say  nothing  is  said  lo  for- 
bid them,  is  not  sufficient  to  a  truly  Christian  Protestant  doctor ;  for  if  it  is  necessary, 
totidem  verbis,  for  the  Scripture  to  forbid  everything  practised  under  the  name  of  Chris- 
tianity, which  is,  notwithstanding,  contrary  to  the  true  genius  of  the  gospel,  it  would 
require  a  Bible  ten  times  as  large  as  Dr.  Gill's  Exposition  of  it.  And  then  what  should 
we  field-preachers  and  the  recruiting  sergeants  of  the  country  do  ?  But  pray,  Doctor, 
is  baptism  a  moral  precept,  or  an  institution  purely  positive  ?  If  the  latter,  why  need 
we  wreck  and  torture  our  brains  to  find  a  reason  for  either  mode  or  subjects,  time  or 
place,  or  anything  further  than  what  the  New  Testament  simply  informs  us  concerning 


1 A  copy  of  this  work  is  in  the  writer's  possession.    It  is  probably  the  copy  which  Manning 
perused,  as  it  was  obtained  through  a  member  of  his  family. 


304  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  Yin. 

it,  as  there  is  the  only  place  where  we  should  look  for  it?  Or  why  need  we  he  dis- 
tressed how  little  children  should  he  brought  to  Christ,  while  he  has  not  seen  fit  to 
teach  us  the  way  in  which  it  should  he  done  ? 

In  the  next  paragraph,  you  say  that  children  dying  unbaptized  are  left  to  God's 
uncovenanted  mercy ;  and  what  that  is,  no  mortal  can  tell.  But  I  think  I  will  under- 
take to  tell  what  it  is  when  the  Doctor  gives  me  a  satisfactory  account  how  baptismal 
water,  through  the  grace  of  Christ,  does  wash  away  the  guilt  of  original  or  birth-sin  (so 
that  dying  before  they  can  discern  between  good  and  evil,  etc.,  they  will  be  saved), 
consistent  with  the  whole  tenor  of  the  rest  of  this  performance,  where  the  merits  of 
Christ,  applied  by  the  Spirit  of  God,  alone  cleanses  from  sin ;  especially  at  the  top  of 
page  223,  where  the  Doctor  asserts  the  right  to  pardon,  and  a  claim  to  eternal  life,  are 
wholly  treasured  up  in  Christ,  and  only  are  attained  through  faith  in  him ; —  I  say,  when 
the  Doctor  gives  a  solution  of  this  Gordian  knot,  I  will  undertake  the  other  part  prom- 
ised. "Will  the  Doctor  assert  that  infants,  who  are  not  capable  of  discerning  between 
good  and  evil,  are  capable  of  believing  in  a  gospel  sense?  If  not,  will  he  assert  that 
they  will  be  saved  without  a  right  to  pardon,  or  any  claim  to  eternal  life,  which  are  blessings 
treasured  up  in  Christ  ?  I  cannot  see  how  this  difficulty  can  be  solved,  without  recourse 
to  believing  by  proxy,  which  I  think  the  Doctor  will  not  recur  to,  lest  the  Grazier 
should  learn  the  trick,  and  get  the  curate  to  believe,  in  his  stead,  that  he  might  follow 
more  agreeable  business  and  yet  be  safe,  and  after  all  vanquish  the  Doctor  with  his 
own  weapon.  But  if  there  is  so  much  efficacy  in  baptism,  it  is  a  pity  everybody  should 
not  partake  of  it.  And  pray,  can  anybody  administer  it  that  pleases  ?  or  must  he  be  a 
clergyman  ?  If  so,  alas !  what  shall  our  poor  American  church-people  do  ?  For  since 
the  King's  naughty  ministers  undertook  to  enslave  the  colonies,  the  rebel  congresses, 
conventions,  committees,  etc.,  have  forbid  the  clergy  to  pray  for  the  King,  and  they  are 
so  sulky  that  they  will  neither  preach,  pray,  baptize,  nor  anything  else.1    And  now 


1  Perhaps  Dr.  Manning  is  too  sweeping  in  his  remarks  touching  the  loyalty  of  the  Episcopal 
clergy.  It  is  certain,  however,  that  there  was  ample  foundation  for  such  remarks.  In  the  chapter 
of  Staples's  Annals  devoted  to  ecclesiastical  history,  we  find  that  the  Rev.  John  Graves,  who  was 
the  rector  of  the  Episcopal  church  in  Providence  until  July,  1776,  declined  to  officiate  after  that 
period,  because  he  could  not  be  permitted  to  read  the  usual  and  ordinary  prayers  for  the  King, 
which  he  considered  himself  bound  by  his  ordination  vows  to  offer.  The  church  was  in  conse- 
quence closed,  most  of  the  time,  during  the  Revolution.  Writers  like  Backus  have  termed  the 
War  of  the  American  Revolution  a  "Church  war,"  or  in  other  words,  a  war  carried  on  by  the 
church  party.  It  is  certain  that  a  large  proportion  of  the  "  Loyalists,"  or,  as  they  were  called  by 
Washington  and  his  adherents,  "  Tories,"  were  of  the  Episcopal  faith.  Thus,  while  the  whole 
number  of  regulars  enlisted  for  the  Continental  service  from  the  beginning  to  the  close  of  the 
struggle,  as  stated  by  Sabine,  in  his  ''American  Loyalists,"  was  231,959,  Puritan  New  England 
equipped  and  maintained  above  one-half  of  this  number,  or  118,350.  Most  of  the  Episcopal  clergy, 
this  author  states,  "  not  only  espoused  the  cause  of  the  adverse  side,  but  abandoned  their  flocks 
and  the  country."  For  a  clear  account  of  the  relations  of  the  Church  of  England  to  the  American 
Colonies,  see  Thornton's  "  Pulpit  of  the  American  Revolution." 


1775-1779.  AND   MANNING.  305 

must  the  poor  infants  who  may  happen  to  die  all  perish  through  their  ohstinacy,  the 
wickedness  of  the  congresses,  and  the  King's  ministers  ?  If  this  he  the  case,  I  hope 
the  Doctor's  patriotism  will  furnish  the  minority  with  a  new  argument,  to  urge  at  the 
next  sitting  of  Parliament  the  repeal  of  the  laws,  and  which  must  he  very  forcible,  for 
I  do  not  believe  that  administration  ever  intended  to  kill  our  souls.  I  know  pious 
Lord  Dartmouth  will  turn  ahout ;  for  it  is  storied  in  America  that  he  was  very  squeam- 
ish when  they  determined  to  kill  only  their  bodies.  I  was  glad,  however,  to  find,  with 
the  Grazier,  you  were  not  "  forgetting  Jesus  Christ  to  help  out  some  defects,"  in  which 
you  put  the  grace  of  Christ  together  with  "  baptismal  water, —  especially  as  a  man  of  a 
plain  understanding  might  conclude  the  former  quite  sufficient  of  itself ;  though  the 
Doctor  seems  to  have  given  baptismal  water  the  preference,  agreeable  to  the  Grazier's 
method  of  discharging  sinful  debts,  or  paying  a  decent  part  of  the  shot  himself,  and 
leaving  Jesus  to  discharge  the  rest  of  the  reckoning.  But  how  will  this  comport  with 
the  sentiment  advanced  in  page  176:  "It  matters  not  at  all  whether  the  work  be  ritual 
or  moral,  while  we  seek  to  be  saved  by  it.  If  we  seek  at  all  to  be  saved  by  any  work 
of  our  own,  we  fall  from  grace."  Pray,  Doctor,  is  not  baptism  as  much  a  work  as 
circumcision  ? 

On  page  224  you  quote  God's  declaration  to  Abraham,  long  before  Jesus  was  given, 
"  That  an  uncircumcised  child  shall  be  cut  off  from  his  people ;  he  hath  broken  my  cove- 
nant" (Gen.  xvii.  16),  and  say  the  covenant  here  spoken  of  is  not  the  Sinai  covenant, 
but  the  covenant  of  grace.  Circumcision  was  the  outward  sign  of  this  covenant  to 
Abraham,  as  baptism  is  to  us.  The  outward  rite  is  different,  but  the  covenant  the  same. 
This  I  compared  with  pp.  33,  144,  where  I  find  it  thus  written:  "  If  you  desire  benefit 
from  the  covenant  of  grace,  you  must  be  baptized,  and  if  you  seek  advantage  from  the 
covenant  of  works,  you  must  be  circumcised.  A  rite  of  initiation  is  appointed  to  both 
the  covenants,  and  you  cannot  enter  into  both  without  partaking  of  the  double  rite." 
In  a  covenant  of  works  a  man  must  work  for  life  by  his  own  will  and  power,"  etc.  "  The 
tenor  of  this  covenant  is,  do  and  live,  transgress  and  die,"  etc.  "In  the  covenant  of 
grace  all  things  are  purchased  for  us,  and  bestowed  upon  us  generously  and  freely. 
These  two  covenants  are  called  the  old  and  the  new ;  no  more  are  noticed  in  Scripture ; 
and  a  suitable  law  respecting  both  is  mentioned, —  the  law  of  works  and  the  law  of 
faith  (Rom.  iii.  27).  All  other  laws  are  cobwebs  of  a  human  brain,  such  as  the  law  of 
sincere  obedience,  the  law  of  love,"  etc.  And  pray  why  not  the  law  of  infant  baptism? 
Now  if  the  covenant  made  with  Abraham  was  the  covenant  of  grace,  and  circumcision 
was  the  sign  of  it,  why  are  we  told  that  if  we  desire  benefit  from  the  covenant  of  works 
we  must  be  circumcised?  It  cannot  be  because  these  two  very  different  covenants  have 
the  same  rites  of  initiation ;  because  the  Doctor  says  their  rites  are  different,  unless  the 
covenant  of  grace  in  Abraham's  days  is  a  covenant  of  works  in  ours  ;  for  there  are  but 
two  covenants,  the  old  and  the  new,  noticed  in  the  Scriptures. 
39 


306  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  VIII. 

But  I  will  leave  you  to  compare  these  passages  yourself,  without  further  insisting 
upon  their  inconsistency,  and  come  to  the  dernier  resort:  "  That  no  harm  can  possihly 
arise  from  baptizing  an  infant."  Stop,  Doctor,  stop;  these  expressions  are  very  strong, 
—  I  fear  much  too  strong.  For  did  not  the  Doctor  say,  page  222,  "  That  much  people, 
who  are  strangers  to  the  work  of  regeneration,  suppose  the  new  birth  is  only  their  bap- 
tism, and  that  every  one  is  born  again  who  is  baptized?  "  And  is  it  strange  they  should 
think  so  when  they  hear  thanks  returned  to  God  on  its  performance,  that  it  is  so  by  the 
doctors  appointed  to  that  service  ?  Surely,  to  lead  such  multitudes  into  error  in  such  an 
important  article  as  that  of  regeneration,  cannot  be  such  a  harmless  thing,  especially  if 
Ave  believe  our  Saviour's  account  of  it  (Johniii.  3).  Besides,  it  makes  great  doctors  con- 
tradict themselves  when  they  write  or  talk  about  the  covenants.  If  I  were  one  of  those 
doctors,  I  should  think  this  was  some  harm.  But,  most  of  all,  it  is  invading  the  kingly 
office  of  the  great  Redeemer;  for  I  can  see  no  reason  why  the  merits  of  saints  may 
not  be  mingled  with  the  merits  of  Christ  to  save  the  Christian,  as  the  laws  or  ordi- 
nances of  men  with  those  of  Christ  to  rule  and  govern  it.  Shall  we,  like  Uzzah,  not 
trust  the  Lord  v>holly  with  his  ark,  but  must  have  a  meddling  finger  ?  I  forbear  to  recite 
the  following  part  of  your  sentence.  I  must  mention  one  more  evil  which  arises  from 
baptizing  infants,  which  is  this:  The  practice  constrains  those  servants  of  God  who 
practice  it  often  to  wrest  and  explain  away  the  plain,  obvious  sense  of  Scripture  to  vin- 
dicate it;  especially  to  give  such  representations  of  the  covenant  of  grace  as  mars  its 
glory,  and  encourages  the  opposers  of  the  glorious  doctrines  of  grace  in  rejecting  the 
pure  gospel  of  Jesus  Christ.  This  has  often  grieved  my  heart,  and  in  no  case  more  than 
in  reading  your  book,  where  the  glorious  Redeemer  is  exalted  in  his  office,  nature  and 
grace,  and  the  pride  of  man  stained,  until  you  get  hampered,  I  think  with  infant-bap- 
tism, which  neither  we  nor  our  fathers  are  able  to  prove  was  ever  the  mind  of  Christ. 
Upon  this  principle  I  concluded  to  address  to  you  a  line ;  not  under  the  notion  of  a  dis- 
pensation, but  in  a  friendly  way  to  hint  at  what  I  thought  mistakes  in  your  performance. 

You  may  probably  esteem  me  rigid,  from  this  specimen,  and  greatly  attached  to 
externals ;  -but  I  think  otherwise  of  myself.  I  think  I  love  the  followers  of  the  Lamb, 
under  whatever  denomination  they  pass  amongst  men.  I  esteem  them  my  brethren, 
and  feel  disposed  to  make  all  proper  allowances  for  the  prejudices  uf  education,  and  the 
weaknesses  of  human  nature,  knowing  that  I  myself  also  am  in  the  body,  and  pecul- 
iarly need  the  candor  of  my  Christian  friends.  I  hope,  therefore,  that  the  benevolence 
of  my  intentions  will  apologize  for  the  rudeness  of  my  manner.  I  shall  always  rejoice 
to  hear  that  dear  Mr.  Berridge  is  alive  for  God,  —  is  held  as  a  star  in  the  right  hand  of 
Jesus,  and  is  honored  with  many  seals  of  his  ministry,  even  though  he  should  continue 
to  think  and  practise  very  different  from  myself  relative  to  the  mode  and  subjects  of 
biptism;  though  I  sincerely  pray  that  you  may  be  set  entirely  right  in  this  matter. 
And  blessed  be  God,  he  has  left  us  a  rule  which  is  able  to  make  wise  unto  salvation 


1775-1779.  AND    MANNING.  307 

through  faith  in  Jesus  Christ.  May  all  our  doctrines  and  practices  be  governed  by 
that;  and  may  the  Spirit  of  truth  lead  us  into  all  truth,  and  ever  keep  us  humble,  solely 
relying  on  the  Lord  for  those  supplies  of  grace  and  help  which  we  always  need.  May 
the  God  of  Blessing  bless  you.    I  am,  reverend  and  dear  sir, 

Your  friend  and  servant  in  the  Gospel, 

James  Manning. 

On  Wednesday,  Sept.  3,  1777,  the  members  of  the  Corporation,  as 
appears  from  the  records,  met  in  the  new  Baptist  meeting-honse,  and 
conferred  degrees  upon  seven  members  of  the  Senior  class,  who  had 
been  examined  the  day  previous,  in  accordance  with  the  following, 
which  we  take  from  the  Providence  Gazette.  There  was  no  Commence- 
ment :  — 

As  the  term  of  vacation  in  the  College  is  now  expired,  the  students  are  hereby 
informed,  that,  in  the  present  state  of  public  affairs,  the  prosecution  of  studies  here  is 
utterly  impracticable,  especially  while  this  continues  a  garrisoned  town.  It  is  there- 
fore recommended  to  them  to  prosecute  their  studies  elsewhere  for  the  present,  to  the 
best  advantage  in  their  power.  The  Senior  class  are  desired  to  meet  at  the  College,  to 
pass  their  examination,  and  receive  their  degrees  at  the  usual  time,  being  the  2d  day  of 
September  next,  unless  the  College  should  be  called  together  sooner.  In  behalf  of  the 
Corporation, 

James  Manning. 

Providence,  May  16,  1777. 

There  was  no  further  meeting  of  the  Corporation  held  until  May  5, 
1780,  when  an  attempt  was  made  to  revive  the  instruction  of  the  College. 

The  years  following  the  breaking  up  of  the  College  were  seasons  of 
great  distress.  Many  families  left  the  town,  unable  to  obtain  a  sub- 
sistence. The  records  of  the  church  show  that  members  of  influence 
and  property,  some  of  them  warm  personal  friends  of  Manning,  were 
really  objects  of  commiseration.  It  was  the  delight  of  the  Pastor,  in 
this  hour  of  trial,  when  members  of  his  flock  were  scattered  by  the  war, 
and  the  influences  of  literature  seemed  paralyzed,  to  aid  the  needy,  and 
to  throw  the  sunshine  of  Christian  sympathy  around  the  path  of  the 
afflicted.  His  knowledge  of  the  world,  his  courtly  manners,  his  Chris- 
tian meekness,  combined  with  his  extraordinary  energy  of  character, 


308  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  VIII. 

enabled  him  to  move  at  ease  in  every  class  of  society,  and  thus  to  pro- 
mote the  good  of  all.  The  following  instance  of  his  humane  disposition 
is  thus  related  by  Howland,  in  his  brief  memoir  of  Dr.  Manning,  pub- 
lished in  the  year  1815  in  the  Rhode  Island  Literary  Repository :  — 

He  enjoyed  the  confidence  of  the  General  commanding  in  this  department,  and  in  one 
instance  in  particular  had  all  the  benevolent  feelings  of  his  heart  gratified,  even  at  the 
last  moment,  after  earnest  entreaty,  by  obtaining  from  General  Sullivan  an  order  of 
reprieve  for  three  men  of  the  regular  army  who  were  sentenced  to  death  by  that  inex- 
orable tribunal,  a  court-martial.  The  moment  he  obtained  the  order  revoking  the  sen- 
tence, he  mounted  his  horse  at  the  General's  door,  and,  by  pushing  him  to  his  utmost 
speed,  arrived  at  the  place  of  execution  at  the  instant  the  last  act  had  begun  which  was 
to  precipitate  them  into  eternity.  With  a  voice  which  none  could  disobey,  he  com- 
manded the  execution  to  stay,  and  delivered  the  General's  order  to  the  officer  of  the 
guard.  The  joy  of  the  attending  crowd  seemed  greater  than  that  of  the  subjects  of 
mercy ;  they  were  called  so  suddenly  to  life  from  the  last  verge  of  death,  they  did  not 
for  a  moment  feel  that  it  was  a  reality. 

In  the  same  memoir  Mr.  Howland  thus  relates  the  history  of  an 
important  civil  function  which  was  confided  to  Dr.  Manning,  and  by  him 
most  skilfully  discharged  :  — 

The  repeated  calls  of  the  militia,  while  the  enemy  remained  in  this  State  (Rhode 
Island),  operated  with  peculiar  severity.  In  some  districts  the  ground  could  not  be 
planted,  and  in  others  the  harvest  was  not  reaped  in  season ;  the  usual  abundance  of 
the  earth  fell  short,  and  he  who  had  the  best  means  of  supply  frequently  had  to  divide 
his  store  with  a  suffering  neighbor.  In  addition  to  this,  laws  existed  in  several  States 
prohibiting  the  transport  of  provisions  beyond  the  State  boundary.  The  plea  for  these 
restrictions  was  that  there  was  danger  of  the  enemy  being  supplied ;  but  the  real  cause 
was  to  retain  the  provisions  for  the  purpose  of  furnishing  their  State's  quota  of  troops, 
as  the  war  was  generally  carried  on  by  the  energy  of  the  governments  of  the  individual 
States.  These  restrictions  came  with  double  weight  on  the  citizens  of  Rhode  Island,  as 
a  great  part  of  the  State  was  in  the  possession  of  the  enemy,  and  the  remainder  was  filled 
with  those  who  had  fled  from  the  islands  and  the  coasts  for  safety.  These  restrictions 
and  prohibitions  were  variously  modified ;  but  under  all  their  variations,  which  referred 
chiefiy  to  the  mode  of  executing  the  law,  the  grievance  was  the  same.  The  Governor 
and  council  of  war  of  Rhode  Island,  wishing  to  give  their  language  of  remonstrance  a 
power  of  impression  which  paper  could  not  be  made  to  convey,  commissioned  Dr.  Man- 


1775-1779.  AND    MANNING.  309 

ning  to  repair  to  Connecticut,  and  represent,  personally,  to  the  government  of  that  state 
our  peculiar  situation,  and  to  confer  with  and  propose  to  them  a  different  mode  of  pro- 
cedure. The  Doctor  in  this  embassy  obtained  all  that  he  desired ;  the  restrictions  were 
removed,  and,  in  addition  to  this,  on  his  representation  of  the  circumstances  of  the  refu- 
gees from  the  islands,  contributions,  in  money  or  provisions,  were  made  in  nearly  all  the 
parishes  in  the  interior  of  Connecticut,  and  forwarded  for  their  relief. 

Arnold,  under  date  of  Jan.  21,  1779,  thus  writes  concerning  this 
period :  — 

The  deplorable  condition  of  the  State  was  represented  in  a  touching  letter  from 
Governor  Greene  to  the  Assembly  of  Connecticut:  " The  most  obdurate  heart  would 
relent  to  see  old  age  and  childhood,  from  comfortable  circumstances,  reduced  to  tbe 
necessity  of  begging  for  a  morsel  of  bread."  Two  thousand  persons  driven  from  the 
island  of  Rhode  Island  were  scattered  about,  homeless  and  penniless  through  the 
State,  but  chiefly  in  Providence,  dependent  upon  public  or  private  charity.  Deputy 
Governor  Bowen  and  Dr.  Manning  were  sent  to  represent  the  case  to  the  Assembly  of 
Connecticut  and  obtain  leave  to  purchase  grain  in  their  behalf.  A  memorial  to  Con- 
gress was  also  prepared.  The  response  to  both  of  these  appeals  was  noble.  Connecti- 
cut allowed  seven  thousand  bushels  of  grain  to  be  exported  to  Rhode  Island,  and 
donations  were  secured  in  that  State  amounting  to  five  hundred  bushels  of  grain  and 
£4,300  in  money. 

The  following  letter  to  Moses  Brown  will  be  found  specially  inter- 
esting. It  belongs  to  the  Rhode  Island  Historical  Society,  which  has 
kindly  permitted  us  to  copy  it  for  the  present  work :  — 

Providence,  March  25,  1779. 
Respected  Friend: 

The  distress  of  the  poor  in  this  town  for  want  of  bread  is  so  great,  that  unless  some 
speedy  provision  can  be  made,  I  fear  many  must  suffer  extremely,  if  not  perish.  Upon 
looking  into  the  matter  I  can  see  but  one  way  to  prevent  it;  and  that  is  that  those  who 
have  any  more  than  for  a  present  supply  for  their  families  should  lend  it  to  Capt.  Peleg 
Clarke,  to  be  immediately  distributed,  and  to  repay  it  on  the  arrival  of  the  grain  from 
Connecticut,  which  the  depths  of  the  roads  prevent  being  brought  until  better  weather. 
Clarke  says  he  will  do  this,  as  soon  as  in  his  power.  But  all  agree  that  unless  twenty 
bushels  can  be  got,  such  a  distribution  will  be  impracticable,  so  great  is  the  number  in 
distress.  I  have  got  ready  five  bushels  of  Indian  corn,  of  Arthur  Fenner,  two  bushels 
of  rye ;  and  if  you  can  do  anything  in  this  way,  I  should  be  glad  if  you  would  com- 


310  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  VIII. 

municate  it  to  Captain  Clarke  as  soon  as  may  be.    It  would  be  best  to  have  the  whole 

ground,  and  distributed  at  the  Market  House.    I  know  I  need  use  no  arguments,  but 

only  recite  the  facts  to  a  benevolent  mind. 

I  am  yours, 

James  Manning. 

In  this  connection  we  cannot  refrain  from  quoting  another  anecdote 
of  Manning,  as  an  illustration  of  his  readiness  to  use  every  opportunity 
to  benefit  the  souls  of  his  fellow-men.  We  find  it  in  Stone's  Life  and 
Recollections  of  Rowland.  In  May,  1780,  occurred  "the  dark  day," 
so  often  referred  to  by  the  chroniclers  of  that  period.1  At  noon  all 
ordinary  business  was  suspended.  Fowls  sought  their  roosts,  cattle 
retired  as  at  night,  and  men  stood  appalled  at  the  dread  appearances. 
"I  went,"  says  Howland,  "into  the  street,  where  many  persons  were 
assembled,  and  among  others  Dr.  Manning.  A  powerful  man,  but 
profligate,  advanced  up  to  the  President,  and  said,  '  How  do  you 
account  for  this  darkness,  sir  ?  what  does  it  mean  ?'  The  President, 
with  great  solemnity  of  manner,  replied,  'I  consider  it,  sir,  as  a  pre- 
lude to  that  great  and  important  day  when  the  final  consummation  of 
all  things  is  to  take  place.'  " 

A  letter  which  we  find  addressed  to  his  friend  and  former  pupil  the 
Rev.  Thomas  Ustick,  now  in  Ashford,  Connecticut,  shows  that  the 
College  was  uppermost  in  all  his  thoughts  and  plans,  even  though  the 
fortunes  of  war  had  suspended  its  public  exercises :  — 

Providence,  Nov.  17,  1778. 
Dear  Sir: 

I  am  told  that  Mr.  Kelly  has  entirely  quitted  Pomfret,  to  their  great  disappointment. 
There  was  a  large  gathering  of  people  attended,  and  the  prospect  was  encouraging  of 
great  good  to  be  done  there.  In  a  letter  to  Brother  Thurber,  I  mentioned  the  proba- 
bility of  your  supplying  them,  at  least  for  the  present,  and  perhaps  of  settling  amongst 
them  for  life,  if  you  and  they  are  blessed  together.  Should  that  be  the  case,  it  would 
be  a  good  place  for  a  Latin  school,  a  nursery  for  the  College,  which  I  wish  you  imme- 
diately to  engage  in,  and  endeavor  to  influence  as  many  as  you  can  of  our  people  to 
educate  their  children.    The  present  state  of  the  Baptist  society  in  New  England 


i  For  an  account  of  the  "  Dark  Day,"  by  Professor  Williams,  see  Memoirs  of  the  American 
Academy  of  Arts  and  Sciences,  Vol.  I.    See  also  Holmes's  Life  of  Stiles,  p.  265. 


1715-1779.  AND    MANNING.  311 

must  convince  us  all  of  the  importance  of  having  men  of  education  in  all  parts  of  the 
country.  I  am  very  sorry  that  I  did  not  think  to  mention  something  of  this  to  the 
Association:  but  I  have  written  and  am  about  writing  to  all  our  ministers  capable  of 
teaching  Latin,  to  immediately  engage  in  the  business.  I  hope,  from  present  appear- 
ances, that  college  orders  may  be  again  revived  next  spring.  I  think  you  ought  at  least 
to  visit  Pomfret  and  help  them  under  their  present  disappointment,  as  I  understand 
you  do  not  preach  statedly  at  Ashford,  and  that  you  are  nearly  convinced  that  it  will 
not  be  best  for  you  to  settle  at  that  place.    With  respects  to  you  and  yours, 

I  remain,  etc., 

James  Manning. 

A  letter  from  Judge  Howell,  resigning  his  place  as  Professor  of 
Philosophy  in  the  College,  may  fitly  close  this  chapter  :  — 

Providence,  March  11, 1779. 

Sir:  —  Having  been  impressed  with  a  just  sense  of  the  honor  conferred  upon  me  in 
my  appointment  to  the  place  of  Professor  of  Philosophy  in  Rhode  Island  College,  it 
becomes  me,  with  much  freedom  and  sincerity,  to  acknowledge  it. 

I  have  ever  admired  the  liberal  and  catholic  plan  of  this  College,  and  esteemed  it 
worthy  of  the  State  that  gave  it  birth  and  patronage,  which  has  induced  me  for  many 
years  assiduously  and  cheerfully  to  contribute  towards  establishing  it  on  a  footing, 
with  respect  to  credit  and  finances,  which  might  entitle  it  to  more  able  teachers.  That 
our  young  Seminary  had  well-nigh  attained  this  state  of  maturity,  all  circumstances 
conspired  to  afford  us  the  most  flattering  prospect,  beforeithe  commencement  of  the 
present  war. 

Although  experimental  philosophy  was  the  direct  object  of  my  profession,  yet 
other  branches  of  learning  were  devolved  upon  me.  How  far  my  honest  endeavors  to 
initiate  my  pupils  in  the  rudiments  of  classical  learning,  and  instill  into  their  minds 
the  elementary  principles  of  law,  the  parent  of  science,  and  my  favorite  theme,  have 
been  attended  with  success,  and  answered  the  good  purposes  of  my  appointment,  is 
submitted  to  your  honor,  the  Corporation,  the  sons  of  the  College,  and  the  public  to 
determine. 

Having  at  length  given  over  all  hopes  of  a  revival  of  classical  instruction  in  this 
College  during  the  continuance  of  the  war,  and  not  feeling  disposed  so  far  to  take 
advantage  of  public  munificence  as  to  continue  to  avail  myself  of  the  emoluments  of 
an  office  without  discharging  its  duties,  I  have  thought  fit,  not  without  weighty  delib- 
eration, to  resign  the  professorship. 

I  am,  sir,  your  most  obedient  humble  servant, 

David  Howell. 
Chancellor  Hopkins. 


CHAPTER    IX. 

JOURNEY    TO    PHILADELPHIA. 

April  29  — Sept.  29,  1779. 

Distressed  condition  of  the  people  of  Rhode  Island  in  1779  —  Probable  reasons  for  a 
journey  to  Philadelphia  —  Diary  or  Journal  —  Manning  sets  out  from  Providence 
Thursday,  April  29  — Sunday,  May  2,  preaches  at  Mr.  James  Thurber's  in  the  fore- 
noon, and  at  Mr.  Thompson's  in  the  afternoon  —  Thursday,  May  6,  Continental  Fast 

—  Preaches  in  the  afternoon  for  Rev.  Dr.  Nathan  Strong,  of  Hartford  —  Saturday, 
May  8,  preaches  to  Seventh-day  Baptists  in  Farmington  — Description  of  the  country 

—  Sunday,  May  9,  preaches  for  Rev.  Judah  Champion,  pastor  of  the  Congregational 
church  in  Litchfield —  Monday,  crosses  chains  of  tremendous  mountains —  Tuesday, 
May  11,  preaches  in  the  evening  at  Mr.  Waldo's  — Wednesday,  12,  crosses  Continen- 
tal Ferry  —  Thursday,  13,  reaches  the  family  of  his  brother-in-law,  Rev.  John  Gano 

—  Sunday,  16,  preaches  twice  for  Rev.  Mr.  Randall's  people  —  Tuesday,  18,  assists  his 
nephews  in  planting — Sunday,  23,  preaches  again  for  Mr.  Randall  at  Warwick  — 
Monday,  24,  sets  out  for  the  Jerseys  —  Reaches  Mrs.  Manning's  home  in  the  evening 

—  May  27,  visits  Elizabethtown  —  Sunday,  30,  preaches  at  the  Scotch  Plains  Church 

—  Meeting  interrupted  by  the  march  of  the  American  forces — Sunday,  June  6, 
preaches  with  Mr.  Stelle,  to  a  large  audience  —  Saturday,  12,  preaches  at  the  Scotch 
Plains  Church  —  Sunday,  13,  preaches  again  and  administers  communion  —  Sunday, 
20,  preaches  at  Lion's  Farms  — Monday,  June  21.  sets  out  for  Philadelphia  —  In  the 
evening  preaches  at  Samuel  Randolph's  —  June  24,  visits  Dr.  Vankirk,  and  preaches 
in  the  evening  —  Visits  John  Hart,  Esq.,  signer  of  the  Declaration  of  Independence 

—  Accounts  of  Grain  and  Indian  Corn  —  June  27,  tarries  with  Rev.  William  Van 
Horn  at  Southampton,  and  preaches  —  Fruit  in  this  neighborhood  cut  off  by  the 
frost  —  Crops  fine  — Monday,  June  28,  reaches  Pennepek,  and  tarries  with  Rev.  Dr. 
Samuel  Jones  five  days — Sketch  of  Dr.  Jones — July  2,  Manning  arrives  at  Phila- 
delphia—  Puts  up  at  William  Gof orth's  —  Calls  on  Samuel  Davis,  William  Rogers, 
Mr.  Watkins,  Mr.  Westcot,  Dr.  Rush,  Mr.  Moulders,  Mr.  Hart,  and  Robert  S.  Jones 

—  Financial  embarrassments  of  the  country  —  Mr.  Joseph  Hart  of  the  Executive 
Council  spends  the  evening  at  his  lodgings  —  July  3,  breakfasts  with  Dr.  Rush  — 
Inquires  of  Mr.  Collins,  a  member  of  Congress,  relative  to  the  money  question  — 
Dines  at  Mr.  Redwood's  with  Hon.  William  Ellery  —  Sunday,  July  4,  preaches  twice 

—  General  Spencer,  a  member  of  Congress,  spends  the  evening  with  him  —  Monday, 
July  5,  importuned  by  a  Committee  of  the  First  Baptist  Church  to  tarry  with  them  a 
longtime — Sets  out  in  the  afternoon  for  Dr.  Jones's  — July  7,  sets  out  for  Borden- 
town —  July  9,  preaches  in  the  evening  —  July  11,  preaches  at  Cranberry —  Sick  with 
diarrhoea—  July  13,  preached  at  the  Baptist  meeting—  July  16,  sets  out  for  Piscata- 
way  — Mrs.  Manning  ill— July  17,  preaches  at  Sabbatarian  meeting— July  18, 
preaches  for  Mr.  Stelle  twice  —  July  19,  returns  to  the  Farms  —  Report  concerning 
General  Wayne  and  Stony  Point  — July  23,  sets  out  for  Hopewell— July  25,  preaches 


1779.  BROWN    UNIVERSITY.  313 

twice  and  administers  the  communion  —  July  26,  preaches  in  the  afternoon  —  July  27, 
dines  at  John  Hart's,  Newtown —  July  29,  sets  out  again  for  Philadelphia  —  July  30, 
visits  in  town —  Sees  the  prisoners  taken  at  Stony  Point  —  Aug.  1,  preaches  twice  — 
Letters  from  friends  — Aug.  5,  call  from  Rev.  Morgan  Edwards  —  Aug.  7,  visits  Capt. 
Falkner,  in  company  with  Edwards —  Aug.  8,  preaches  in  town  three  times  —  Aug. 
10,  visits  Col.  Miles,  in  company  with  Edwards  and  Jones — Description  of  his 
country-seat — Weather — Crops — Aug.  14,  preaches  in  the  evening  —  Aug.  15,  preaches 
twice,  and  attends  funeral  of  a  child  —  Aug.  16,  sets  out  for  Mr.  Jones's  at  Pennepek 

—  Finds  Mr.  Edwards  there  —  Aug.  17,  sets  out  for  the  Jerseys — Visits  his  family 
and  friends  —  Sept.  8,  sets  out  for  Providence  —  Sept.  11,  reaches  the  home  of  his 
hrother-in-law,  Mr.  Gano,  and  next  day  preaches  twice  at  Warwick  —  Sept.  14,  meets 
Lieut.  Huhhel  on  the  road,  who  had  come  from  Newburgh  with  an  invitation  from 
West  Point —  Sept.  16,  goes  down  to  West  Point  by  water  in  Lieut.  Hubbel's  boat  — 
Description  of  the  Fort  and  Grounds — Introduced  to  Surgeon  McDugal  — Dines  at 
General  Greene's  quarters  with  his  family — Is  introduced  *to  General  Washington, 
General  Knox,  Baron  Steuben,  the  French  Ambassador,  and  others  —  Returns  up  the 
river  —  Sept.  17,  sets  out  from  the  Continental  Ferry  —  Journey  through  Connecticut 

—  Description  of  the  country — Characterof  the  inhabitants  —  Manner  of  conducting 
town  meetings  —  Ravages  of  the  war  —  Reaches  home,  Sept.  29. 

The  previous  chapter  presents  a  vivid  idea  of  the  general  privation 
and  suffering  among  the  inhabitants  of  Rhode  Island,  and  especially  of 
Providence,  during  the  year  1779.  For  nearly  two  years  Narragansett 
Bay  and  all  the  island  towns,  at  least  one-fourth  of  the  State,  had  been 
in  possession  of  the  enemy.  External  trade  was  almost  entirely  sus- 
pended, and  the  people  were  unable  to  procure  any  adequate  supply  of 
the  necessaries  of  life.  Nearly  every  able-bodied  man  was  in  service, 
either  in  the  State  militia  or  the  Continental  army,  and  even  the  negroes 
and  Indian  slaves  were  enlisted  as  soldiers.  The  price  of  labor  and  of 
all  articles  of  merchandise  was  fixed  by  legislative  decree.  The  taxes 
imposed  by  the  State  were  enormous  ;  amounting  this  year  to  .£495,000, 
and  in  the  year  following  to  four  times  this  sum.  Paper  money,  which 
had  greatly  depreciated  in  value,  was  made  a  legal  tender  in  the  payment 
of  debts ;  and  so  easily  was  it  counterfeited,  that  not  even  the  Secretary 
of  State  could  distinguish  the  genuine  from  the  spurious.  In  addition 
to  all  this,  the  national  cause  had  encountered  reverses,  Congress  was 
reduced  to  a  very  low  ebb,  the  ablest  members  having  left  it,  and  the  pros- 
pect of  independence  and  peace  was  overcast  with  shadows  and  doubts. 
It  was  in  reference,  perhaps,  to  this  alarming  state  of  the  currency  of 

40 


314  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  IX. 

the  country,  and  in  the  hope  of  further  aiding  by  counsel  or  otherwise 
his  distressed  fellow-townsmen,  that  Dr.  Manning  set  out  on  a  journey 
to  Philadelphia,  visiting  on  his  way  his  relatives  in  New  York  and  New 
Jersey.  In  company  with  his  wife,  he  left  Providence  on  the  29th  of 
April,  returning  on  the  29th  of  September.  He  was  thus  absent  just 
five  months,  having  passed  through  the  States  of  Rhode  Island,  Connec- 
ticut, New  York,  New  Jersey,  and  Pennsylvania.  The  following  diary 
or  journal  was  kept  by  him  as  they  travelled  from  day  to  day.  It 
abounds  in  historical  incidents  and  allusions,  and  presents  an  excellent 
daguerreotype  view  of  the  author's  private  life.  As  an  illustration  of 
the  times  in  which  he  lived,  and  of  the  general  condition  of  society,  it  is 
an  exceedingly  valuable  document.  We  have  therefore  devoted  to  it  an 
entire  chapter,  illustrating  it  with  such  notes  as  seemed  desirable  for  the 
better  understanding  of  the  text.  As  an  evidence  of  Dr.  Manning's 
popularity  as  a  preacher,  and  of  his  love  for  this  kind  of  work,  it  may 
be  added  that  his  services  were  called  into  requisition  forty-eight  times 
during  his  journey  to  Philadelphia  and  the  Jerseys.  He  preached  in 
meeting-houses  of  different  denominations,  in  private  dwellings,  and 
even  in  stores  and  places  of  business,  as  the  reader  will  observe. 

Manning's  Journal. 

Set  out  from  Providence,  Thursday,  29th  of  April,  at  six  o'clock  p.  m.  Reached  Col. 
Ahraham  Winsor's  in  the  evening;  began  to  rain;  were  hospitably  entertained;  ten 
miles.  Friday  morning,  30th.  A  cold  northeast  storm;  broke  away  at  8  o'clock  A.  m., 
but  remained  showery  and  very  blustering.  Travelled  to  Mr.  John  Brown's  farm  at 
Chepachet,  six  miles.  Refreshed  ourselves  and  horse,  and  proceeded  to  Capt.  Corliss's, 
Killingly,  twelve  miles.  The  roads  extremely  bad.  Spent  the  afternoon  and  evening, 
and  the  next  forenoon  of  May  1,  in  visiting  them  and  Mr.  Jones's  family.  Set  out 
after  dinner  and  visited  Gov.  Sessions,  who  has  a  most  excellent  farm  in  good  order. 
After  tea  travelled  to  Mr.  Benjamin  Thurber's  in  Pomfret,  six  miles.  The  roads  better ; 
tarried  over  Lord's  Day. 

Sunday,  May  2.  Preached  at  Mr.  James  Thurber's,  three  miles  back,  in  the  morning, 
and  at  Mr.  Thompson's  in  the  afternoon.  Preached  a  lecture  at  Mr.  B.  Thurber's  at 
five  o'clock ;  the  house  crowded  and  the  audience  very  attentive  and  affected.  Visited 
Paul  Tew,  Esq.,  at  "Woodstock,  Monday,  May  3,  a.  m.,  and  p.  m.  Mr.  Cahoon's  family, 
and  dined;  also  Mr.  Lee's,  Thompson's,  B.  Lindsey's,  and  Esquire  Frink's.     Borrowed 


1779.  AND    MANNING.  315 

Mr.  Lindsey's  trunk ;  left  ours,  a  jacket,  pattern  for  breeches,  white  gown,  black  wool 
hat,  Hart's  Hymns,  and  some  valuable  papers,  in  Mr.  Thurber's  care.  Set  out  Tuesday 
morning,  May  4,  and  visited  Col.  Nightingale,  three  miles.  Spent  the  forenoon  and 
dined.  He  lives  most  elegantly ;  has  a  grand  farm ;  entertained  its  hospitably.  Then 
proceeded  to  Mr.  Jeremiah  Brown's,  two  and  one  half  miles  ;  ascended  a  tremendous 
hill,  refreshed,  and  proceeded  two  and  one  half  miles  to  Capt.  Bowles's,  Ashford. 
Tarried  all  night,  well  entertained,  and  set  out  on  the  morning  of  the  5th.  Travelled 
six  miles  to  Stephen  Snow's,  refreshed,  and  then  reached  Mr.  Robinson's,  a  pious 
Baptist  gentleman,  who  bids  fair  to  be  useful  in  the  ministry,  in  Mansfield,  passing 
through  a  corner  of  "Willington ;  six  miles.  Were  received  with  great  kindness  ;  dined. 
Set  out  and  reached  an  inn  in  Coventry,  seven  miles.  Fed  the  horse,  and  travelled 
fifteen  miles  through  Bolton  into  East  Hartford,  to  the  widow  of  Capt.  Bidwell,  a  pious 
Baptist  lady,  and  a  good  liver.  "Were  kindly  entertained,  tarried  all  night,  and  went 
on  for  Hartford.  Three  miles  to  meeting,  it  being  Thursday,  the  6th  of  May,  the  Con- 
tinental Fast ;  but  a  severe  northwest  wind  prevented  our  crossing  the  ferry  for  several 
hours.  Passed  at  length,  and  put  up  at  Bull's  Tavern,  opposite  the  town  house;  were 
unknown  to  them.  In  the  afternoon  went  to  Mr.  Strong's1  meeting,  who  insisted  that 
I  should  preach,  which  I  did  to  a  very  large  and  attentive  audience.    After  service 

Mr.  Strong  took  us  to  his  house  to  lodge,  and  entertained  us  like  a  friend,  and  Capt. 

took  our  horse  from  the  tavern  and  kept  it  well ;  both  insisting  that  we  should  call  on 
them  again  on  oxir  way  back,  as  did  Mr.  Smith.  Till  within  ten  or  twelve  miles  of 
Hartford  the  way  is  in  general  mountainous  and  rocky,  but  the  people  live  well  by 
their  industry,  of  which  there  are  striking  indications.  The  season  at  Hartford  appears 
nearly  or  quite  a  fortnight  earlier  than  at  Providence.  Except  Sunday,  Monday,  and 
Tuesday,  the  weather  very  blustering  and  cold,  but  no  frost.  The  winter  grain  looks 
exceedingly  promising,  and  a  vast  quantity  of  summer  grain  is  put  in ;  abundance  of 
land  prepared  for  Indian  corn  ;  the  fruit  not  injured  by  frosts.  Friday  morning,  May  7. 
Set  out  for  Farmington ;  reached  Mr.  Joseph  "Woodruff's,  ten  miles,  and  tarried  to- 
dinner ;  kindly  entertained ;  then  proceeded  to  a  settlement  of  Seventh-day  Baptists 
in  the  northwest  part  of  Farmington,  ten  miles.  Tarried  at  Mr.  Covey's,  where  Ave 
were  kindly  treated,  and  preached  Saturday,  the  8th  inst.,  to  their  society,  to  great 
acceptance;  after  passing  the  meadows  four  miles,  the  road  rough,  and  an  exceeding 
high  mount  of  difficult  ascent.  The  weather  cold,  and  frost  at  night.  The  fruit  here 
killed.    After  meeting  proceeded  through  Farmington ;  oated  at  Mr.  Baldwin's  tavern, 


1  The  Rev.  Dr.  Nathan  Strong,  pastor  of  the  First  Congregational  Church.  He  graduated  at 
Yale  College  in  1769,  with  the  highest  honors  of  his  class.  He  was  a  remarkable  man  in  his  day, 
and  exerted  among  his  own  denomination,  especially,  a  very  important  influence.  He  originated 
the  "  Connecticut  Evangelical  Magazine,"  and  in  the  organization  of  the  "  Connecticut  Missionary 
Society"  had  a  primary  agency.    He  died  in  1816,  in  the  sixty-ninth  year  of  his  age. 


316  BROWN    UNIVERSITY  Chap.  IX. 

and  reached  Mr.  Philips's  tavern  at  Litchfield  at  sundown.  The  whole  of  this  way 
exceeding  mountainous  and  rough,  hut  the  land  fertile  and  well  improved ;  fine  fields 
of  grain  and  good  buildings  all  the  way.  The  people  here  live  exceeding  well.  One 
tedious  mountain  two  and  one  half  miles  from  Litchfield;  the  day  warm;  the  distance 
thirteen  miles.  This  town  is  situated  on  a  cold  hill,  the  water  bad,  and  the  season 
near  a  fortnight  backward  of  Hartford.  Good  lodgings  and  entertainment  at  the 
tavern  ;  the  landlady  very  agreeable. 

Sunday,  Wi.  "Was  waited  on  by  Mr.  Champion,1  the  Congregationalist  minister, 
whom  I  found  to  be  a  worthy,  friendly  man,  and  a  good  preacher.  He  invited  me  to 
preach,  which  I  did  in  the  afternoon,  to  a  large  audience,  with  great  freedom  and  to 
good  acceptance.  The  people  solemn  and  attentive.  After  meeting  called  on  Lawyer 
Reeve,  who  lives  here.  Dined  with  Mr.  Champion;  lodged  with  Dr.  Smith;  an  agree- 
able, genteel  family.  Monday,  10th.  Set  off  at  8  o'clock,  accompanied  three  and  one 
half  miles  by  Mr.  Champion,  whose  company  was  very  agreeable.  He  insisted  that 
if  we  ever  came  that  way  again  we  should  make  his  house  our  home,  as  did  Dr.  Smith 
and  Mr.  Reeve.  The  road  good  this  distance,  but  soon  becomes  exceeding  rough, 
especially  Mount  Tom,  a  tremendous  precipice  near  a  mile  long;  at  six  or  seven  miles 
after  this  better  to  Rawmagin  Iron  "Works,  in  Washington,  eleven  miles  from  Litch- 
field ;  Landlord  Morgan's.  After  dinner  set  out  to  Bull's  Iron  Works,  in  Kent,  ten 
miles,  stopping  to  oat  at  TirriPs  tavern,  half  way.  Here  we  crossed  successive  chains 
of  the  most  tremendous  mountains  I  ever  attempted  to  travel  over,  and  which  it  was 
just  possible  to  ascend.  The  whole  distance  over  there  is  but  a  barren  country,  and 
the  season  very  backward,  until  we  come  to  the  Works,  where  the  soil  and  climate 
seem  very  different,  as  the  season  is  much  earlier.  Refreshed  at  Landlord  Beach's,  a 
pretty  good  house;  set  off  and  arrived  at  Col.  Morehouse's,  four  miles,  in  the  evening. 
Had  good  entertainment  and  bed.  The  last  stage  a  fine  country,  well  improved,  good 
buildings,  and  a  good  road.  Passed  Mr.  Waldo's  meeting-house,  one  half  mile.  This 
part  of  the  country  greatly  divided  in  politics ;  the  Tories  have  done  great  damage  by 
robbing,  etc.,  in  this  neighborhood.  The  York  line  one-half  mile  this  side  of  Bull's 
Iron  Works.  Through  the  mountains  observed  the  grasshoppers  as  in  summer.  The 
country  here  full  of  good  wheat  fields,  and  also  their  first  great  preparations  for  a 
summer  crop.  Tuesday,  May  11.  Came  to  Mr.  Waldo's,  two  miles;  out  of  the  road  one 
half  mile.  Being  both  unwell  and  greatly  fatigued,  and  our  horse  also,  by  yesterday's 
journey,  concluded  to  tarry  all  day  and  night.  This  is  in  Dutchess  County,  Pawling'a 
Precinct.    Between  this  and  Bull's  Works  passed  a  considerable  river,  along  the  banks 


1  Rev.  Judah  Champion.  He  graduated  at  Yale  College  in  1751 ;  was  ordained  pastor  of  the 
church  in  Litchfield,  Jtdy  4th,  1753;  died  in  1810.  He  preached  the  Connecticut  Election  Sermon 
in  1766,  which  was  published. 


1779.  AND    MANNING.  317 

of  which  fine  and  pleasant.  Had  good  lodgings.  Mr.  Waldo  has  a  good  tract  of  land, 
two  hundred  acres,  patent  land,  the  lease  for  three  lives.  At  night  preached  at  his 
house,  from  2d  Cor.  iv.  17.  The  state  of  religion  remarkably  cold,  and  the  congregation 
much  divided  in  politics.  Wednesday,  12th.  Set  out,  after  being  very  hospitably  enter- 
tained, and  crossed  a  tedious  and  long  mountain,  two  miles,  before  we  fully  got  up; 
the  descent  easy  and  the  road  fine  to  the  westward ;  the  country  full  of  good  wheat 
fields.  To  Capt.  Storm's,  thirteen  miles.  Here  a  genteel  tavern  and  good  entertain- 
ment. The  militia  assembled  to  send  every  twelfth  man  to  the  frontiers  against  the 
Indians.  Travelled  five  miles  to  Capt.  Griffin's;  fed  my  horse,  and  then  five  miles  to 
Fishkill,  and  fed  again.  This  but  a  small  village,  the  buildings  poor,  and  much 
injured  by  the  troops.  The  whole  of  the  road  from  Capt.  Storm's  remarkably  fine,  and 
the  country  good  and  well  cultivated,  especially  with  wheat.  From  hence  to  the  Con- 
tinental Ferry  the  road  and  country  not  equally  good  as  before.  No  horse-keeping  at 
the  Ferry.  No  wind,  and  the  tide  unfavorable.  Two  hands  rowed  over,  and  were 
rowing  until  quite  dark;  rained  steadily:  this  had  been  threatened  all  day  by  small 
sprinklings.  Had  a  pleasant  day  for  travelling;  but.  now  we  are  landed,  in  a  dark 
rainy  night,  on  a  strange  shore,  and  no  tavern  that  had  horse-keeping.  With  much 
difficulty  found  Col.  Hansbrook's,  but  the  kitchen  people  were  in  bed;  were  taken  in, 
had  good  entertainment,  horse-keeping,  and  a  good  bed.  Thursday,  13th.  Rose,  but  a 
storm  from  the  northeast  and  a  heavy  rain  determined  us  to  tarry  all  day.  The  family 
very  agreeable  — high  Whigs,  and  wealthy.  Friday,  Uth.  Cleared  away  in  the  morn- 
ing; set  out  at  eight  o'clock,  and  passed  through  New  Windsor,  a  small  village,  under 
.  a  disagreeable  hill.  The  road  bad  here,  as  it  is  seven  miles,  to  Mr.  Cross's.  Stopped 
and  rested,  but  he  not  at  home.  From  thence  to  Mr.  Owen's,  who  married  Lizzy 
Burden,  six  miles.  There  dined.  From  thence  travelled  seven  miles,  and  at  the 
tavern  gave  six  shillings  lawful  money  for  two  quarts  of  oats.  From  thence  reached 
Mr.  Gano's,1  five  miles,  a  little  before  night.  He  lives  in  a  small  log  house,  on  a  good 
farm,  belonging  to  a  refugee  Tory,  but  much  out  of  repair.  Large  quantities  of  wheat 
and  rye  on  the  ground  along  this  road,  which  look  tolerably  well,  but  all  the  fruit 
killed  by  the  frost  in  April.  The  cherry  trees  are  again  coming  out  in  blossoms,  though 
not  full.  Think  there  will  be  no  fruit  for  twenty  miles  east  of  the  river.  Tarried  Sat- 
urday, 15th. 

Sunday,  Voth.  Preached  twice  for  Mr.  Randall's  people.  A  handsome  congregation 
out,  and  very  attentive.  Monday,  17th,  Visited  Esquire  Burt,  a  good  liver  and  genteel 
people.     Tuesday,  18th.    Assisted  the  boys  in  planting,  and  dunging  their  farm;  the 

1  Rev.  John  Gano,  his  brother-in-law,  pastor  of  the  First  Baptist  Church  in  New  York,  but  now 
engaged  as  chaplain  in  the  army.  His  family  resided  here  probably  until  the  close  of  the  war.  In 
the  summer  of  1776  the  British  took  possession  of  New  York  and  its  environs,  which  they  evacu- 
ated Nov.  25, 1783.    During  this  time  moat  of  the  loyal  or  Whig  families  were  away  from  the  city. 


318  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  IX. 

afternoon  and  evening  was  sick ;  took  a  sweat,  and  was  better.  Wednesday.  19th. 
Nothing  but  a  northeast  storm  prevents  our  setting  out  for  the  Jerseys.  Mr.  Gano  had 
gone  to  the  army  before  we  arrived  here,  which  is  marching  to  the  northward.  This  is 
a  very  hilly  country,  and  much  good  meadow  land.  "Warwick  lies  within  about  five 
miles  of  the  Jersey  line.  The  mountains  to  the  southeast  are  infested  with  Tory  rob- 
bers, who  greatly  terrify  the  inhabitants ;  thirty  of  them,  or  thereabouts,  and  their 
harborers,  have  been  lately  apprehended,  and  many  more  have  fled,  it  is  supposed  to 
New  York.  A  species  of  grasshoppers  were  discovered  in  the  wheatfields  by  men  of 
undoubted  veracity.  From  Wednesday  to  Saturday  rain  continued  from  the  northeast. 
Tarried  till  Sunday,  23d. 

Preached  again  at  Warwick ;  the  audience  crowded,  and  much  affected.  Had  great 
liberty  in  preaching.  After  meeting  set  out  and  dined  at  Col.  Hathhorn's,  one  mile  on. 
Proceeded  fifteen  miles  over  the  mountains  to  Col.  Soward's  and  lodged.  Met  kind 
people,  and  good  livers.  The  house  here  fortified  against  robbers,  and  all  sleep  armed. 
I  rested  scarce  any  all  night,  through  the  importunity  of  a  troublesome  insect.  Monday, 
2ith.  Set  off  before  sunrise,  and  reached  Davenport's  at  Newfoundland  to  breakfast,  ten 
miles ;  was  kindly  treated.  They  refused  anything  for  our  eating,  as  they  did  at  Col. 
Soward's.  From  thence,  ten  miles,  we  reached  Esq.  Tuttle's.  Fed  our  horse,  refreshed 
ourselves,  and  set  out  for  Morristown,  twelve  miles,  where  we  arrived,  between  four 
and  five  o'clock,  at  Arnold's  tavern.  This  is  an  extremely  hot  day,  and  the  travel- 
ling excessively  tedious,  as  well  on  that  as  on  account  of  the  rocky  mountainous 
country,  which  extends  from  Warwick  within  about  three  miles  of  Morristown.  The 
greatest  part  of  this  country  unsettled,  and  consequently  in  general,  till  within  about 
ten  miles  of  Morristown,  all  this  part  of  the  country  full  of  grain.  Set  out  about  sun- 
down, and  reached  Mr.  Stites's,1  about  11  o'clock,  very  much  fatigued.  Found  the  old 
people  somewhat  indisposed,  but  all  very  glad  to  see  us.  From  25th  to  27th,  tarried  at 
the  farm;  then  went  to  Elizabethtown  and  tarried  till  the  28th  at  Brother  Woodruff's. 
The  town  and  suburbs  less  damaged  by  the  enemy  than  I  expected.2 

Sunday,  30th.  Preached  at  the  Plains,3  but  the  meeting  much  interrupted  by  the 
march  of  the  Pennsylvania  line,  under  General  St.   Clair  towards  the  North  River.* 


1  John  Stites,  Esq.,  father  of  Mrs.  Manning. 

2  On  the  28th  of  February,  1779,  a  party  of  British  troops,  sent  by  Clinton  from  New  York,  landed 
at  Elizabethtown  Point,  for  the  express  purpose  of  taking  "  the  rebel  governor,"  as  they  called  him, 
Livingston,  whose  residence  was  here  at  Elizabethtown.  Not  finding  him  at  home,  they  seized  his 
papers,  burned  a  few  dwellings,  and  departed  for  New  York. 

•The  Scotch  Plains  Baptist  Church,  of  which  Maning  had  been  a  member. 

*  A  large  portion  of  Washington's  army  had  been  encamped,  or  hutted,  as  Hildreth  terms  it,  at 
Middlebrook  and  vicinity,  near  Elizabethtown,  during  the  previous  winter  and  spring.  The 
'encampment  broke  up  at  this  time;  hence  the  disturbance  of  public  worship  caused  by  the 
marching  of  the  troops  northward,  of  which  the  Pennsylvania  line  under  St.  Clair  formed  a  part. 


1779.  AND    MANNING.  319 

Went  to  Sister  Tingley's,  and  tarried  till  Tuesday.  Tuesday,  June  1st.  A  tine  rain  on 
Monday ;  went  to  Brother  Joseph  Manning's,1  and  tarried  all  night.  Wednesday,  accom- 
panied by  him  and  wife,  visited  Uncle  Joseph  Randolph,  and  reached  Jeremiah  Man- 
ning's at  Bordentown.  Tarried  till  Friday,  June  4.  There  heard  the  cheering  account 
of  the  Charleston  victory,2  and  the  moving  of  the  whole  army  to  North  River.  After- 
noon crossed  Crown  Ferry,  and  lodged  at  Capt.  Morgan's,  Chester  Quakers;  ten  miles. 
Saturday,  5th.  Set  out  early,  and  reached  Mr.  Buckalaw's,  two  miles,  to  breakfast. 
Met  with  Messrs.  Stelle 3  and  Coles,3  and  proceeded  to  Bray's  meeting-house.  Mr.  Stelle 
preached.    Lodged  at  the  widow  Holmes's  ;  an  agreeable  family. 

Sunday,  6th.  Mr.  Stelle  and  myself  preached.  Had  a  large  audience.  Monday,  7th. 
Messrs.  Coles  and  D.  Jones  *  preached,  and  also  had  a  large  audience.  Lodged  this  night 
at  the  widow  Molly  Holmes's ;  a  fine  family.  This  is  a  most  excellent  part  of  the 
country  for  land  and  excellent  crops ;  but  the  shores  are  greatly  infested,  and  the  inhab- 
itants robbed,  by  Tories,  who  have  fled  to  the  enemy.  Tuesday,  June  8.  In  company 
with  Messrs.  Stelle  and  Jones  came  to  Mr.  Dennis's  at  Spotswood,  to  dinner,  thirteen 
miles  ;  agreeable  people.  Nine  miles  to  Brunswick,  where  at  Capt.  Dennis's  we  tarried 
Tuesday  night.  Wednesday,  9th.  Crossed  the  river  at  the  landing,  and  came  to  Uncle 
Ephraim's  and  tarried.  Brunswick  much  injured  by  the  British.  Thursday,  10th. 
Visited  Mr.  Stelle,  Aunt  Manning,  and  tarried  at  Uncle  Joseph  Randolph's.  Friday, 
11th.  Returned  to  the  Farms ;  found  parents  ill.  Saturday,  12th.  Preached  at  the 
Plains  and  returned. 

Sunday,  13th.  Preached  again,  gave  out  the  communion  service,  and  tarried  at  Rev. 
Mr.  Miller's.  A  fine  rain  this  day,  though  the  meetings  not  interrupted.  14th.  Returned 
to  the  Farms.  A  great  rain,  followed  by  a  succession  of  thunder-showers,  to-day. 
Sister  Tingley  and  Joseph  Manning's  wife  came  and  tarried  the  night.  Went  to  town, 
and  brought  sister  Woodruff,  upon  the  15th.  The  season  remarkably  good,  and  the  grain 
extraordinary,  as  well  as  grass,  through  the  country.  Wednesday,  June  16.  Fine 
weather.    Rain  in  the  afternoon.    17th,  18th,  and  19th,  tarried  at  Papa  Stites's. 

Preached  at  Lyon's  Farms,  the  20th,  two  sermons.  The  people  in  the  morning  service 
very  attentive  and  affected,  and  the  meeting  tolerably  full.  Returned,  and  on  Monday, 
the  21st,  set  out  for  Philadelphia.     Visited  Messrs.  Miller  and  Joseph  Manning,  and 


1  Joseph  Manning  was  a  ruling  elder  of  the  Scotch  Plains  Church,  having  been  elected  to  this 
office  on  the  10th  December,  1777. 

2  Referring  to  the  invasion  of  Charleston  by  the  British  under  Prevost,  in  May  previous,  and 
their  repulse  by  the  Continental  troops  and  militia  under  Moultrie  and  Rutledge. 

8  Rev.  Isaac  Stelle,  pastor  of  the  Piscataway  Baptist  Church,  and  Rev.  Benjamin  Coles,  pastor  of 
the  church  at  Hopewell. 

*The  Rev.  David  Jones,  formerly  of  New  Jersey,  but  now  a  distinguished  chaplain  in  the  army 
under  General  St.  Clair. 


320  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  IX. 

dined.  Preached,  at  6  o'clock,  with  great  freedom,  at  Capt.  Samuel  Randolph's,  and 
tarried  all  night.  Set  out  the  22d  and  visited  Capt.  "William  Manning,  Jacoh  Martin, 
Esq.,  Major  Edgar,  and  Benjamin  Manning,  Esq.,  who,  with  his  lady,  accompanied  us  to 
Brother  Jeremiah  Manning's,  where  we  tarried.  23d.  Accompanied  with  hrother  and 
wife,  kinsman  and  his,  went  to  Mr.  Stelle's ;  thence  to  Brunswick.  Heard  Mr.  Miller 
preach  from  the  words  of  Hannah.  Dined  at  Mr.  Wall's.  Called  at  Mr.  Dennis's,  and 
set  out  at  four  o'clock  for  Hopewell ;  reached  Mr.  Barton's  at  nine  o'clock  in  the  even- 
ing. The  day  hot.  Next  day,  24th,  visited  Dr.  Vankirk's,  to  see  aunt,  and  preached  at 
the  meeting-house  at  six  o'clock.  But  few  out.  Next  morning,  Friday,  25th,  visited 
Messrs.  Coles  and  Blackwell,  and  reached  John  Hart's,  Esq.,1  at  Newtown,  two  o'clock 
p.  m.  ;  were  detained  the  night  by  a  seasonable  heavy  rain,  and  treated  most  hospita- 
bly. The  weather  most  intensely  hot.  English  grain  the  best  and  in  the  greatest  quan- 
tity from  Brunswick  here  that  I  ever  saw ;  but  the  Indian  corn  backward  and  poor  in 
general,  owing  to  the  cold  and  wet  of  the  former  part  of  the  season.  26th.  Set  out  to 
Neshaminy  Ford,  but  impassable  by  the  great  fall  of  rain.  Went  four  miles  up  the 
creek  to  the  bridge,  which,  being  taken  up,  we  were  Retained  till  four  o'clock  p.  m.  at 
Mr.  Cozens's,  when  the  water  subsided,  and  we  passed.  The  road  from  Newtown  here 
very  bad,  but  the  creek  to  Southampton  good,  where  we  reached,  before  sunset  Mr.  Van 
Horn's.2    Found  the  family  well. 

Stayed  the  27th,  and  preached  at  the  meeting-house.  But  few  people  out.  Mr.  Coles 
was  expected.  After  meeting  returned,  and  tarried  till  Monday.  On  June  4th  a  report 
prevailed  in  "Woodbridge  that  the  British  army  at  Charleston  were  totally  defeated, 
with  the  loss  of  fourteen  hundred  killed  and  wounded,  and  seven  hundred  taken. 
Repeated  reports  somewhat  similar,  though  not  making  their  loss  so  great,  have  been 
constantly  brought  from  the  South ;  but  no  official  account  confirming  it  has  yet  come 
to  hand.3    All  the  fruit  nearly  cut  off  by  the  great  frost  in  these  parts.    The  crops 


1 A  signer  of  the  Declaration  of  Independence,  and  a  prominent  member  of  the  Baptist  church 
in  Hopewell,  of  which  Rev.  Isaac  Eaton  was  pastor.  He  gave  to  the  society  the  land  on  which  the 
meeting-house  was  erected.  In  1865,  a  fine  monumental  shaft  of  Quincy  granite  was  erected  by  the 
State  in  honor  of  his  memory.  In  the  dedicatory  address  upon  the  occasion  by  George  Joel  Parker, 
occurs  the  following : —  "  He  was  a  true  patriot.  I  am  of  the  opinion,  after  a  careful  examination  of 
the  history  of  New  Jersey  during  and  immediately  preceding  the  Revolutionary  War,  that  John 
Hart  had  greater  experience  in  the  Colonial  and  State  legislature  of  that  day  than  any  of  his  contem- 
poraries, and  that  no  man  exercised  greater  influence  in  giving  direction  to  the  public  opinion 
which  culminated  in  independence." 

2  Rev.  William  Van  Horn.  He  was  born  in  1746 ;  educated  at  Dr.  Samuel  Jones's  Academy  at 
Pennepek ;  ordained  as  pastor  over  the  Baptist  church  at  Southampton,  Pa. ;  honored  with  the 
degree  of  Master  of  Arts  from  the  Rhode  Island  College  1774 ;  and  during  the  Revolutionary  War 
was  an  efficient  and  honored  chaplain.    He  died  in  1807  in  the  sixty-first  year  of  his  age. 

s  Reports  then  must  have  quite  equaled  if  not  excelled  the  exaggerated  telegraphic  reports 
during  the  recent  Civil  War.    The  simple  facts  as  recorded  in  history  are  as  follows :    The  British 


1779.  AND   MANNING.  32! 

incomparably  fine,  but  some  fields  near  tbe  river  struck  with  the  red  rust,  though  but 
little  hurt.    Eye  harvest  begun,  and  wheat  will  be  here  this  week. 

Monday,  June  2%th.  Set  out  and  travelled  to  Pennepek,  Mr.  Jones's.1  Arrived  in  the 
evening,  and  found  the  family  well  and  glad  to  see  us.  Tarried  here  till  July  2d. 
Spent  the  time  agreeably  in  viewing  the  farm,  its  products,  harvest,  etc.,  and  in  con- 
versation. The  season  here  extremely  hot ;  height  of  wheat  harvest ;  the  grain  struck 
with  the  red  rust,  though  little  injured,  except  the  rye,  which  is  much  blasted.  The 
greatest  part  of  the  harvest  between  here  and  Philadelphia,  where  we  arrived  at  eleven 
o'clock  A.  m.,  July  2.  Put  up  at  Mr.  "William  Goforth's,  and  my  horse  across  the  way, 
in  Second  Street,  between  Race  and  Vine  Streets.  Visited  Samuel  Davis,  but  he  was 
out  of  town;  also  Mr.  Rogers.  Called  at  Mr.  Watkins's,  then  at  Mr.  "Westcot's;  from 
thence  to  Dr.  Rush's,2  who  treated  me  politely ;  from  thence  called  on  Messrs.  Shields 


in  1779  made  a  second  invasion  of  South  Carolina  under  General  Prevost,  and  were  eventually 
repulsed.  On  the  11th  of  May,  Prevost  with  nine  hundred  regulars  crossed  the  Ashley,  leaving  his 
main  army  on  the  south  side  of  the  river.  During  the  forenoon  Count  Pulaski  with  his  legion 
attacked  the  British  advanced  guard,  and  was  repulsed  with  great  slaughter.  Prevost  now 
advanced  to  the  American  lines,  but  in  the  night,  after  summoning  the  city  to  surrender,  with- 
drew to  James  Island,  fearing  the  approach  of  General  Lincoln  with  an  army  of  four  thousand : 
men.  On  the  20th  of  June  the  British  were  attacked  by  about  twelve  hundred  of  Lincoln's  men, 
and  the  assailants  were  repulsed.  Loss  about  three  hundred  killed,  wounded,  and  missing  on  each  i 
side.    Three  days  afterwards  the  British  evacuated  the  island.    (See  Lossing's  Field-Book,  etc.) 

1  Rev.  Dr.  Samuel  Jones,  one  of  Manning's  intimate  friends.  He  was  three  years  his  senior,, 
having  been  born  in  the  year  1735.  Of  the  church  of  Pennepek,  afterwards  called  Lower  Dublin, 
he  was  the  honored  and  esteemed  pastor  upwards  of  fifty-one  years.  He  was  also  an  educator  of 
youth,  and  in  this  latter  capacity  was  greatly  distinguished,  being  especially  judicious  and  con- 
siderate to  such  young  men  under  his  care  as  had  the  ministry  in  view.  On  the  death  of  Manning, 
in  1791,  he  was  named  by  many  of  the  Trustees  and  Fellows  of  the  College  as  his  successor  in  the 
presidency.  (See  letters  of  Stillman  and  Howell  at  the  close  of  our  thirteenth  chapter.)  He  ren- 
dered important  service  as  chairman  of  a  committee  sent  to  Newport  from  Philadelphia  to  prepare 
for  the  General  Assembly  a  draft  for  the  College  charter. 

Dr.  Jones  was  one  of  the  most  useful  members  of  the  Philadelphia  Association.  "  Here,"  says 
Sprague  in  his  Annals,  "  he  is  appointed  to  frame  a  system  of  discipline,  and  there  to  compile  a 
book  of  hymns,  and  then  to  draw  up  a  map  representing  the  various  associations ;  one  year  he 
holds  the  office  of  moderator,  and  the  next  he  writes  the  circular  letter  to  the  churches,  and  the 
next  performs  some  other  public  service ;  —  indeed,  it  is  impossible  to  look  through  the  minutes 
without  perceiving  that  he  was  always  one  of  the  master  spirits  of  the  body.  Few  men  could 
manage  more  adroitly  than  he  a  difficult  and  involved  case ;  and  sometimes,  by  a  single  suggestion, 
in  a  deliberative  body,  he  would  bring  light  out  of  the  thickest  darkness,  and  order  out  of  the 
wildest  confusion."  In  1807  he  preached  the  century  sermon  of  the  Association,  which  was  pub- 
lished.   He  died  Feb.  7, 1814,  in  the  eightieth  year  of  his  age. 

Dr.  Jones  was  a  ready  writer  and  a  fluent  speaker.  In  his  person  he  is  described  as  a  large  and 
firmly  built  man,  six  feet  or  more  in  height,  weighing  upwards  of  three  hundred  pounds,  and  every 
way  well  proportioned.  His  face  was  the  very  image  of  intelligence  and  good-nature ;  which,  with 
the  air  of  dignity  that  pervaded  all  his  movements,  rendered  his  appearance  uncommonly  attrac- 
tive.   He  possessed  an  ample  fortune,  which  he  used  with  signal  grace  and  hospitality. 

2  Benjamin  Rush,  one  of  the  signers  of  the  Declaration  of  Independence ;  distinguished  for  his 
learning  and  piety,  as  well  as  for  his  great  professional  skill.  He  was  educated  at  the  College  of 
New  Jersey,  graduating  in  1760,  two  years  before  Manning. 

41 


322  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  IX. 

and  Moulders.  Called  at  Mr.  Hart's  lodging,  but  he  not  within,  which  was  also  the 
-case  at  Mr.  Robert  S.  Jones's.  The  evening  of  July  2,  Mr.  Joseph  Hart,  of  the  Execu- 
tive Council,  spent  at  my  lodgings.  Saturday,  July  3d.  This  morning  came  out  a 
paper,  in  which  Congress  was  handled  pretty  severely,  under  the  signature  of  Leoni- 
das.1  Breakfasted  at  Dr.  Rush's,  and  received  two  hundred  dollars,  Dr.  Finley's  draft 
on  him.  Spent  the  forenoon  chiefly  in  writing  to  Providence,  by  Mr.  Ellery,  who  sets 
off  this  afternoon.  Went  to  the  State  House.  Met  Mr.  Collins,  and  inquired,  without 
much  satisfaction,  what  was  on  foot  in  Congress  relative  to  the  money.  Dined  at  Mr. 
Redwood's  with  Mr.  Ellery,  and  returned  to  my  lodgings,  where  were  Messrs.  Shields 
and  Conolly,  who  spent  the  afternoon  with  us. 

Lord's  Bay,  July  Mh.  Preached  twice  with  some  freedom ;  the  morning  congregation 
thin ;  more  in  the  afternoon.  Both  church  and  society  here  in  a  broken  state.  The 
people  urgent  for  my  tarrying  a  considerable  time,  which  did  not  suit  my  affairs.  In 
the  evening  visited  one  of  the  members  of  the  church  near  her  end.  Appeared  to  be 
in  a  happy  frame  of  mind.  Attended  a  religious  society  composed  of  Baptists,  Presby- 
terians, and  Church  people.    They  appeared  very  serious,  and  somewhat  engaged  in 


1  The  financial  embarrassments  of  the  country  were  exceedingly  great  at  this  period,  in  conse- 
quence of  the  rapid  depreciation  of  the  paper  currency,  of  which  Congress  had  emitted,  on  the  1st 
of  September,  1799,  one  hundred  and  sixty  millions.  A  spirit  of  discontent,  of  speculation  and  of 
fraud  was  everywhere  manifest.  "  The  honest  and  patriotic  were  impoverished,  while  rogues  and 
Tories  grew  rich."  As  an  illustration  of  the  perils  and  difficulties  of  this  crisis,  we  print  the 
following  handbill,  which  was  posted  in  the  streets  of  Philadelphia  about  this  time.  Similar  bills 
were  posted  in  other  cities. 

"  FOB  OUR  COUNTRY'S  GOOD. 

"  The  depreciation  of  our  money,  and  the  high  price  to  which  everything  is  got,  is  one  and  the 
same  thing.  We  ask  not  who  introduced  the  evil,  how  it  arose,  or  who  encouraged  it.  In  the 
midst  of  money  we  are  in  poverty,  and  exposed  to  want  in  the  land  of  plenty.  You  that  have 
money,  and  you  that  have  none,  down  with  your  prices,  or  down  with  yourselves ;  for,  by  the  ever- 
living  and  eternal  God,  we  will  bring  every  article  down  to  what  it  was  last  Christmas,  or  we  will 
down  with  those  who  oppose  it. 

"  We  have  turned  out  against  the  enemy,  and  we  wish  not  to  be  eaten  up  by  monopolizers  and 
forestallers. 

MOVE  ON  COOLLY." 

"  It  gives  me  very  sincere  pleasure,"  writes  Washington  to  his  friend  Reed,  now  President  of 
Pennsylvania,  "that  the  Assembly  is  so  well  disposed  to  second  your  endeavors  in  bringing  those 
murderers  of  our  cause,  the  monopolizers,  forestallers,  and  engrossers,  to  condign  punishment. 
It  is  much  to  be  lamented  that  each  State,  long  ere  this,  has  not  hunted  them  down  as  pests  of 
society,  and  the  greatest  enemies  we  have  to  the  happiness  of  America.  I  would  to  God  that  some 
one  of  the  more  atrocious  in  each  State  was  hung  in  gibbets  upon  a  gallows  five  times  as  high  as 
the  one  prepared  for  Haman,  No  punishment,  in  my  opinion,  is  too  severe  for  the  man  who  can 
build  his  greatness  upon  his  country's  ruin."  When  Washington  wrote  in  this  way,  what,  says 
Hildreth,  was  to  be  expected  of  the  inconsiderate  multitude? 


1779.  AND    MANNING.  323 

religion.  Found  General  Spencer1  at  my  lodgings,  now  a  member  of  Congress.  It 
being  tbe  Fourth  of  July,  the  anniversary  of  Independence,  the  chaplains  of  Congress 
preached  suitable  to  the  occasion,  and  Congress  attended.  High  mass  was  celebrated 
and  Te  Deum  sung  at  the  Romish  chapel.  The  gentlemen  .of  the  town  were  invited  by 
billets  from  the  French  minister  to  attend.  I  suppose  these  causes  rendered  the  Bap- 
tist meeting  thinner  than  otherwise.  The  lowering  of  prices  by  the  committee  is  con- 
sidered by  the  town  as  a  violent  measure  and  only  a  temporary  relief,  but  think  it  will 
share  the  fate  of  former  State  bills.2  The  suburbs  of  this  city  greatly  destroyed  by  the 
English,  but  the  body  of  it  not  much  damaged.  A  fine  rain  on  the  night  of  the  4th 
of  July.  Some  more  apples  in  these  parts  than  in  the  Jerseys,  though  but  few. 
Monday,  5th.  Breakfasted  at  Mr.  Shields's,  where  a  committee  from  the  church  met 
and  importuned  me  to  tarry  with  them  some  time,  or  come  again  and  make  them  a 
longer  visit.  I  gave  them  hopes  of  the  latter  after  the  four  Sabbaths  of  this  month. 
"Went  to  Mr.  David  Bowers's,  and  thence  to  Mr.  Moulders's ;  then  to  hear  the  oration  at 
the  Dutch  church.  The  performance  indifferent.  Congress  and  the  French  Ambassa- 
dor present,  and  a  large  assembly.  Here  met  Mr.  Merchant,  and  called  at  his  lodgings. 
Received  an  invitation  to  dine  at  Prof.  Lawrens's,  but  we  dined  at  Mr.  Westcot's. 
Returned  to  our  lodgings.  Were  visited  by  Messrs.  Shields,  Britain,  and  Gen.  Spencer. 
Set  out  in  the  afternoon  for  Mr.  Jones's,  where  we  arrived  in  the  evening.  The 
weather  intensely  hot.  Tuesday,  6th.  Tarried  at  Mr.  Jones's,  and  set  out  on  the  7th 
for  Bordentown.  Dined  at  Bristol,  and  reached  Mr.  Alison's  before  night.  Passed  the 
ruins  of  Mr.  Kirbright's  buildings ;  the  river  three-fourths  of  a  mile  wide ;  the  ruins 
of  the  vessels  burned  by  the  English  on  the  east  shore,  as  also  the  stores,  and  the 
dwelling-house  of  Mr.  Joseph  Borden,  treasurer.3    There  met  Mr.  Stites,  from  Cran- 


1  Joseph  Spencer.  He  was  born  in  Connecticut,  in  1J14.  He  was  a  major  in  the  colonial  army 
in  1756,  and  was  one  of  the  first  eight  brigadiers  appointed  by  the  Continental  Congress  in  1775. 
He  was  appointed  a  major-general  in  1776,  and  in  1777  was  in  command  of  the  American  forces  on 
Rhode  Island.  After  his  resignation  he  was  elected  a  delegate  to  Congress  from  his  native  State. 
He  died  in  East  Haddam,  in  January,  1789,  aged  seventy-five. 

*  A  short  time  after  this  (October  4th),  a  riot  took  place  in  Philadelphia  in  consequence  of  this 
attempt  of  a  committee  to  regulate  the  prices  of  flour,  rum,  sugar,  molasses,  coffee,  salt,  etc. 
Robert  Morris  and  other  leading  merchants  refused  to  conform  to  the  regulation.  Wilson,  Clymer, 
Mifliin,  and  their  friends  were  threatened  with  banishment  to  New  York,  as  abettors  and  defend- 
ers of  the  Tories.  Soon  afterwards  (October  20th),  a  convention  of  the  five  Eastern  States  was 
held  at  Hartford,  at  which  a  plan  was  elaborated,  which  Congress  adopted,  regulating  prices  on 
the  basis  of  twenty  paper  dollars  for  one  of  specie.  Dr.  Manning's  visit  to  Philadelphia  doubtless 
had  reference  to  some  measures  of  relief  of  this  kind  from  the  oppressive  laws  of  Rhode  Island 
and  other  States,  passed  by  recommendation  of  Congress,  which  made  paper  money  a  legal  tender. 

3  On  the  7th  of  May,  1778,  six  or  seven  hundred  British  troops  left  Philadelphia  for  the  purpose 
of  destroying  vessels  which  were  lying  in  Barnes's  and  Crosswick's  Creeks  at  Bordentown.  They 
burned  two  frigates,  destroyed  several  smaller  vessels,  burned  several  residences  and  buildings  on 
their  return,  and  seized  considerable  property. 


324  BROWN  UNIVERSITY  Chap.  IX. 

berry,  which  detained  us  until  Saturday,  July  10th.  Were  hospitably  treated  by  the 
family,  Col.  Hogland,  Dr.  Moore,  Mr.  Borden,  and  Mr.  Kirbright.  Preached  on  Friday 
evening,  and  set  out  in  the  morning  for  Cranberry,  in  company  with  Col.  Hogland  and 
Mr.  Stites.    Reached  Cranberry  to  dine.    Found  the  Doctor  well,  and  glad  to  see  us. 

Preached  for  Mr.  Smith  Sunday  the  11th.  The  day  rainy  and  few  people  out.  At 
night  had  a  severe  diarrhoea,  which  continued  the  12th,  so  that  I  kept  house  in  much 
pain.  13th.  The  diarrhcea  abated;  the  weather  fine  and  cool,  as  there  fell  a  vast  quan- 
tity of  rain  on  Lord's  Day  and  evening,  accompanied  by  abundance  of  thunder  and 
lightning.  This  morning  Mr.  Stelle  called  on  us  on  his  way  to  Philadelphia,  and 
informed  us  that  accounts  are  received  of  the  burning  of  New  Haven  by  the  British, 
and  that  they  are  destroying  all  in  their  way  in  that  quarter.1  Preached  to-day  at  the 
Baptist  meeting.  Tarried  the  14th  and  15th.  Still  much  indisposed.  16th.  Set  out 
for  Piscataway,  called  at  Brunswick,  and  reached  Bonham  Town.  Mrs.  Manning  very 
ill  since  the  12th:  scarce  able  to  ride.  My  brother  in  great  fear  of  the  enemy.  "Was 
interrupted  till  midnight  by  the  seizure  of  a  trunk  of  goods.  17th.  Went  to  Mr.  Ben- 
jamin Manning's.  Left  my  spouse,  and  preached  at  the  Sabbatarian  meeting;  return- 
ing to  our  lodgings  at  Benjamin  Manning's,  Esq. 

Sunday,  July  18th.  Preached  for  Mr.  Stelle  twice,  dined  at  lodgings,  and  came  on  to 
Brother  Joseph's.  19th.  Returned  to  the  Farms.  To-day  heard  that  the  British  fleet 
at  Stony  Point  was  taken  by  General  Wayne,  with  five  hundred  prisoners.1  Found 
our  parents  as  well  as  usual,  and  tarried  there,  Mrs.  Manning  being  very  unwell,  20th, 
21st,  and  22d.  Set  out  Saturday,  July  23d,  for  Hopewell.  Left  my  mare  with  Swan's 
horse.  Called  on  Mr.  Miller,  who  was  in  ill  health.  Stopped  at  Capt.  Randolph's, 
dined  at  Benjamin  Manning's  ;  called  at  Mr.  Stelle's,  but  he  was  not  at  home  ;  met  him 
at  Mr.  Hall's  in  Brunswick.  Reached  Mr.  Prince's,  at  Rocky  Hill.  The  day  very  hot 
and  dusty,  and  my  horse  travelled  hard  and  greatly  fatigued.  Distance  thirty-two 
miles.  Saturday,  2<ith.  "Was  unable  to  find  my  horse  until  late  in  the  morning. 
Reached  Mr.  Barton's  at  Hopewell,  ten  miles,  much  fatigued.  The  meeting  opened 
by  a  sermon  from  Mr.  Pitman,  to  good  acceptance.    Peter  Smith  also  attended. 

Lord's  Day,  25th.  Preached  twice,  and  gave  out  the  communion  to  a  part  of  the 
church,  as  they  are   unhappily  divided  about  their  minister,  Mr.  Coles.    The  day 


1  Referring  to  the  invasion  of  Connecticut  by  the  British,  under  Governor  Tyron  of  New  York, 
and  Brigadier-General  Garth,  in  the  early  part  of  July,  1779,  during  which  they  plundered  New 
Haven,  and  burned  Fairfield  and  Norwalk. 

2  This,  says  Lossing,  in  his  Field-Book  of  the  Revolution,  was  regarded  as  the  most  brilliant 
achievement  of  the  war,  and  raised  the  hero  Wayne  to  the  highest  point  in  the  admiration  of  his 
countrymen.  The  fortress,  which  was  regarded  as  impregnable,  was  taken  on  the  night  of  July 
16th.  Conversing  with  Washington  on  the  expedition  and  the  obstacles  to  be  overcome,  Wayne  is 
said  to  have  remarked  with  emphasis,  '•  General,  I'll  storm  hell,  if  you  will  only  plan  it." 


1779.  AND   MANNING.  325 

exceedingly  rainy,  but  the  house  full.  Monday,  26th.  Mr.  Joshua  Jones  came  and 
preached  in  the  morning;  a  good  sermon.  I  closed  the  meeting  in  the  afternoon. 
Tuesday,  27th.  In  company  with  Mr.  Smith  reached  Samuel  Jones's,  thirty  miles; 
caught  in  a  thunder-shower  and  got  very  wet;  dined  at  John  Hart's,  Esq.,  at  New 
Town.  Tarried  Wednesday,  28th,  and  set  out,  after  a  rainy  morning,  Thursday,  29th, 
for  Philadelphia,  twelve  miles.  Put  up  my  horse  at  Mr.  Shield's;  called  on  some 
friends,  and  took  quarters  at  Mr.  Samuel  Davis's.  Friday,  July  '30th.  Visited  some 
friends  in  town.  Saturday,  31st.  Saw  the  British  prisoners  taken  at  Stony  Point 
march  in ;  fine  looking  men.    Dined  at  Mr.  Goforth's. 

Sunday,  Aug.  1st.  Preached  twice.  The  congregation  pretty  large,  —  more  so  than 
usual  here,  — and  very  attentive.  Spent  the  evening  at  a  religious  conference,  where 
there  seemed  a  degree  of  quickening  and  freedom.  Aug.  2d.  A  storm  of  rain  from  the 
northeast,  which  continued  the  next  day ;  heat  intense.  I  tarried  mostly  at  my  lodgings. 
Aug.  4th.  Wrote  letters  to  Providence,  to  the  church  and  Nicholas  Brown.  Aug.  5th. 
The  account  of  the  defeat  of  the  British  by  the  French  fleet  in  the  West  Indies  arrived. 
Spent  the  evening  at  Major  Goforth's,  in  company  with  several  gentlemen.  Here  I  met 
Major  Somner,  ten  days  from  Providence,  who  tells  me  that  things  are  agreeable  in  that 
quarter,  which  I  was  also  informed  of  by  a  letter  from  General  Varnum,  received  yes- 
terday. G.  Brigade  is  come  to  headquarters,  which  I  heard  by  a  line  from  Van  Horn,  at 
the  same  time.  Friday,  6th.  Delivered  my  letters  to  Mr.  Somner.  This  day  Mr. 
Edwards  called  upon  me,  and  tarried  in  town  several  days.  Saw  General  Spencer  and 
Mr.  Collins.  Abundance  of  rumors  concerning  the  West  India  affair.  Visited  in  town 
in  the  forenoon.  Saturday,  1th.  Went  with  Mr.  Edwards  to  Capt.  Falkner's,  five  miles, 
and  spent  the  afternoon  agreeably. 

Sunday,  Aug.  8th.  Preached  three  times.  The  assembly  full,  and  the  people  so  impor- 
tunate for  another  Sabbath  that  I  concluded  to  stay.  9th.  Messrs.  Jones,  Blackwell, 
and  Nathaniel  Stout  came  to  town  ;  the  former  tarried  with  me  one  night.  Tuesday,  10th. 
Mr.  Edwards,  in  company  with  Jones  and  myself,  set  out  for  Col.  Miles's.1  Distance 
thirteen  miles.  Arrived  in  the  evening,  and  he  and  lady  next  morning,  from  town. 
He  has  a  most  elegant  seat,  gardens,  meadows,  etc.,  and  a  most  remarkable  spring,  which 
turns  three  wheels  in  one-fourth  of  a  mile  from  its  source.  Spent  three  days  very  agree- 
ably, and  on  the  13th  set  out  for  town,  Mr.  Edwards  returning  with  Mr.  Jones.  The 
weather  extremely  hot,  and  abundance  of  rain.  The  Indian  corn  crop  incomparably  fine, 
the  buckwheat  forward,  and  the  second  crop  of  grass  cutting.  This  is  an  agreeable  part 
of  the  country.  Preached  this  evening,  Saturday,  14th.  Visited  Major  Goforth's  ;  paid 
my  barber;  received  one  hundred  dollars  of  Mr.  Rogers,  as  per  order;  called  at  Mr. 
Morris's,  and  dined  at  Mr.  Ball's. 


1  Colonel  Miles,  Chairman  of  the  Committee  of  Safety,  who  in  the  early  part  of  the  war  took 
Morgan  Edwards  to  his  house  and  hid  him  in  order  to  secure  him  from  arrest.    See  page  15. 


326  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  IX. 

Sunday,  Aug.  15th.  Extremely  hot.  Preached  twice,  attended  the  funeral  of  a  child, 
and  drank  chocolate  at  Mr.  Turner's.  Richard  Lemon  and  both  the  McKims,  from  Bal- 
timore, at  meeting.  Monday,  16th.  Visited  Mr.  Moulders's,  and  attended  the  meeting  of 
the  church  and  society,  who  unanimously  agreed  to  get  the  pulpit  supplied.  Chose  a 
committee  of  eight,  half  from  the  church  and  half  from  the  society,  to  raise  the  necessary 
supplies  for  that  purpose,  and  to  call  Mr.  Gano  for  one  year.  At  two  o'clock  set  out  for 
Mr.  Jones's.  Preached  at  Pennepek  at  five  o'clock.  Tarried  with  Mr.  Jones  and  Mr. 
Edwards.  The  weather  intensely  hot ;  though  the  season  uncommonly  wet.  Tuesday, 
Aug.  17th.  Set  out  for  Bordentown,  where  I  dined.  Reached  Cranberry,  Dr.  Stites's,  at 
night,  18th.  Reached  Brunswick,  and  dined  at  Robert  Huder's,  where  I  met  with  Mrs. 
Gano  and  John.  Reached  Mr.  Stites's  in  the  evening,  and  found  all  well.  The  Indian 
corn  incomparably  fine  through  the  whole  country.  Thursday,  19th.  "Went  to  Elizabeth- 
town,  and  returned  in  the  evening.  Dined  at  Dr.  Dayton's,  Spent  the  20th  and  21st  at 
the  Farms.    The  weather  rainy. 

Sunday,  22d.  Preached  at  the  Plains  with  Mr.  Stelle,  who  preached  at  six  o'clock  at 
Morristown.  Tarried  at  Brother  Joseph's.  A  terrible  rain  at  night.  My  brother  very 
sick  with  the  bilious  fever.  Jeremiah  and  son  and  daughter  tarried  there  also.  Monday, 
23d.  Visited  Uncle  Joseph  Randolph ;  in  a  deep  consumption,  to  all  appearances,  but 
comfortable  in  mind.  From  thence,  through  Samptown,  I  visited  Sister  Tingley,  who 
has  broken  her  right  arm  by  a  fall,  and  dislocated  her  wrist.  Dined  and  went  to  Dead 
River  to  Brother  Jno.  Manning's  and  tarried  the  night.  His  eldest  daughter  sick.  His 
farm  is  much  improved  since  I  saw  it,  and  he  lives  comfortably.  Visited  Uncle  "William 
Stites,  Mr.  Tingley,  Cousin  Jno.  Manning,  Mr.  Miller,  Mr.  Brooks,  and  returned  to  the 
Farms  on  Tuesday  evening,  24th.  "Wednesday  went  to  Elizabethtown,  visited  friends, 
and  tarried  two  days,  returning  to  the  Farms  Thursday  evening.  Admiral  Arbuthnot's 
fleet  said  to  have  arrived  at  New  York,  but  the  particulars  have  not  come  to  hand. 
Friday,  21th.  Tarried  at  home.  The  season  very  sickly,  but  not  mortal  yet.  Yesterday 
the  weather  cleared  up  cool  and  fine.    Continued  at  home  Saturday. 

Lord's  Day,  Aug.  29th.  Preached  at  Lyon's  Farms.  The  audience  serious  and  attentive. 
Tarried  at  home  till  Thursday,  the  2d  of  September,  and  then,  accompanied  by  parents, 
visited  Stites,  Woodruff,  dined,  and  then  proceeded  to  Bonham  Town,  calling  on  two  of 
the  sisters  on  the  way,  and  observing  the  desolations  at  Woodbridge.  Sept.  3d.  Rainy, 
but  in  the  afternoon  went  to  Joseph  Manning's ;  a  heavy  rain  on  the  way ;  found  him 
and  two  children  sick.  Sept.  4th.  "Went  to  Joseph  Tingley's ;  found  my  sister  better ; 
preached  at  the  meeting-house,  Lord's  Day.  Saw  many  old  friends  and  acquaintances, 
and  all  my  brothers  but  Joseph.  After  bidding  the  last  farewell,  returned  to  the  Farms 
in  the  evening,  calling  on  Mr.  Miller  on  the  way,  who  is  much  recovered.  Tarried  at 
home  Monday,  6th,  and  were  visited  by  Sister  Woodruff.    The  season  remarkably  sickly 


1779.  AND    MANNING.  327 

throughout  the  country,  hut  the  mortality  not  very  great.  The  complaints  are  intermit- 
ting fevers  and  agues.  Tuesday,  1th.  Tarried  at  home  and  rested ;  in  the  afternoon 
preached.    Mr.  Miller  came,  and  we  had  something  of  a  comfortable  season. 

Wednesday,  Sept.  8th.  Set  out  for  Providence.  Were  accompanied  by  parents  four 
miles.  Left  Sister  Woodruff  at  papa's ;  called  and  rested  at  Dr.  Smith's  at  Chatham, 
seven  miles.  Dined  at  Col.  Dunham's  in  Morristown,  seven  miles.  Were  kindly 
treated.  The  family  sick,  and  himself  indisposed.  Set  out  at  four  o'clock  and  reached 
Rockaway,  nine  miles.  Tarried  at  Jackson's,  at  the  Forge.  A  thunder-shower  in  the 
night,  and  bedbugs,  prevented  sleep;  otherwise  good  entertainment.  Paid  six  dollars. 
The  road  much  better  this  way  than  over  the  mountains.  Set  out  on  the  morning 
of  the  9th,  to  Esquire  Moses  Tuttle's,  five  miles.  The  road  bad.  Breakfasted  and 
reached  Davenport's  to  dinner;  the  road  extremely  bad;  distance  ten  miles.  After- 
noon visited  Col.  Soward's,  ten  miles.  The  road  bad ;  tarried  the  night,  and  were 
kindly  entertained.  10th.  Travelled  to  Col.  Hathhorn's,  fourteen  miles,  and  dined ; 
afternoon  reached  Mr.  Gano's,  three  and  one-half  miles.  The  road  better  over  the 
mountains,  though  the  mountains  exceedingly  bad.  Saturday,  11th.  Tarried  at  Mr. 
Gano's. 

Lord's  Day,  preached  at  Warwick  twice.  The  assembly  full  and  very  solemn. 
After  meeting  dined  at  Mr.  Beard's,  who  had  prepared  an  elegant  dinner,  and  were 
treated  very  hospitably.  Tarried  at  Mr.  Gano's  Monday.  Took  a  very  great  cold. 
Mrs.  Manning  but  indifferently  well,  and  Sally  and  Dicky  sick.  Tuesday,  Sept.  lith.  Set 
out,  dined  at  Mr.  Owen's,  and  reached  Mr.  Fought's  in  the  evening.  Met  Lieut.  Hubbel 
on  the  road,  who  came  out  from  Newburgh  for  this  purpose.  Met  also  Capt.  Wiley  from 
Providence,  who  informs  me  they  are  well  in  general.  We  were  received  and  treated 
very  kindly  at  Mr.  Fought's,  where  we  lodged ;  and  Wednesday,  15th,  I  visited  Isaac 
Belnap,  and  was  visited  by  Mr.  Edmonds.  Preached  in  the  afternoon  at  the  Conti- 
nental store.  The  people  attentive  and  affected,  and  very  desirous  of  another  sermon. 
Visited  Dea.  Lawrence  at  the  Landing,  and  returned  in  the  evening  to  our  lodgings. 
Ever  since  Sunday  the  wind  fresh  at  the  northeast,  cloudy  and  very  cold;  at  its  first 
rising  a  boat  was  upset  in  this  ferry  Sunday  morning,  and  two  young  ladies  were 
drowned. 

Thursday,  Sept.  16th.  Went  down  to  West  Point  by  water  in  Lieut.  Hubbel's  boat. 
The  French  Ambassador's  secretaries  in  company.  One  of  them  spoke  English ;  a  most 
accomplished  gentleman,  and  the  handsomest  Frenchman  I  ever  saw.  The  other  was 
•agreeable,  as  were  their  attendant  gentlemen,  but  could  not  converse  much  in  English. 
We  had  an  agreeable  passage,  and  were  greatly  entertained  by  the  highlands  through 
which  we  passed.  Those  huge,  vast  mountains,  with  their  cloudy  tops,  approach  near 
together  as  the  river  narrows.  At  about  eleven  o'clock  we  reached  Gen.  Washington's 
quarters,  —  a  beautiful,  level  spot  one  mile  north  of  the  Point,  surrounded  by  those 


328  BROWN   UNIVERSITY.  Chap.  IX. 

precipices.  His  Excellency,  the  Ambassador,  with  a  number  of  the  generals,  were 
gone  to  reconnoitre  the  fort.  There  I  met  Dr.  Cochrane,  Surgeon  General  of  the  array, 
who  seemed  very  glad  to  find  me  in  camp.  After  examining  a  correct  map  of  this  fort, 
shown  us  by  one  of  the  General's  aids,  and  taking  a  drink,  we  sailed  over  to  the  Point, 
which  is  fitted  by  nature  to  form  an  exceeding  strong  port.  Up  to  the  top  of  the  Point 
is  a  great  ascent,  and  there  a  plain  on  which  stands  Fort  Arnold,  at  the  last  part  of  the 
Point.  A  very  strong  fortress,  with  excellent  bomb-proofs,  and  bastions  below  to 
defend  the  great  chain  stretched  across  just  after  the  river  turns  west.  The  opposite 
shore  is  also  strongly  fortified  to  defend  the  chain,  from  what  is  called  the  island,  and 
all  the  heights  also  on  the  east  side  of  the  river,  to  prevent  their  landing  and  bombard- 
ing the  fort.  These  works,  viewed  from  the  Point,  look  most  beautiful.  These  were 
shown  us  by  Gen.  McDugal,  who  commands  this  fortress.  Fort  Putnam  stands  on  a 
great  eminence  at  half  a  mile  distance  west  from  this,  and  commands  Fort  Arnold. 
This  is  the  strongest  work  ever  raised  in  English  America,  and  is  utterly,  from  its 
situation,  inaccessible  but  on  the  northern  side,  where  all  the  force  of  art  is  exerted  to 
strengthen  it  by  walls  without  walls,  the  outermost  of  which  is  laid  with  lime  and 
stone,  with  bomb-proofs,  etc.,  etc.  This  is  also  defended  by  all  the  commanding 
heights.  The  approach  of  an  army  by  land  is  next  to  impossible  from  the  west  side 
of  the  river,  as  there  are  but  few  ways,  and  those  almost  impassable,  and  all  strongly 
defended.  The  troops  were  encamped  on  both  sides  of  the  river  on  the  most  conven- 
ient grounds.  I  dined  at  Gen.  Greene's  quarters  with  his  family,  Mr.  Olney,  Col. 
Morris,  Major  Littlefield,  and  Col.  Webb,  as  the  General  had  not  returned.  Soon  after, 
he,  with  Gen.  Knox,  returned,  with  whom  had  a  little  chat.  Shortly  afterward,  his 
Excellency,  General  Washington,  the  French  Ambassador,  and  Baron  Steuben,  with 
their  retinues,  returned,  to  all  of  whom  I  was  introduced  by  Gen.  Greene.  The 
Ambassador  is  a  good-looking,  ruddy-complexioned  man  as  I  ever  saw  for  a  French- 
man.   His  family  are  extremely  polite.1 

Having  viewed  the  works,  we  returned  up  the  river,  had  a  good  time,  and  arrived  at 
New  Windsor  after  sunset,  and  at  Newburgh  in  the  evening.  Friday,  Sept.  17th.  The 
morning  was  foggy,  which  prevented  our  setting  out  early.  Crossed  the  river  with  an 
easy  time,  and  set  out  from  the  Continental  Ferry  between  ten  and  eleven  o'clock. 
Passing  Fishkill,  took  the  Danbury  road,  stopped  at  a  private  house  to  oat,  and  then 
reached  Col.  Luddington's,  twenty-two  miles ;  then  reached  Esquire  Patterson's,  four 
miles,  at  Fredericksburg.    The  road  good  fifteen  miles,  and  then  exceeding  bad,  over 


1  This  invitation  to  visit  West  Point,  as  extended  to  Manning  and  his  wife,  through  Lieut. 
Hubbel,  and  the  attention  shown  them  by  the  generals  and  officers  in  command,  afford  a  pleasing 
illustration  of  Dr.  Manning's  character  and  social  position.  He  associated  with  the  first  men  of  his 
times,  and  on  terms  of  equality.  Few  persons  of  his  day  could  be  called  his  superiors,  save  in  the 
externals  of  worldly  prosperity. 


1779.  AND   MANNING.  329 

rocks  and  mountains.  Saturday,  l%th.  Set  out  at  sunrise.  The  road  good  three  miles, 
and  then  exceeding  bad  toDanbury,  fourteen  miles,  where  we  arrived  at  eleven  o'clock. 
Put  up  at  Capt.  Clarke's.  Good  entertainment.  The  ruins  of  the  town  are  affecting, 
marked  with  the  traces  of  British  inhumanity.1  This  town  was  considerably  large,  and 
prettily  situated  between  the  mountains,  with  a  good  soil.  Apples  are  plenty  here. 
Some  few  were  to  be  seen  at  the  river,  and  a  gradual  increase.  The  Indian  corn  excel- 
lent on  this  side  of  the  river,  and  the  pastures  good.  Very  difficult  to  get  good  enter- 
tainment. At  two  o'clock  set  out  through  Bethel,  to  which  is  a  good  road  three  miles. 
Then  we  ascend  the  shocking  mountains  which  reach  to  Reading,  five  miles,  Bitt's 
Tavern.  This  is  a  pretty  village  on  a  hill.  From  thence  we  reached  North  Fairfield, 
five  miles,  to  Esquire  Wakeman's,  a  private  house.    Had  good  entertainment. 

Sabbath  morning,  19th.  Reached  Greenfield,  Mr.  Tennent's,2six  miles.  Were  most 
kindly  received.  I  preached  twice.  A  large  congregation  and  attentive.  Drank  tea  at 
Dr.  Rogers's,  Mr.  Tennent's  sister,  an  agreeable  people,  who  spent  the  evening  with  us 
at  our  lodgings.  The  road  stony,  but  not  so  bad  here.  The  husbandry  very  good 
through  all  this  rough  country,  in  which  are  raised  good  crops  of  wheat.  Great  crops  of 
flax  are  raised  in  these  parts,  though  not  so  good  this  year.  The  husbandry  in  Green- 
field is  good,  and  the  inhabitants  very  good  livers.  Mr.  Tennent  well  settled.  Monday 
morning,  Sept.  20th.  "Went  to  Fairfield,  three  miles,  and  viewed  the  ruins  of  that  once 
beautiful  place,  which  shocked  me  exceedingly.  Very  few  buildings  remain.  Ninety- 
six  houses,  besides  barns  and  stores,  were  burned.  From  thence  reached  Esq.  Hubbel's 
at  Stratford,  three  miles,  to  dinner.  Visited  Mr.  Ross,  who  is  sick  with  the  fever  and 
ague.  There  I  saw  Mr.  Elliot,  of  Fairfield,  who  is  also  sick,  as  indeed  are  a  great  part 
of  the  people  in  this  neighborhood.  Peggy  not  at  home.  The  family  very  kind ;  tarried 
here  all  night.  She  arrived  in  the  evening ;  is  kindly  treated  by  the  family,  who  are 
plain,  good-living  farmers.  I  took  a  walk  to  the  southward  of  the  road,  and  viewed  a 
most  beautiful,  level  country,  suited  to  wheat,  and  the  inhabitants  very  good  livers ; 
their  buildings  very  good,  and  their  crops  excellent.  Spent  the  evening  at  Esquire 
Brother's,  a  likely  agreeable  man.     Tuesday,  Sept.  21st.    Set  out  at  nine  o'clock,  through 


'On  the  26th  of  April,  1777,  about  two  thousand  British  troops,  commanded  by  Gov.  William 
Tyron,  reached  the  village  of  Danbury  between  one  and  two  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  for  the  purpose 
of  destroying  the  military  stores  in  that  town.  They  left  the  next  morning,  after  committing 
various  excesses,  burning  the  new  meeting-house,  nineteen  dwellings,  twenty-two  stores  and  barns 
and  an  immense  amount  of  stores  and  provisions  for  the  American  army. 

*  Rev.  W  illiam  MacKay  Tennent,  a  distinguished  Presbyterian  minister.  He  graduated  at  the 
College  of  New  Jersey  in  1763,  one  year  after  Dr.  Manning.  In  1772  he  became  pastor  of  the  church 
in  Greenfield,  resigning  in  1781  to  take  charge  of  a  church  near  Philadelphia.  He  was  one  of  the 
trustees  of  New  Jersey  College  from  1785  to  1808.  He  received  the  degree  of  Doctor  in  Divinity  from 
Yale  College  in  1794 ;  was  moderator  of  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  1797. 
His  wife  was  a  daughter  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Rogers,  of  New  York.  Dr.  Alexander  speaks  of  him  as 
having  a  very  sweet  temper,  and  distinguished  for  his  hospitality. 
42 


330  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  IX. 

Stratford,  five  miles.  The  inhabitants  here  had  moved  out  their  effects,  expecting  a 
visit  from  the  enemy.  An  agreeable  town,  situated  on  a  river  navigable  twelve  miles 
above  the  town.  Crossing  the  ferry,  reached  Milford,  five  miles,  and  dined  at  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Sherman's.  This  town  large  and  rich,  but  their  buildings  old  and  in  bad  order  in 
general.  Their  husbandry  through  here  good,  and  their  crops  excellent;  plenty  of 
apples.  Visited  the  other  minister  of  the  town ;  was  kindly  treated,  and  invited  to 
dine.  Here  met  Mr.  Elliot  again,  with  the  ague  on  him,  on  his  way  to  Boston.  Went 
in  company  with  the  ministers  to  the  Freeman's  meeting,  to  prox  for  deputies  to  nomi- 
nate their  council,  etc.,  for  election  next  spring.  Was  importuned  to  open  the  meeting 
by  prayer,  which  is  their  usage.  Attended  in  order  to  observe  their  manner  of  proceed- 
ing. The  clergy  in  this  State  vote  for  their  officers,  and  often  speak  to  direct  in  the 
choice  of  men.  They  have  great  influence  on  the  people.  When  the  meeting  is  opened 
by  the  constables,  the  people  are  requested  to  bring  in  their  votes  for  their  first  deputy; 
which  done,  if  one  has  not  more  than  all  the  rest,  it  is  declared  that  he  is  not  chosen ; 
and  after  declaring  the  numbers  for  the  respective  candidates,  they  are  requested  to 
bring  in  again,  and  so  continue  to  do  until  he  is  elected.  Twenty  names  at  most  are  put 
in  by  each  voter  for  general  officers,  out  of  which  the  twelve  highest  are  chosen  by  the 
assembly  for  the  spring  choice.  After  gratifying  my  curiosity  here,  returned  to  Mr. 
Sherman's,  dined,  and  set  out  for  New  Haven,  ten  miles,  where  we  arrived  in  the  even- 
ing. The  road  bad  most  of  the  way.  Went  to  Mr.  Sabin's,  who  was  ill,  and  his  wife 
from  home.  Was  put  to  difficulty  to  find  lodging  and  keeping  for  our  horse,  as  the  town 
had  been  sacked  by  the  enemy,  and  the  people  had  their  effects  out  of  town.  Tarried  at 
Mr.  Lyman's.  Indifferent  quarters,  but  a  high  price.  The  town  shows  but  few  marks 
of  outrage  to  travellers  passing  through,  as  the  British  did  not  burn  here.  Wednesday, 
Sept.  22d.  Set  out  at  seven  o'clock,  having  taken  breakfast.  Took  the  road  to  Durham, 
crossed  the  bridge,  and  the  long  causeway  one  half  mile  over  the  marsh.  The  first  six 
or  seven  miles  very  sandy,  then  a  good  soil,  and  well  improved  to  and  through  Paug,  a 
pleasant  village,  nine  miles.  Mr.  Williams,  minister,  invited  me  to  his  house,  but  we 
could  only  stop  to  oat.  From  hence  to  Durham,  excellent  land  and  husbandry,  and  the 
buildings  uncommonly  elegant.  Durham  a  considerable  town,  situated  on  a  hill ;  the 
buildings  good;  distance  nine  miles.  Dined  at  Landlord  Camp's.  The  people  agree- 
able. After  setting  out  was  stopped  by  General  Wadsworth,  and  invited  to  call,  but 
time  would  not  admit.  Reached  Middletown,  seven  miles,  at  five  o'clock.  Put  up  at 
Capt.  Warner's.  Was  visited  by  Major  Otis.  Most  kindly  entertained;  tarried  Thurs- 
day, visited  Mr.  Otis,  Mr.  Hunting,  and  Capt.  William  Warner's  lady.  Tarried  all  night, 
and  set  out  Friday,  24th,  for  Weathersfield.  Crossed  the  Great  Meadows,  but  the  bridge 
having  fallen  down,  were  obliged  to  ferry  over,  with  difficulty.  The  upper  houses  form 
a  pretty  village.  It  began  to  rain  moderately,  which  lasted  to  Weathersfield.  The 
town  here  is  beautiful,  and  the  inhabitants  appear  to  live  well,  as  the  soil  is  exuberant. 


1779.  AND   MANNING.  331 

Vast  quantities  of  onions  are  raised  here  for  importation.  Dined  at  the  tavern,  next 
south  of  the  meeting-house,  and  then  examined  their  fine  structure ;  dimensions  eighty- 
four  hy  fifty  feet,  neatly  finished  with  an  elegant  pulpit,  and  the  most  elegant  steeple  I 
have  seen  on  the  journey.  Set  out  in  the  rain  to  Hartford,  four  miles.  Called  at  Capt. 
Bull's,  and  found  them  well,  and  at  Mr.  Strong's  and  Dr.  Smith's,  but  found  them  gone 
a  journey.  Passed  the  ferry,  and  reached  the  Widow  Bidwel's,  in  East  Hartford,  where 
we  lodged.  "Were  kindly  entertained.  Set  out  Saturday,  25th,  at  seven  o'clock.  The 
road  sandy  from  the  river  ten  miles.  Oated  there;  found  the  road  wet  seven  miles,  to 
Kimball's,  where  we  again  oated.  Dined  at  Mansfield,  at  Mr.  Ephraim  Rolins's.a  Chris- 
tian friend,  seven  miles.  The  road  bad,  and  from  hence,  six  miles,  to  Mr.  Snow's 
tavern  in  Westford,  where  we  fed.  Were  hailed  by  Mr.  Welch  on  our  way,  and  invited 
to  tarry  and  spend  the  Sabbath ;  but  we  meant  to  reach  Capt.  Bowles's,  which  is  six  miles 
from  Snow's,  where  we  arrived  in  the  evening,  much  fatigued.  Mrs.  Bowles  brought 
forth  a  son  this  night. 

Lord's  Bay,  Sept.  26th.  In  company  with  Capt.  Bowles,  went  to  Woodstock  to  Elder 
Ledoyt's  meeting.  Preached  in  the  afternoon.  The  audience  solemn  and  affected.  The 
day  being  very  rainy,  tarried  all  night,  and  thereby  disappointed  a  number  who  had 
assembled  for  meeting  at  Capt.  Bowles's.  Heard  from  Mr.  Ledoyt  a  pleasing  account  of 
their  journey  into  the  northern  parts  last  spring,  and  of  the  remarkable  spread  of  the 
Gospel  and  of  the  work  of  God  in  various  parts.  Monday,  Sept.  21th.  Set  out  in  company 
with  the  Elder.  Found  Mrs.  Bowles  better.  At  ten  o'clock  proceeded  to  Jeremiah 
Brown's,  three  miles,  dined,  and  reached  Mr.  Thurber's  before  night,  five  miles.  Were 
visited  by  several  friends.  Tarried  the  night,  and  on  Tuesday  to  dine ;  then  reached 
Capt.  Corliss's,  six  miles.  The  Indian  corn  but  indifferent  through  these  parts,  but  apples 
plenty.  Throughout  our  whole  journey  the  earth  remarkably  well  clothed  with  grass. 
Visited  Jno.  Jones's  family  in  the  evening.  Wednesday,  Sept.  29th.  In  the  morning  set 
out  for  Mr.  John  Brown's  in  Gloucester,  twelve  miles,  where  we  dined.  Reached  Prov- 
idence at  six  o'clock,  the  road  better  than  usual ;  being  just  five  months  to  an  hour 
absent  from  home,  and  having  experienced  the  abundant  goodness  of  God  in  the  jour- 
ney, in  that  we  had  never  been  molested  by  ill-disposed  persons,  nor  maimed  by  the 
extremely  bad  roads  and  dangerous  mountains  over  which  we  passed.  May  the  Lord 
fill  our  hearts  with  true  thankfulness  for  his*  abundant  mercies  through  our  whole  life, 
and  enable  us  to  devote  to  his  service  lives  which  have  been  peculiarly  his  care ! 


CHAPTER    X. 


1780-1783. 

Meeting  of  the  Corporation  in  1780  —  College  instruction  revived  — Manning's  perse- 
verance—  Second  interruption  —  Letter  of  introduction  for  Dr.  Drowne  —  Meeting 
of  the  Corporation  in  1782  —  Resolution  to  apply  to  Congress  for  damages  done  to 
the  College  edifice  during  the  war — Petition  also  to  the  General  Assembly  —  First 
meeting  of  the  Warren  Association  in  Providence  —  Illustration  of  the  efforts  made 
by  our  fathers  to  educate  and  improve  the  "  rising  generation  "  —  Manning  a  dele- 
gate to  the  Philadelphia  Association  —  Letter  from  Richard  Lemmon  illustrating 
Manning's  pecuniary  straits  —  Letter  to  David  Howell  —  Five  per  cent,  impost  — 
Letter  to  Benjamin  Wallin —  Brief  view  of  the  Religious  Condition  of  the  Country  — 
Public  exercises  of  Commencement  resumed  —  Manning's  purpose  to  proceed  to 
England  to  solicit  funds  for  the  College  —  His  memorial  to  the  Corporation  on  this 
subject  —  Second  letter  to  David  Howell,  giving  an  account  of  Commencement  and 
of  the  proceedings  of  the  Corporation  —  Diary  of  Hezekiah  Smith  —  Petition  to  the 
King  of  France  for  his  patronage  of  the  College,  together  with  accompanying  letter 
—  Sketch  of  Dr.  Benjamin  Waterhouse  —  Letter  from  Thomas  Jefferson  in  regard  to 
the  aforesaid  petition  to  the  King  —  Extracts  from  a  Digest  of  the  College  Laws  by 
President  Manning  —  Manning's  ideas  of  college  government  and  discipline  —  Letter 
to  Henry  Kane,  of  London  —  Letter  to  John  Ryland  —  Influence  of  the  College  in 
favor  of  civil  and  religious  liberty  —  Letter  to  Manning  from  Dr.  Stennett  — 
Anecdote  of  Thomas  Mullet,  Esq.,  respecting  George  Washington  —  Reply  to  Dr. 
Stennett,  giving  a  history  of  the  times  during  the  war ;  John  Murray ;  Jemima 
Wilkinson;  The  "Elect  Lady";  increase  of  religious  toleration  in  New  England; 
calamities  of  the  war ;  condition  of  the  College ;  its  influence  in  promoting  Baptist 
sentiments;  character  of  its  library;  plan  for  an  Education  Society,  etc.  —  Origin  of 
the  Rhode  Island  Baptist  Education  Society  —  Letter  to  Dr.  Thomas  Llewelyn, 
urging  him  to  endow  the  College,  and  thus  give  it  his  name,  according  to  a  provision 
of  the  Charter  —  Extract  from  an  address  of  the  Warren  Association  pertaining  to 
education,  and  especially  to  the  College  —  Definite  treaty  of  peace  —  Thanksgiving 


In  the  Providence  Gazette  for  the  year  1780,  we  find  the  following 
notice  :  —  , 

The  members  of  the  Corporation  of  Rhode  Island  College  are  earnestly  requested 
to  meet  on  Friday,  the  5th  of  May  next,  at  nine  o'clock  A.  m.,  at  the  College  Hall,  to 
transact  business  of  the  highest  importance  to  the  Institution,  which  will  then  come 


1780-1783.  BROWN    UNIVERSITY.  333 

before  them.    It  is  not  doubted  but  that  every  gentlemen  who  has  the  welfare  of  the 

Seminary  at  heart  will  attend  if  possible. 

Stephen  Hopkins,  Chancellor. 

James  Manning,  President. 

Jabez  Bowen, 

Thomas  Eyres. 
Providence,  April  28,  1780. 

At  the  meeting  of  the  Corporation,  held  agreeably  to  the  foregoing 
advertisement,  there  were  present,  of  the  Fellows,  the  President,  Hon. 
Jabez  Bowen,  Dr.  Thomas  Eyres,  and  David  Howell ;  of  the  Trustees, 
Chancellor  Hopkins,  Henry  Ward,  Nicholas  Brown,  Joseph  Russell, 
Daniel  Cahoun,  William  Russell,  Hon.  Nicholas  Cooke,  Joseph  Brown, 
John  Jenckes,  and  John  Brown. 

The  object  of  the  meeting  appears  to  have  been  the  revival  of  Col- 
lege instruction,  with  a  view  to  the  commencement  of  the  exercises, 
which,  since  December,  1776,  had  been  suspended.  President  Manning 
presented  a  proposal,  stating  on  what  terms  he  would  instruct  such 
youth  as  might  apply  to  him  for  this  purpose.  The  proposal  received 
the  approval  of  the  Corporation,  and  he  was  accordingly,  in  the  lan- 
guage of  the  record,  "ordered  to  begin."  In  consideration  of  the 
times,  and  the  great  scarcity  of  money,  his  salary,  which  had  formerly 
been  £100,  was  fixed  at  £60,  or  $200.  Few  persons,  like  Manning, 
would  have  had  the  courage  and  perseverance  to  revive  and  carry  on 
the  instruction  of  the  College,  amid  the  uncertainties  of  the  war,  the 
general  poverty  and  distress  that  filled  the  land,  and* the  despondency 
and  gloom  into  which  the  nation,  at  this  period  was  plunged.  In  this 
instance  we  have  an  illustration  of  his  peculiar  fitness  to  lead  in  an 
enterprise,  which,  eighteen  years  before,  his  friends  at  Philadelphia 
had  intrusted  to  his  hands. 

The  damage  done  to  the  College  Building  by  the  American  troops, 
necessitated  a  heavy  outlay  for  repairs,  for  which  the  Corporation  sought 
remuneration  from  the  Continental  Congress.  The  following  appears 
as  a  part  of  the  records  of  this  special  meeting  :  — 

Resolved,  That  application  be  made  to  the  General  Assembly  to  forward  a  memorial 
from  this  Corporation  to  the  Continental  Congress ;  and  that  notification  of  this  their 


334  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  X. 

intention  be  given  to  the  Assembly ;  and  that  the  Honorable  the  Chancellor,  the  Rev- 
erend the  President,  the  Honorable  Jabez  Bowen,  and  General  James  Mitchel  Varnum 
be  a  committee  to  draw  said  memorial. 

At  a  subsequent  meeting  held  in  September,  1782,  it  was 

Resolved,  That  Joseph  Brown,  Henry  Ward,  William  Russell,  and  Ebenezer  Thomp- 
son, Esquires,  be  a  committee  to  draft  a  petition  to  the  Continental  Congress,  stating 
the  account  for  rents  due,  and  damage  done  the  College  edifice  during  its  occupancy  by 
the  American  forces,  and  the  troops  of  his  most  Christian  Majesty ;  that  they  report  the 
same  to  the  Chancellor  and  the  President ;  and  that  on  their  approbation  of  it,  they  sign 
the  said  petition  in  behalf  of  this  Corporation,  and  forward  it,  together  with  the  former 
petition,  which  was  prepared  some  time  past  by  the  Hon.  Jonathan  Arnold,  Esq. ;  and 
the  delegates  in  Congress  for  the  State  of  Rhode  Island,  are  requested  to  use  their 
influence  to  get  the  same  granted. 

Anticipating  our  narrative,  we  may  here  state,  that  after  repeated 
and  fruitless  applications  to  Congress  for  remuneration  on  account  of 
damages  and  loss  of  rent,  an  act  was  finally  passed  by  the  United  States 
government,  April  16,  1800,  entitled, 

AN  ACT  FOR  THE  RELIEF  OF    THE    CORPORATION    OF    RHODE   ISLAND 

COLLEGE. 
Be  it  enacted,  etc.  That  the  accounting  officers  of  the  treasury  be,  and  they  are  hereby 
authorized  and  directed  to  liquidate  and  settle  the  claims  of  the  Corporation  of  Rhode 
Island  College,  for  compensation  for  the  use  and  occupation  of  the  edifice  of  said  College, 
and  for  injuries  don,e  to  the  same,  from  the  tenth  day  of  December,  one  thousand  seven 
hundred  and  seventy-six,  to  the  twentieth  day  of  April,  one  thousand  seven  hundred 
and  eighty,  by  the  troops  of  the  United  States ;  and  that  the  sum  which  may  be 
found  due  to  the  said  Corporation  for  damages  done  to  and  occupation  of  the  said 
edifice  as  aforesaid,  be  paid  them  out  of  any  money  in  the  treasury  not  otherwise 
appropriated. 

How  much  compensation  the  Corporation  thus  received  we  are  not 
informed.  Dr.  Benedict  in  his  history  states  it  to  have  been  two  thou- 
sand dollars.  The  act,  it  will  be  observed,  makes  no  mention  of  compen- 
sation for  the  use  and  occupation  of  the  edifice  by  the  French  troops, 
from  June  25,  1780,  until  May  27,  1782. 


1780-1783.  AND   MANNING.  .  335 

"  President  Manning,"  says  Backus,  "  now  engaged  again  in  the 
work  of  education.  But  further  interruptions  were  in  store  for  him. 
On  the  25th  of  June,  1780,  while  he  was  preaching  at  the  church,  it 
being  Sunday,  the  College  edifice  was  a  second  time  seized,  by  the  order 
of  the  council  of  war,  for  a  hospital  for  the  French  troops,  who  held  it 
until  May  27th,  1782."     The  records  read  as  follows  : 

As  the  College  edifice  was  taken  for  the  use  of  barracks  and  an  hospital  for  the 
American  army,  and  continued  to  be  so  occupied  by  them,  and  the  troops  of  France, 
from  Dec.  17th,  1776,  until  June,  1782,  the  course  of  education  in  the  College,  and  the 
regular  meetings  of  the  Corporation  were  in  a  great  measure  interrupted  during  that 
period.  This  will  account  for  the  imperfect  minutes  of  transactions  relative  to  the  Col- 
lege during  that  space  of  time. 

The  following  letter  may  be  introduced  here  :  — 

To  Mr.  Jeremiah  Manning,  at  Bonham  Town,  near  Brunswick,  and  my  other  friends  and 
acquaintances  in  Jersey  and  Pennsylvania :  — 
Gentlemen  :  —  The  bearer  of  this  is  Doct.  Solomon  Drowne,  of  the  town  of  Providence, 
of  a  very  reputable  family  here,  educated  in  Rhode  Island  College,  and  regularly  bred 
to  the  practice  of  Physic  in  this  town,  after  which  he  went  through  the  lectures,  etc.,  at 
Philadelphia.  I  esteem  him  a  youth  of  good  abilities,  and  master  of  his  business.  An 
exceeding  great  degree  of  modesty  and  diffidence  would  probably  be  a  disadvantage  to 
him  among  strangers,  were  not  his  character  known.  He,  at  my  instance,  has  had 
thought  of  attempting  a  settlement  in  some  part  of  the  Jerseys,  should  the  prospect  be 
flattering.  From  a  long  acquaintance  with  him  I  esteem  him  an  honest,  sensible, 
worthy  man,  and  as  such  can  recommend  him  to  my  friends. 

James  Manning. 

The  next  meeting  of  the  Corporation  was  held  on  the  14th  of  Sep- 
tember, 1782,  and  was  fully  attended.  Of  the  Fellows  there  were 
present,  besides  the  President,  Hon.  Joshua  Babcock,  of  Westerly; 
Hon.  Jabez  Bowen,  of  Providence ;  Rev.  Samuel  Stillman,  of  Boston ; 
Rev.  Hezekiah  Smith,  of  Haverhill ;  and  Doct.  Thomas  Eyres,  of  New- 
port. Of  the  Trustees,  there  were  present,  among  others,  Chancellor 
Hopkins ;  the  three  Browns  —  Nicholas,  Joseph,  and  John ;  Hon. 
Nicholas  Cooke,  the  "War  Governor;"  John  Jenckes,  a  son  of  Judge 
Jenckes,  whom  Manning  had  seven  years  before  baptized ;  and  Rev. 


336  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  X. 

Isaac  Backus.  Rev.  William  Rogers,  the  "  first  student  of  the  Col- 
lege," was  also  present,  and  in  the  absence  of  the  Secretary  (Hon. 
David  Howell),  was  appointed  to  act  as  Secretary  pro  tern.  It  is  inter- 
esting as  a  record  of  the  past,  to  note  some  of  the  proceedings  of  the 
Corporation  at  this  annual  meeting.  The  following  young  gentlemen, 
who,  amid  all  the  embarrassments  of  the  College,  had  prosecuted  and 
completed  their  course  of  studies  under  President  Manning,  were,  after 
due  examination,  "approved  and  admitted"  as  "candidates  for  the 
degree  of  Bachelor  of  Arts,"  viz. :  Obadiah  Brown,  Joseph  Jenckes, 
Alexander  Jones,  and  William  McClellan.  John  Morley  Green,  Sam- 
uel Snow,  and  Doct.  Levi  Wheaton,  students  in  the  Junior  class  at  the 
time  of  the  breaking  up  of  the  College  by  the  war,  were  also  admitted 
to  the  same  degree.  Of  this  number,  Green  and  Snow  had  served  with 
credit  in  the  army.  Wheaton,  who  died  in  1851,  was  made  a  trustee 
during  the  presidency  of  Dr.  Maxcy.  In  1815  he  was  appointed  Pro- 
fessor of  the  Theory  and  Practice  of  Medicine.  He  was  distinguished, 
says  one  who  knew  him  well,  for  his  learning  and  skill  as  a  physician, 
and  for  his  taste  and  varied  acquirements  in  literature.  A  committee 
appointed  to  revise  the  Charter,  made  the  following  report,  which  was 
adopted :  — 

To  "the  Corporation  of  the  College,  or  University,    in   the    State   of  Rhode 

Island  and  Providence  Plantations: 

The  United  States  of  America  in  Congress  assembled,  and  the  Legislature  of  the 
aforesaid  State,  having  by  the  most  solemn  acts,  renounced  allegiance  to  the  King 
of  Great  Britain,  your  Committee  beg  leave  to  report  the  following  form  of  engage- 
ment, to  be    administered   to  the  officers    of  the  Corporation   in  the  room  of  the 

oath  of  allegiance  prescribed  by  the  Charter,  to  wit : — You  being  elected  a  

of  the  College,  or  University,  in  the  State  of  Rhode  Island  and  Providence  Plantations, 
do  solemnly  engage  that  you  will  faithfully  execute  the  said  office,  agreeably  to  the 
Charter  of  the  said  College,  or  University,  to  the  best  of  your  judgment  or  ability. 

We  also  report,  as  our  opinion,  that  the  Corporation  report  the  necessity  of  this 
alteration  to  the  General  Assembly,  and  request  their  approbation  of  the  measure ; 
and  their  establishment  in  future,  of  the  present  form,  or  such  other  as  they  shall  think 
fit  to  substitute ;  —  and  also  to  request  the  amendment  of  that  clause  in  the  Charter, 
which  prohibits  the  Corporation  from  making  any  law,  or  order,  contrary  to  the  acts 
of  the  British  Parliament. 


1780-1783.  AND    MANNING.  337 

A  committee  was  appointed  to  break  the  old  seal  of  the  College, 
which  had  the  busts  of  the  King  and  Queen  of  Great  Britain,  to  agree 
upon  a  new  seal,  with  suitable  devices,  to  be  made  of  silver,  and  to 
report  its  proceedings  to  the  Corporation.  President  Manning's 
account  for  salary  from  May  5,  1780,  at  X60  per  annum,  was  allowed. 
It  was  also  voted  that  the  College  Library,  which  had  been  in  the 
keeping  of  the  Rev.  William  Williams,  at  Wrentham,  during  the  war, 
should  be  at  once  brought  into  town,  that  it  might  be  used  by  the  stu- 
dents as  formerly. 

"At  this  meeting  of  the  Corporation,"  says  the  chronicler,  "the 
deplorable  situation  of  the  Seminary  was  particularly  taken  into  con- 
sideration ;  whereupon  it  was  resolved  that  the  edifice,  which  had 
been  long  occupied  as  a  barrack  and  a  hospital  by  the  American  and 
French  troops,  should  be  directly  repaired ;  and  ample  provision  was 
made  for  the  immediate  instruction  of  youth  in  all  the  branches  of 
polite  and  useful  literature." 

The  records  read  as  follows  :  — 

Resolved,  That  a  subscription  be  opened  for  raising  not  exceeding  £300  for  the  sole 
purpose  of  repairing  the  College  edifice ;  and  that  the  money  so  subscribed,  be  repaid 
with  interest  out  of  the  first  money  raised  by  the  Corporation;  and  Joseph  Brown, 
Esquire,  is  hereby  appointed  and  authorized  to  receive  the  said  money,  lay  out  the 
same  for  the  purpose  intended,  as  to  him  shall  seem  best,  and  render  an  account  of  his 
proceedings  to  this  Corporation. 

The  following  petition  to  the  General  Assembly  is  copied  from  a 
rough  draft  on  file,  in  the  handwriting  of  President  Manning.  No  date 
is  found  on  the  document,  but  the  facts  stated  indicate  that  it  was  pre- 
pared a  few  weeks  before  this  annual  meeting  of  the  Corporation.  It 
will  repay  perusal.  The  friends  of  the  College  might  well  object  to  the 
edifice  being  put  to  such  uses  as  are  here  set  forth  in  graphic  detail :  — 

The   Petition   of  the   members  of  the  Corporation   of  Ehode   Island   College, 
whose  names  are  hereunto  annexed,  humbly  showeth : 

That  the  College  edifice  was  first  taken  in  December,  1776,  for  the  use  of  barracks 
and  an  hospital  for  the  American  troops,  and  retained  for  that  use  until  the  fall  before 
43 


338  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  X. 

the  arrival  of  his  most  Christian  Majesty's  fleets  and  armies  in  this  State ;  —  that,  hy 
our  direction,  the  President  resumed  the  course  of  education  in  said  College,  and  took 
possession  of  the  edifice  on  the  10th  of  May,  1780 ;  and  continued  so  to  occupy  it  until 
the  authority  of  this  State,  in  a  short  time  after,  granted  it  to  the  French  army  as  an 
hospital,  who  continued  to  hold  and  use  it  for  said  purpose  until  the  last  week,  when 
the  Commissary  of  War  of  the  French  army  delivered  it  up,  with  the  keys,  to  his 
Honor  the  Deputy  Governor ;  they  having  previously  permitted  the  officers  of  the 
French  ships  in  this  State  to  place  their  sick  in  it,  who  still  continue  there ;  —  that  the 
building  was  in  good  repair,  and  occupied  by  upwards  of  thirty  students  when  first 
taken  for  the  public  service;  —  that  great  injury  hath  been  done  to  every  part  of  it 
since  taken  out  of  the  hands  of  the  Corporation;  especially  by  two  buildings  adjoining 
it,  one  an  house  of  offal  at  the  north  end,  with  a  vault  fifteen  feet  deep  under  it,  having 
broken  down  the  wall  of  the  College  to  facilitate  the  passage  of  the  invalids  from  the 
edifice  into  it,  from  which  addition  the  intolerable  stench  renders  all  the  northern 
part  uninhabitable ;  and  the  other  an  horse  stable,  built  from  the  east  projection  to 
the  north  end,  by  which  the  house  is  greatly  weakened;  many  of  the  windows  are 
also  taken  entirely  out  of  the  house,  and  others  so  broken,  as  well  as  the  slate  on  the 
roof,  that  the  storms  naturally  beat  into  it.  As  your  Honors  must  be  sensible,  the 
interests  of  literature  in  this  State  must  generally  suffer,  as  well  as  the  building 
erected  for  its  promotion;  and  the  Corporation  conceiving  that  there  cannot  be  the 
shadow  of  a  reason  for  detaining  any  longer  the  College  edifice  from  them,  who  now 
want  to  apply  it  immediately  to  the  uses  for  which  it  was  erected,  do  request  the 
Legislature  to  deliver  them  the  house,  and  order  all  their  buildings  taken  down  and 
removed  from  the  College  lots,  such  repairs  as  are  absolutely  necessary  to  be  made  at 
the  public  expense  ;  and  to  pass  an  order  that  it  shall  not  again  be  appropriated  as  an 
hospital  or  for  barracks.    And  your  petitioners,  as  in  duty  bound,  will  ever  pray. 

The  week  following  the  meeting  of  the  Corporation,  Tuesday, 
Sept.  10,  1782,  the  Warren  Association  convened  for  the  first  time  in 
Providence.  Fifteen  years  had  now  elapsed  since  its  organization  at 
Warren,  and  notwithstanding  the  efforts  of  Manning  and  others,  the 
parent  church  of  the  denomination  had,  during  this  period,  withheld 
its  co-operation  as  a  body,  and  refused  to  join  the  new  organization. 
The  opposition  of  many  of  its  members  to  singing  in  public  worship, 
and  their  adherence  to  the  doctrine  of  Laying  on  of  Hands,  were  the 
principal  reasons,  doubtless,  why  it  did  not,  at  an  earlier  day,  co-operate 
with  the  neighboring  churches,  in  united  efforts  for  the  public  good. 


1780-1783.  AND    MANNING.  339 

Now  it  had  come  into  harmonious  relations  with  the  Calvinistic  Baptist 
churches  generally,  and  had  invited  the  Association  to  meet  within  the 
walls  of  its  spacious  and  elegant  house  of  worship. 

Among  the  familiar  names  recorded  as  present,  in  the  minutes  of 
this  memorable  meeting,  we  notice  besides  Manning,  Isaac  Backus  and 
Ebenezer  Hinds  of  Middleborough,  Noah  Alden  of  Bellingham,  Bial  Le 
Doyt  of  Woodstock,  Job  Seaman s  of  Attleborough,  William  Williams 
of  Wrentham,  Samuel  Still  man  of  Boston,  and  Hezekiah  Smith  of 
Haverhill.  Mr.  Smith  presided  as  moderator,  and  Rev.  Thomas  Gair 
of  Medfield  acted  as  clerk.  The  opening  sermon  was  preached  by 
Stillman.  At  the  close  of  the  first  day's  session,  the  Association 
adjourned  to  five  o'clock  Wednesday  morning,  in  order  to  spend  some 
time  in  prayer,  "previous  to  attending  on  business,  on  account  of  the 
affecting  drought."  This  shows  the  earnestness  and  zeal  with  which 
the  delegates  engaged  in  their  work,  rising  up  early,  and  spending  an 
hour  before  breakfast  in  special  prayer  and  supplication. 

The  following  extract  from  the  printed  minutes  shows  that  the 
College  was  uppermost  in  the  thoughts  of  the  brethren,  and  that  in 
all  their  deliberations  for  "the  good  of  the  churches"  they  had  in 
mind  an  institution  founded  for  the  express  purpose  of  securing  for  the 
denomination  at  large  an  educated  ministry :  — 

The  Association,  from  a  representation  made  to  them,  hy  the  Corporation  of  the 
College  in  Providence,  of  the  low  state  of  the  funds  of  said  College,  and  the  urgent 
necessity  of  increasing  them  in  order  to  support  suitable  instructors  therein,  and  from 
an  idea  of  the  great  importance  of  good  education,  have  taken  into  consideration,  as  the 
most  probable  method  to  accomplish  this  valuable  end,  the  recommendation  of  a  sub- 
scription throughout  all  the  Baptist  societies  on  this  continent,  as  well  as  to  all  the 
friends  of  literature  of  every  denomination. 

Our  fathers  were  wise  master-builders  in  their  day,  laying  the 
foundations  for  spiritual  growth  and  development  broad  and  deep,  as 
another  extract  from  the  minutes  shows  :  — 

As  the  instruction  and  morals  of  the  rising  generation  are  objects  of  very  great 
importance,  Voted,  That  a  spelling-book,  containing  a  good  English  grammar  and  the 


340  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  X. 

Baptist  catechism,  be  published;  and  Elder  Foster  is  desired  to  prepare  said  book  for 
the  press,  in  conjunction  with  President  Manning,  Elders  Backus,  Stillman,  and  Skill- 
man,  to  be  presented  at  our  next  annual  meeting  for  examination ;  and  in  the  interim, 
for  the  encouragement  of  this  undertaking,  it  is  recommended  to  the  churches  to  raise 
by  subscription  what  moneys  they  can,  and  send  the  same  to  the  Association  next 
year. 

The  movers  in  this  matter  were  familiar,  of  course,  with  the  well- 
known  New  England  Primer.  Their  intentions  are  very  evident,  but 
there  seems  to  have  been  a  difficulty  in  carrying  them  into  effect.  The 
next  year  a  new  committee  was  appointed,  of  which  Mr.  Solomon 
Howe  was  a  member.  Mr.  Howe  reported  in  1784,  "  that  he  had  pre- 
pared a  spelling-book  and  catechism,  which  the  Association  voted  to 
recommend,  after  it  had  been  examined  by  competent  and  skilful 
hands."  Whether  the  work  was  ever  published,  and,  if  so,  where  a 
copy  can  now  be  found,  are  matters  of  interest  to  the  antiquary,  as  well 
as  the  bibliographer. 

The  annual  meeting  of  the  Philadelphia  Association  was  held  on  the 
22d  of  October  following.  President  Manning  attended  this  meeting 
as  a  delegate  from  the  Warren  Association.  The  following  extract  from 
a  letter  from  Richard  Lemmon,  dated  Baltimore,  Nov.  11,  1782,  and 
directed  to  the  Hon.  Robert  Carter,  has  reference  to  this  meeting,  and 
will  be  read  with  interest.  It  shows  the  pecuniary  straits  to  which 
Manning  was  reduced  in  consequence  of  the  times  :  — 

Rev.  Mr.  Manning,  Baptist  minister,  and  President  of  the  College  of  Rhode  Island, 
otherwise  Providence,  in  New  England,  waited  on  the  Association,  and  informed  them 
of  the  state  of  the  Seminary.  He  has  been  for  ten  years  and  upwards  father  to  that 
College,  and  at  so  low  a  salary,  that  were  it  not  for  the  economy  of  his  wife  he  could  not 
live.  It  was  getting  into  repute  before  the  war,  and  likely  to  make  a  figure,  as  a  good 
many  youth  were  brought  up  there  who  have  cut  a  figure,  both  in  the  ministry  and 
otherwise.  The  funds  are  very  low  at  present,  so  that  they  are  not  able  to  keep  the 
necessary  tutors.  The  President  is  obliged  to  teach  three  classes  himself,  and  at  so  low 
a  salary  as  eighty  pounds  per  annum.  The  Baptist  churches  are  solicited  for  donations 
to  enable  him  to  commence  the  College.  As  we  have  only  one  Baptist  institution  on  the 
continent,  we  should  wish  to  encourage  it.  I  called  on  the  Hon.  John  Evans  and 
informed  him  of  the  state  of  affairs  as  above.    He  will  do  all  he  can  in  the  church  he 


1780-1783.  AND    MANNING.  341 

belongs  to,  and  I  will  here.  I  hope  you  will  give  your  friendly  assistance  on  your  part. 
A  small  contribution  from  each  congregation  would  do.  I  enclose  you  the  Minutes  of 
the  Warren  Association,  held  in  Rhode  Island. 

To  his  early  associate  in  the  instruction  of  the  College,  Manning 
thus  writes  :  — 

Providence,  Nov.  19, 1782. 
To  the  Honorable  David  Howell, 

Delegate  in  Congress  : 

Sir:  — This  will  come  to  hand  too  late  to  announce  to  you  the  good  news  concerning 
the  fate  of  rive  per  cent.1  This  was  forwarded  before  I  reached  here ;  but  my  letter  may 
serve  to  congratulate  you  on  the  important  event.  You  will  not  think  strange  that  I 
have  been  at  home  twelve  days  and  have  never  attempted  to  write  until  now,  when  I 
inform  you  that  eight  days  before  I  reached  here  I  was  seized  with  a  severe  fever,  with 
which  I  travelled,  though  in  great  distress,  near  two  hundred  miles,  and  of  which  I  have 
been  ever  since  confined.    Though  it  has  in  a  measure  left  me,  yet  I  am  still  very  weak. 

On  my  arrival,  I  sent  and  delivered  your  letters  and  those  of  Dr.  Arnold,  desiring 
Mrs.  Howell,  by  Jeremiah,  to  come  and  see  me,  as  I  could  not  go  to  her,  which  she 
would  have  done,  but  the  French  army  are  here,  encamped  on  the  lands  of  Jeremiah 
Dexter,  and  those  of  his  brother's  heirs.  The  town  is  full  of  officers,  and  she  is  crowded 
with  them  as  well  as  others.  The  family,  however,  are  all  well.  I  found  my  family 
well,  and  am  told  that  the  town  is  healthy  in  general.  I  am  exceeding  sorry  that  the 
committee  appointed  to  prepare  and  forward  the  papers  relative  to  the  College,  have 


1  The  "  Five  per  cent.  Impost,"  as  it  was  called,  was  defeated  in  the  General  Assembly  by  a  vote 
taken  Nov.  1,  1782.  Fifty-three  of  the  sixty-eight  members  voted  against  it.  Through  lack  of 
funds  to  carry  on  the  government,  the  utter  dissolution  of  the  Confederation  had  seemed  immi- 
nent. On  the  3d  of  February,  1781,  Congress  had  recommended  to  the  States  to  grant  it  the  power  to 
lay  an  impost  of  five  per  cent.,  and  by  the  articles  of  confederation  each  State  must  agree  to  its 
adoption.  All  but  Georgia  and  Rhode  Island  granted  the  power ;  the  former  never  acted  on  the 
recommendation,  but  the  latter,  through  the  influence  perhaps  of  Judge  Howell,  utterly  refused  to 
sanction  it.  Appeals  were  dispatched  from  Congress,  and  finally  a  committee  was  raised  to  come 
in  person  to  Rhode  Island,  but  at  this  juncture  Virginia  repealed  her  assent.  The  impost  question 
continued  a  bone  of  contention  until  the  adoption  of  the  Constitution;  and  the  feeling  against 
Howell  and  Rhode  Island  was  bitter.  Hence  Manning's  allusion  to  the  subject  in  the  beginning  of 
this  letter.  The  objection  to  the  impost  duty  on  the  part  of  Rhode  Island  appears  to  have  been  in 
the  main,  that  it  would  interfere  with  her  ideas  of  State  rights.  In  one  of  his  arguments  in  Con- 
gress Judge  Howell  remarked:  "  Our  State  has  been  invaded  and  plundered,  our  towns  have  been 
partially  burnt  and  partly  torn  down,  and  our  navigation  has  been  reduced  to  a  very  low  ebb ;  so 
that  out  of  the  ancient  and  once  wealthy  town  of  Newport,  which  in  1774  sent  to  sea  nearly  one 
hundred  and  fifty  sail,  three  only  were  at  sea  in  March,  1782.  Wherefore  if  any  substantial 
revenue  could  be  derived  from  a  duty  on  trade,  this  benefit  ought  in  all  right  and  justice,  to  belong 
solely  and  exclusively  to  the  State."    See  Staples's  "  Rhode  Island  in  the  Continental  Congress." 


342  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  X. 

not  yet  done  this.  Joseph  Brown  tells  me  he  has  done  everything  in  his  power,  but 
Mr.  Ward  has  still  disappointed  them,  by  one  means  or  other.  When  it  will  be  accom- 
plished, I  know  not.  The  edifice  has  been  cleaned,  and  is  now  undergoing  repairs.  It 
is  tenable  for  students.  A  steward  has  moved  in,  Mr.  Foster.  A  tutor  is  also  engaged, 
one  Mr.  Bobbins,  of  Wethersfield,  who  is  daily  expected.  The  number  of  students  is 
very  small  as  yet.  I  still  retain  the  idea  of  travelling  and  soliciting  donations  for  the 
College ;  and  I  believe  the  Corporation  will  approve  it.  But  whom  shall  we  get  to 
supply  my  place  in  the  interim,  I  know  not  yet.  I  am  unable  to  attend  even  to  my 
own  business.  The  active  executor  of  my  father-in-law's  estate,  Dr.  Dayton,  could  not 
collect  any  money  for  Dicky,1  son  of  Richard,  who  came  with  me,  before  I  came  away, 
but  expected  to  get  some  before  you  return.  I  have  desired  him  to  have  it  in  readiness 
by  the  middle  of  December,  and  left  at  my  mamma's,  and  informed  him  that  I  expect 
you  to  bring  it.  I  wish  you  to  come  that  way  and  take  it  if  there ;  if  not,  please  to  call 
on  the  Doctor  at  town  for  it  and  bring  it,  and  I  will  cheerfully  make  good  any  expense 
it  may  cause  you. 

Dr.  Randal  is  now  here,  and  informs  me  that  he  has  written  Dr.  Arnold  by  this 
conveyance  fully  upon  all  matters  relative  to  the  family,  etc.  Mrs.  Manning  joins  in 
cordial  respects  to  you  and  the  Doctor,  with,  sir, 

Your  very  humble  servant, 

James  Manning. 

B.  S.  —  I  expect  Sister  Woodruffe  will  be  in  your  city  before  this  reaches  you.  I 
should  esteem  it  a  particular  favor  if  you  and  the  Doctor  would  call  to  see  her  as  you 
have  opportunity. 

The  following  letter,  addressed  to  his  friend  the  Rev.    Benjamin 

Wallin,  of  London,  of  whose  death  he  had  not  been  informed,  presents 

at  this  time  a  striking  view  of  the  religious  condition  of  New  England 

during  the  war :  — 

New  Jersey,  May  23, 1783. 
Dear  Sir: 

I  feel  happy  that  an  intercourse  is  again  opened  between  the  two  countries,  after  an 
eight  years'  interruption  by  a  most  calamitous  war,  and  that  I  can  again  address  a 
letter  to  my  much  esteemed  friend  and  father  in  the  ministry,  with  hopes  of  its  reach- 
ing him  before  his  dismission  from  the  field  of  labor.  Three  years  ago  the  past  winter, 
I  received  a  letter  from  you,  accompanied  with  a  small  box  of  books,  a  very  agreeable 


i  Richard  Montgomery  Stites.    He  was  graduated  in  the  class  of  1792.    His  father,  Richard,  was 
a  member  of  the  first  graduating  class,  and  delivered  the  Latin  Salutatory. 


1780-1783.  AND    MANNING.  343 

present,  for  which  you  have  my  most  cordial  thanks.  It  came  safe,  except  the  "  Prod- 
igal" for  Mr.  Stillman,  and  your  poetical  composition  directed  to  me,  which  were  lost 
by  the  way.  The  rest  were  delivered  as  directed.  Your  view  of  the  parable  of  the 
prodigal  son  is  to  me  the  most  satisfactory  that  I  have  ever  met  with.  It  has  been 
perused  by  many  here  with  great  pleasure. 

I  have  never  written  to  England  since  the  opportunity  in  1776  by  Mackaness  and 
Shakspeare.  By  yours  to  me,  as  mentioned  above,  I  find  it  was  received,  and  am 
happy  that  the  short  sketch  given  of  the  revival  at  Providence,  and  of  the  country 
round,  furnished  an  agreeable  entertainment  for  my  English  brethren  and  friends. 
But  days  of  tribulation  have  succeeded  those  happy  ones.  The  calamities  of  the  war 
fell  heavy  upon  us.  First  a  dispersion  of  our  church  and  congregation  upon  the 
coming  of  the  King's  army,  which  is  in  sight  of  my  house.  This  was  immediately 
followed  by  the  evils  attendant  on  a  garrison,  as  we  became  a  frontier.  The  dreadful 
effects  of  this  upon  the  morals  of  the  inhabitants  who  remained,  I  need  not  mention. 
But  what  of  all  things  was  the  most  distressing  to  me,  was  the  lukewarmness  of  almost 
all  professors  of  religion,  and  the  total  apostasy  of  many.  The  contagion  became  gen- 
eral. The  places  of  worship  were  almost  abandoned.  Alarm  upon  alarm  destroyed  all 
tranquillity,  and  every  day  and  night  threatened  us  with  that  desolating  devastation 
which  spread  with  such  rapidity  along  our  coasts.  The  College  was  quite  broken  up, 
and  the  edifice  was  occupied  by  a  rude  and  wasting  soldiery,  first  for  barracks,  then  for 
a  hospital,  until  they  threatened  its  almost  total  demolition. 

But  language  would  fail  to  paint  in  proper  colors  the  horrors  of  these  days.  About 
this  time  one  John  Murray,  alias  Murphy,  supposed  to  be  a  fugitive  from  justice  in 
Great  Britain,  with  great  address  undertook  to  propagate  the  doctrine  of  universal 
salvation,  as  held  by  a  Mr.  Relly,  in  his  book  on  Union,  of  which  Murray  was  a  mere 
retailer.  In  this  work  he  was  too  successful  in  the  towns  and  counties  through  New 
England.  The  avidity  with  which  this  error  was  imbibed  greatly  contributed  to  the 
decline  of  the  morals  of  the  people,  and  to  unsettle  the  minds  of  professors.  Soon  after 
this,  two  women,  who  pretended  to  a  participation  of  Deity,  set  up  new  kinds  of  super- 
stition. One  of  them  pretended  to  be  Jesus  Christ  in  the  form  of  a  woman.  In  her 
preaching  and  praying  she  considered  herself  as  the  Mediator.  The  other  pretended  to 
pardon  sins,  and  to  be  at  the  head  of  a  new  dispensation,  of  which  the  form  of  worship 
is  dancing,  turning  round  on  one  foot,  pretending  to  speak  in  unknown  tongues,  etc., 
etc.  She  interdicted  all  intercourse  between  the  sexes,  so  that  separations  between 
man  and  wife  became  common,  among  those  who  would  attain  to  a  state  of  absolute 
perfection.  The  fruits  of  this  ex-parte  religion  you  will  easily  conjecture.  She,  with 
her  attendants,  came  to  America  from  Liverpool,  or  its  vicinity,  about  the  commence- 
ment of  the  war.  But  what  will  astonish  you  most  of  all  is  that  great  multitudes  are 
ensnared  by  these  delusions,  and  follow  their  pernicious  ways. 


344  BROWN    UNIVERSITY  Chai\  X. 

Yet  notwithstanding  these  discouraging  circumstances,  a  glorious  reformation  has 
progressed,  during  the  past  three  or  four  years,  in  many  parts  of  New  England,  and 
about  two  thousand  persons  have  in  consequence  received  believer's  baptism,  and  seve- 
ral Baptist  churches  have  been  constituted.  The  good  effects  of  this  work  are  yet 
visible.  Several  places  have  been  visited  during  the  past  year,  and  in  these  the  good 
work  of  grace  still  continues.  Dear  Mr.  Thurston,  of  Newport,  and  his  people,  have 
had  a  blessed  shower,  between  thirty  and  forty  of  their  number  having  lately  been  bap- 
tized. The  attendance  on  public  worship  with  us  at  Providence  has  of  late  inspired  me 
with  hopes  of  better  times. 

The  College  is  again  revived ;  but  our  exhausted  state  will  enable  us  to  make  only  a 
partial  repair  of  the  edifice,  and  that  by  borrowing  money.  "We  have  been  so  happy  as 
to  preserve  our  little  fund  amidst  the  wreck  of  public  credit,  but  the  present  exhausted 
state  of  the  treasury  prevents  our  commanding  the  interest  when  due.  The  return  of 
peace  will,  we  hope,  remedy  this  inconvenience  ere  it  be  of  long  continuance.  The  pros- 
pect of  students  grows  more  encouraging,  though  at  present  the  number  is  small. 

I  write  this  from  New  Jersey,  whither  I  have  come  via  New  York,  for  the  first  time 
in  several  years.  Last  Lord's  Day  I  preached  here,  and  expect  to  preach  for  two  Sab- 
baths to  come.  The  Baptist  meeting-house  is  still  occupied  for  a  hospital,  and  greatly 
out  of  repair.  The  people  seem  much  disposed  to  hear  the  word,  although  attendance 
at  church  has  long  been  out  of  vogue  among  them.  Rev.  Messrs.  Miller  and  Stelle,  of 
the  Scotch  Plains  and  Piscataway  churches,  two  eminent  Baptist  ministers,  died  nearly 
two  years  ago.  Their  pebple  have  not  yet  found  Elishas  to  take  their  places.  Political 
contentions  have  proved  exceedingly  mischievous  in  many  of  our  churches.  A  spirit 
of  toleration,  however,  is  vastly  more  prevalent  among  the  Pedobaptists  since  the  war. 
To  this  our  friend  Mr.  Backus,  who  is  well  and  still  active,  has  contributed  much.  I 
fear  I  shall  not  have  time  to  write  by  this  opportunity  to  any  of  my  English  brethren 
except  yourself.  Please  to  present  my  best  respects  to  all  inquiring  friends ;  for  I 
presume  that  I  have  some  who  will  inquire  for  me.  Let  me  be  favored  with  a  letter  by 
the  first  opportunity.    With  sentiments  of  the  highest  respect, 

I  am,  etc., 

James  Manning. 

Iii  1783  the  public  exercises  of  Commencement  were  resumed,  on 
which  occasion  the  Rev.  Dr.  Stillman  preached  an  animating  sermon 
from  Luke  xv.  32 :  "  It  was  meet  that  we  should  make  merry  and  be 
glad ;  for  this  thy  brother  was  dead  and  is  alive  again,  and  was  lost  and 
is  found."  No  record  has  been  preserved  of  the  order  of  exercises  on 
this  occasion.     The  Providence  Gazette  says : 


Samuel  Stillman. 


1780-1783.  AND    MANNING.  345 

As  soon  as  the  Corporation  had  taken  their  seats,  the  audience  were  entertained  with 
an  anthem ;  after  which  the  President  made  a  prayer  well  adapted  to  the  occasion.  The 
candidates  then  proceeded  to  perform  their  respective  parts,  which  consisted  of  several 
orations  on  different  suhjects,  and  a  forensic  disputation.  An  oration  was  likewise 
delivered  by  Dr.  James  Mann,  of  Harvard  College. 

The  degree  of  Bachelor  of  Arts  was  conferred  on  Jacob  Campbell, 
George  Tillinghast,  John  Tillinghast,  Othniel  Tyler,  and  William 
Wilkinson.  An  account  of  this  Commencement,  and  of  the  proceed- 
ings of  the  subsequent  meeting  of  the  Corporation,  may  best  be  learned 
from  a  letter  to  Mr.  Howell.  It  will  be  observed  that  Manning  again 
alludes  to  his  purpose  to  proceed  to  England  to  solicit  funds  for  the 
College.  In  reference  to  this  matter  we  make  the  following  extract  from 
the  records  of  a  meeting  of  the  Corporation,  held  on  the  27th  of  Janu- 
ary, 1783  :  — 

President  Manning  laid  before  them  a  memorial  setting  forth  the  smallness  of  the 
College  funds,  and  the  necessity  of  augmenting  them  to  preserve  the  Institution  from 
dissolution,  and  offered  his  services  to  travel  abroad  to  solicit  donations  for  augmenting 
them  as  per  memorial  on  file ;  which  being  duly  considered  by  the  members  present,  it 
was  agreed  to  recommend  to  the  President  to  proceed  to  solicit  donations,  as  soon  as  a 
proper  person  can  be  found  to  superintend  the  College  in  his  absence ;  and  that  the  Secre- 
tary make  out  for  him  proper  credentials,  sealed  with  the  College  seal  and  signed  by  the 
Secretary. 

The   following    is   the    "memorial,"    to   which   reference   is   here 
made  :  — 

To  the  Honorable  the  Chancellor  and  the  Members  of  the  College  in  Provi- 
dence,  CONVENED    BY    SPECIAL    REQUEST    ON     WEDNESDAY,   THE    25TH    OF    DECEMBER, 

1782: 

Gentlemen:  —  The  present  low  state  of  the  funds  of  the  College,  and  the  conse- 
quent embarrassment  of  this  Corporation  in  conducting  and  advancing  the  Institution, 
are  matters  of  too  great  notoriety  to  need  elucidation.  Any  plan,  therefore,  which 
renders  an  augmentation  of  them  probable,  I  presume  must  meet  your  warmest  appro- 
bation. The  only  one  which  I  can  conceive  can  at  present  be  adopted  is,  to  appoint 
some  person,  whom  you  shall  judge  qualified,  to  solicit  benefactions  of  whom  and 
wheresoever  he  shall  think  proper,  for  the  sole  purpose  of  endowing  the  College  or 
making  suitable  provision  for  tuition  therein,  —  withal  assuring  the  donors  that  the 
44 


346  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  X. 

Corporation  have  pledged  their  faith  that  the  interest  only  of  the  net  proceeds  of  the 
money  so  collected  shall  be  appropriated,  and  that  the  principal  shall  be  reserved  as  a 
perpetual  fund. 

Looking  around  amongst  the  friends  of  the  College,  I  can  find  no  one  who  will 
undertake  this  arduous  service  unless  I  do  it  myself ;  and  though,  at  my  time  of  life, 
encumbered  as  I  am  with  the  cares  of  a  family,  the  congregation,  and  the  College, 
together  with  the  mortifications  which  must  unavoidably  attend  the  execution,  I  find 
it  exceedingly  difficult  to  enter  on  the  design ;  yet  my  strong  attachment  to  the  inter- 
ests of  the  College  has  induced  me,  for  the  want  of  a  more  suitable  person,  in  the  face 
of  every  difficulty  to  offer  my  services,  on  the  following  conditions:  That  the  Corpo- 
ration shall,  while  on  this  service,  discharge  me  from  all  duty  in  the  College;  that  they 
furnish  me  with  a  proper  authorization,  and,  out  of  the  moneys  I  shall  collect,  pay  me 
the  sum  of  one  hundred  pounds  lawful  money  per  annum,  besides  defraying  all  my 
necessary  expenses ;  that  they  allow  me  the  use  of  the  College  estate1  as  when  at  home, 
and  leave  it  to  my  judgment  in  what  places  and  how  long  to  pursue  this  object.  And 
should  any  difficulty  arise  concerning  taking  the  moneys  out  of  the  governments  where 
collected,  it  shall  be  left  to  my  judgment  how  to  dispose  of  them  to  the  best  advantage 
of  the  Corporation. 

Should  the  above  propositions  be  acceded  to,  as  soon  as  I  can  adjust  my  private 
concerns  I  engage,  by  divine  permission,  to  begin  and  faithfully  pursue  the  business  as 
long  as  there  is,  in  my  opinion,  a  prospect  of  success.  If  it  should  be  said  that  the  state 
of  war  in  which  we  are  involved,  the  desolations  of  many  parts  of  the  country,  the 
weight  of  taxes,  scarcity  of  money,  and  drought  of  the  last  summer,  all  militate  against 
this  proposal,  I  freely  grant  the  great  force  of  all  these  arguments ;  but  in  my  opinion 
matters  are  come  to  a  point,  and  the  question  is  not  whether  there  have  not  been  and 
may  probably  hereafter  be  more  favorable  times  to  collect  money,  but  whether  the  Col- 
lege can  be  continued  with  any  degree  of  reputation  without  some  speedy  exertions.  I 
confess  I  think  it  cannot,  and  therefore  necessity  impels  this  measure.  Besides,  the 
Baptist  Association,  held  the  last  fall  in  this  town  and  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  lent 
a  favorable  ear  to  some  proposals  for  augmenting  the  College  revenue ;  but  withal  con- 
cluded that  the  only  method  to  succeed  would  be  for  me  to  follow  them  by  a  personal 
application.  And  I  conceive  the  only  time  to  obtain  their  money  is  when  the  people 
are  willing  to  part  with  it,  whatever  difficulty  they  may  find  in  obtaining  it.  These 
proposals,  however,  are  cheerfully  submitted  to  your  better  judgment,  by,  gentlemen, 

Your  humble  servant, 

James  Manning. 


1  The  house  occupied  by  President  Manning,  and  by  his  successors  Maxcy  and  Messer,  and  for  a 
while  by  Wayland,  was  built  at  the  time  of  the  erection  of  University  Hall.  It  stood  near  the 
old  College  pump,  in  front  of  Manning  Hall.  A  view  of  the  house  is  given  in  the  engraving  in 
Chapter  IV. 


1780-1783.  AND    MANNING.  347 

This  plan  of  President  Manning,  which  was  never  carried  into 
effect,  owing  doubtless  to  the  difficulty  in  finding  a  suitable  person  to 
take  his  place  in  the  College  and  in  the  church,  is  another  of  the  many- 
proofs  of  his  ardent  desire  to  promote  the  interests  of  "religion  and 
sound  learning,"  and  of  his  willingness  to  make  sacrifices  in  behalf  of 
the  Institution  over  which  he  presided.     But  to  the  letter :  — 

Providence,  Sept.  13, 1783. 
To  the  Honorable  David  Howell, 

Delegate  in  Congress: 

Dear  Sir  :  —  Last  night  brought  me  your  favor  of  the  17th  ult. ;  by  some  means  it 
has  had  a  long  passage.  Am  much  obliged  for  the  intelligence  you  communicate.  I 
with  you  hope  our  happy  Constitution  may  be  preserved  entire,  and  that  place-men 
and  pensioners  may  figure  small  under  it,  whatever  raised  hopes  may  have  been  enter- 
tained by  candidates.  I  wish  to  know  the  event  of  the  examination  you  mentioned, 
which  was  so  full  of  expectation  on  the  part  of  the  examined.  I  am  glad  to  hear  that 
you  are  so  happy  in  your  colleague.  I  shall  not  be  wanting  in  seconding  your  wishes 
with  respect  to  your  son.  He  does  not  make  a  rapid  progress  in  language,  but  does 
much  better  than  heretofore.    He  performed  very  well  the  last  public  speaking. 

Our  public  Commencement  met  the  highest  approbation  of  a  most  numerous  assem- 
bly, amongst  whom  were  the  high  Consul  of  France,  the  Count  dal  Verme  of  Milan, 
and  several  English  and  Dutch  merchants,  who  were  very  liberal  in  their  encomiums 
on  the  performers  and  performances.  It  is  generally  thought,  both  by  the  friends  of 
the  College  and  others,  to  equal  if  not  exceed  any  we  have  ever  had.  And  I  am  happy 
to  inform  you  that  it  seems  to  have  inspired  its  friends  with  new  life.  Mr.  John  Brown 
requested  the  Corporation  to  ascertain  the  sum  necessary  to  procure  a  complete  philo- 
sophical apparatus  and  library,  and  offered  to  advance,  forthwith,  one-half  the  sum, 
provided  the  Corporation  would  advance,  or  find  ways  and  means  to  advance,  the  other 
half.  It  was  found  impracticable  to  ascertain  this  exactly.  He  then  offered  to  equal 
any  sum  they  could  raise.  A  subscription  was  immediately  set  on  foot,  and  pursued 
by  Mr.  Smith  in  the  town  the  succeeding  days,  which  amounted  to  better  than  £340 ; 
and  will,  with  Mr.  John  Brown's,  equal,  if  not  exceed,  £700  lawful  money.  A  catalogue 
of  the  library  and  apparatus  is  ordered  to  be  made  out  immediately.  If  you  can  assist 
us,  by  procuring  from  your  friends  any  large  catalogues  of  books,  or  can  yourself  fur- 
nish one  both  of  the  library  and  apparatus,  we  shall  be  happy  to  receive  your  assist- 
ance, as  soon  as  possible.  Governor  Hopkins,  Joseph  Brown,  Doctors  Waterhouse  and 
Drowne,  Mr.  Stillman  and  myself  are  appointed  to  this  service ;  and  we  mean  to  have 
them  prepared  as  soon  as  possible. 


348  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  X. 

Messrs.  Stillman  and  Waterhouse,  with  the  President,  are  appointed  to  draft  an 
address  and  petition  to  the  King  of  France  for  his  patronage  of  the  College,  and  a 
donation  similar  to  that  offered  to  Yale  College,  and  forward  it  to  you  to  use  your 
influence  with  the  Minister  of  France  to  get  his  sanction  of  it,  and  to  point  out  the 
proper  way  of  access  to  his  most  Christian  Majesty,  as  soon  as  may  be.  And  while  it  is 
preparing  I  am  to  request  you  to  feel  the  pulse  of  the  Minister  relative  to  it,  and  advise 
us  accordingly.  This  matter  is  ordered  to  be  kept  a  secret,  and  by  the  Corporation,  lest 
we  should  be  interrupted.  President  Wheelock,  on  this  business  for  Dartmouth  Col- 
lege, writes  that  he  is  likely  to  succeed  equal  to  his  expectations.  It  was  also  voted 
that  Mr.  William  Van  Horn  should  solicit  benefactions  to  the  southward  of  Pennsyl- 
vania, the  President  in  the  Middle  States,  Rev.  Benjamin  Foster  through  New  England, 
and  Rev.  William  Rogers  go  on  the  business  to  Europe.  Mr.  Foster  I  have  since  seen. 
He  informs  me  that  he  cannot  accept  his  appointment.  Mr.  Rogers  has  also  intimated 
as  much  to  me,  in  consequence  of  the  ill  state  of  his  wife's  health,  and  I  am  again  in 
the  question  for  this  service.  The  great  objection  to  this  is,  to  have  the  College  pro- 
vided for  in  the  interim.  All  agree,  if  you  should  return  at  the  beginning  of  winter, 
and  will  undertake,  that  the  objection  will  be  removed;  and  I  wish  a  line  from  you  on 
this  subject  as  soon  as  possible,  as  it  is  thought  necessary  to  proceed  to  Europe  this 
fall.  In  short,  we  are  determined  to  make  every  possible  exertion  to  make  the  College 
respectable  if  possible.  Dr.  Drowne  is  chosen  Fellow  in  the  room  of  Dr.  Babcock; 
Dr.  Waterhouse1  has  qualified  also ;  Welcome  Arnold  is  chosen  in  the  room  of  Gover- 
nor Cook. 


1  Dr.  Benjamin  Waterhouse  was  chosen  a  Fellow  of  the  College  in  1782.  This  gentleman,  says 
Professor  Goddard,  whose  brief  sketch  of  him  we  in  the  main  quote,  distinguished  in  the  medical 
history  of  our  country  as  "the  American  Jenner,"  was  born  in  Newport,  R.  I.  His  father,  orig- 
inally a  Presbyterian,  embraced  the  religious  opinions  of  the  Society  of  Friends,  after  he  had 
reached  mature  life ;  and  to  those  opinions  he  remained  sincerely  attached  till  his  death,  at  an 
advanced  age.  His  son,  to  borrow  his  own  language,  "  was  born  and  educated  in  the  principles 
of  liberal  Quakerism."  He  never,  however,  adopted  the  peculiarities  of  that  quiet  and  useful 
sect,  nor  was  he  accustomed  to  unite  with  them  in  their  religious  worship.  Dr.  Waterhouse  never 
received  a  college  education ;  but  few  of  our  countrymen  have  been  more  frequently  honored  by 
distinctions  from  literary  and  scientific  bodies,  at  home  and  abroad.  That  his  early  academical 
training  was  not  neglected,  is  evident  from  his  various  publications,  some  of  which  evince  a 
familiarity  with  the  learned  languages.  He  was  a  pupil  of  the  celebrated  Dr.  Fothergill,  of  Lon- 
don, and  he  subsequently  pursued  his  medical  studies  at  the  famous  schools  of  Edinburgh  and 
Leyden.  From  the  Leyden  school  he  received  the  degree  of  Doctor  in  Medicine.  In  1783  he  was 
appointed  Professor  of  the  Theory  and  Practice  of  Medicine  in  Harvard  University,  and  he  con- 
tinued to  perform  the  duties  of  that  chair  for  the  period  of  nearly  thirty  years.  This  was  among 
the  earliest  medical  schools  established  in  America.  In  1784  Dr.  Waterhouse  was  elected  Professor 
of  Natural  History  in  Rhode  Island  College,  and  while  occupying  this  chair  he  delivered,  in  the 
State  House  at  Providence,  the  first  course  of  lectures  upon  that  science  ever  delivered  in  the 
United  States.  The  benevolent  and  intrepid  agency  of  Dr.  Waterhouse  in  introducing  vaccination 
into  this  country,  is  too  well  known  to  the  public  to  need  more  than  a  passing  allusion.  He  died  at 
an  advanced  age,  in  the  year  1846. 


1780-1783.  AND    MANNING.  349 

Last  Tuesday  I  attended  the  Association  at  Charlton.  The  convention  was  large 
and  unanimous.  I  discover  a  growing  attachment  to  literature,  though  by  reason 
of  the  drought  last  year,  etc.,  they  had  not  yet  complied  with  the  request  to  raise 
money  for  the  College,  except  Mr.  Gair,  who  produced  £13.  Several  more  had  begun, 
and  the  recommendation  is  still  continued,  with  some  additional  stimulus.  The 
plenteous  crop  of  the  present  year,  I  hope,  will  enable  the  well  disposed  to  lend  us 
some  assistance. 

We  have  chosen  the  device  for  a  seal,  which  Dr.  Drowne  exhibited,  with  the  altera- 
tion of  an  enclosed  instead  of  an  open  temple.  Probably  we  shall  employ  you  to  get  it 
engraved  at  Philadelphia,  if  you  will  take  the  trouble,  as  we  expect  it  will  be  your 
winter  residence.    The  subscription  I  mentioned  was  in  books,  apparatus,  and  money. 

Mrs.  Anthony  is  here,  who,  with  Mrs.  Manning,  was  at  your  house  yesterday.  They 
inform  me  your  father  is  there,  in  a  low  state  of  health.  Your  mamma  Corlis  also  con- 
tinues to  decline.  Mrs.  Manning  presents  her  most  respectful  compliments  to  the  hon- 
orable delegate,  and  Mrs.  Anthony  requests  me  to  do  the  same  to  the  old  gentleman. 
She  returned  here  from  Boston  last  Monday.  I  had  quite  forgot  to  tell  you  we  did  not 
take  up  the  consideration  of  our  address  to  Congress  for  damages,  etc., done  the  College. 
"We  wish  you  to  feel  the  pulse  of  your  acquaintance  relative  thereto;  and  if  there 
should  be  an  opening,  to  give  us  the  earliest  advice,  that  we  may  improve  the  oppor- 
tunity to  apply.    With  sentiments  of  esteem,  I  am,  sir, 

Your  very  humble  servant, 

Jambs  Manning. 

In  this  connection  it  may  be  interesting  to  read  an  extract  from 
Hezekiah  Smith's  diary :  — 

1783.  Tues.,  Sept.  2d.  We  went  to  Nicholas  Brown's  in  Providence.—  Wed.,  3d. 
Attended  the  Commencement. — Thurs.,  4th.  I  met  with  the  Corporation  of  Rhode  Island 
College.— Fri.,  5th.  Waited  upon  a  number  of  gentlemen  by  desire  of  the  Corporation,  to 
get  subscriptions  for  a  Philosophical  apparatus  and  a  Library  for  the  use  of  the  College. 
The  whole  of  the  subscriptions  for  this  purpose  amounted  to  about  £600  lawful  money. 
—Sab.,  1th.  Preached  in  the  forenoon  in  Mr  Snow's  meeting-house  from  Jer.  31:  3;  in 
the  afternoon  in  Mr.  Manning's  meeting-house,  from  Eph.  2:13;  and  in  the  evening  in 
Mr.  Snow's,  from  Rom.  10: 11. 

In  reference  to  the  Count  dal  Verme,  to  whom  allusion  is  here 
made,  we  find  the  following  anecdote  from  the  Hon.  Asher  Robbins, 
quoted  by  Professor  Goddard,  as  an  illustration  of  the  dignity  and 


350  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.   X. 

grace  with  which  Dr.  Manning  was  accustomed  to  preside  at  the  annual 
Commencements.  "I  recollect,"  he  says,  "that  at  one  of  our  Com- 
mencements, a  French  gentleman  of  distinction  (I  think  he  bore  some 
title  of  nobility)  was  present.  He  sat  by  Dr.  Waterhouse,  and  was,  I 
think,  introduced  and  presented  by  him.  They  conversed  together  in 
Latin,  either  as,  being  learned  men,  they  chose  to  converse  in  a  learned 
language,  or  as  the  Frenchman  being  less  perfect  in  English  and  the 
Doctor  in  French,  they  found  it  more  easy  to  converse  in  Latin. 
Struck  with  the  natural  dignity  and  grace,  the  Frenchman  whispered 
to  the  Doctor,  iNatalis  prcesidere''  (born  to  preside).  I  heard  this  from 
Dr.  Waterhouse  himself  the  next  day." 

In  looking  over  the  records,  we  find  that  at  a  special  meeting  of  the 
Corporation,  held  on  the  7th  of  January,  1784,  the  address  to  which 
Manning  in  his  letter  to  Howell  refers,  "drawn  up  by  the  Rev.  Samuel 
Stillman  and  Dr.  Benjamin  Waterhouse,  was  read  and  approved." 

It  was  also  at  this  meeting  voted,  "That  the  Chancellor,  the  Presi- 
dent, Hon.  Jabez  Bowen,  and  Dr.  Solomon  Drowne,  be  a  committee  to 
draft  a  letter  to  Dr.  Benjamin  Franklin,  to  accompany  the  address  to 
his  most  Christian  Majesty." 

The  following  is  the  address,  which  we  copy  from  an  original  docu- 
ment now  on  file  among  the  archives  of  the  University.  The  penman- 
ship of  the  document  is  remarkably  clear  and  handsome,  and  the 
signatures  to  it  are  genuine.  Some  slight  verbal  alterations  rendered 
it  necessary  to  prepare  another,  and  hence  this  is  retained.  A  first 
draft,  also,  in  the  handwriting  apparently  of  Dr.  Stillman,  is  on  file. 

Sire  :  —  The  Rhode  Island  College,  studious  of  promoting  literature,  and  of  dissem- 
inating that  kind  of  knowledge  which  tendeth  to  impress  the  minds  of  youth  under 
their  direction  with  such  sentiments  of  henevolence  as  are  circumscribed  in  no  less 
bounds  than  the  whole  bulk  of  mankind,  look  up  to  your  Majesty,  not  only  as  a  friend 
and  promoter  of  such  knowledge,  but  also,  like  many  of  your  illustrious  ancestors,  a 
patron  of  those  arts  which  polish  humanity  and  exalt  our  nature. 

With  these  sentiments  we  regard  the  monarch  of  France,  and  with  all  deference  beg 
leave  to  express  our  wishes  of  having  a  professor  of  the  French  language  and  history 
in  this  our  infant  seminary, —  a  thing  we  ardently  desire,  but  are  unable  to  accom- 
plish. 


1780-1783.  AND   MANNING.  351 

Ignorant  of  the  French  language,  and  separated  as  we  were  by  more  than  mere  dis- 
tance of  countries,  we  too  readily  imbibed  the  prejudices  of  the  English,  —  prejudices 
which  we  have  renounced  since  we  have  had  a  nearer  view  of  the  brave  army  of 
France,  who  actually  inhabited  this  College  edifice ;  since  which  time  our  youth  seek 
with  avidity  whatever  can  give  them  information  respecting  the  character,  genius,  and 
influence  of  a  people  they  have  such  reason  to  admire,  —  a  nation  so  eminently  distin- 
guished for  polished  humanity. 

To  satisfy  this  laudable  thirst  of  knowledge,  nothing  was  wanting  but  to  encourage 
and  diffuse  the  French  language ;  and  that  not  merely  as  the  principal  means  of  ren- 
dering an  intercourse  with  our  brethren  of  France  more  easy  and  beneficial,  but  also 
for  spreading  far  and  wide  the  history  of  the  so  celebrated  race  of  kings,  statesmen, 
philosophers,  poets,  and  benefactors  of  mankind  which  France  has  produced. 

As  no  king  will  be  held  by  us  in  so  lasting  and  so  dear  a  remembrance,  so  there  is 
no  name  we  are  more  desirous  of  repeating  as  the  founder  of  the  French  language  and 
history  in  this  country  than  your  Majesty's,  and  that  too  as  much  from  gratitude  to 
your  Majesty  as  profit  to  ourselves. 

From  the  scarcity  of  French  books,  our  youth  can  at  present  only  draw  their  infor- 
mation from  English  writers,  and  not  from  the  more  pure  source,  the  French  them- 
selves. Our  wish  has  therefore  been  to  procure  a  proper  collection  of  the  best  French 
authors,  and  to  establish  a  professorship  of  the  French  language  and  history  in  the 
College  of  Rhode  Island  and  Providence  Plantations ;  but  such  have  been  the  obstruc- 
tions during  the  war,  and  the  course  of  education  so  impeded,  that  the  edifice  erected 
for  the  reception  of  the  studious  youth  was  granted  by  the  governors  of  the  College  as 
an  hospital  for  the  troops.  These,  together  with  the  calamities  of  the  country,  render  it 
impossible  for  us  to  carry  our  design  into  execution  respecting  French  literature. 

Regarding,  therefore,  your  Majesty  as  a  monarch  endowed  with  qualities  that  add 
lustre  to  a  crown,  ever  ready  to  patronize  what  is  good  and  useful,  we  presume  to 
solicit  your  Majesty's  assistance ;  firmly  believing  that  whatever  tends  to  make  men 
wiser,  better,  and  happier  will  meet  with  your  royal  assistance  and  encouragement. 

May  the  common  Father  of  the  universe  bless  our  endeavors,  and  make  your 
Majesty  the  happy  instrument  of  raising  to  us  the  literary  genius  of  France  in  ages  past 
as  from  the  dead.  May  sacred  and  unerring  wisdom  ever  be  your  guide,  adorn  you 
with  every  virtue,  and  crown  you  with  every  blessing,  that  future  ages  may  commemo- 
rate the  happiness  of  your  reign  with  grateful  admiration. 

Signed  by  order  and  in  behalf  of  the  Corporation, 

Stephen  Hopkins,  Chancellor. 
James  Manning,  President. 

Providence,  State  of  Rhode  Island,  Jan.  9, 1784. 


352  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  X. 

This  address  was  eventually  put  into  the  hands  of  Thomas  Jefferson 
by  the  Rhode  Island  Delegates  to  Congress,  the  matter  having  been 
intrusted  to  them.  We  may  be  allowed  to  anticipate  somewhat,  and 
give  the  result  of  the  application,  by  publishing  the  following  letter, 
which  we  find  in  the  second  volume  of  Jefferson's  Works  :  — 

Paris,  July  22,  1787. 
To  the  Delegates  of  Rhode  Island: 

Gentlemen:  —I  was  honored  in  the  month  of  January  last  with  a  letter  from  the 
honorable  the  delegates  of  Rhode  Island  in  Congress,  enclosing  a  letter  from  the  Cor- 
poration of  Rhode  Island  College  to  his  most  Christian  Majesty,  and  some  other  papers. 
I  was  then  in  the  hurry  of  preparation  for  a  journey  into  the  south  of  France,  and 
therefore  unable  at  that  moment  to  make  the  inquiries  which  the  object  of  the  letter 
rendered  necessary.  As  soon  as  I  returned,  which  was  in  fche  last  month,  I  turned  my 
attention  to  that  object,  which  was  the  establishment  of  a  professorship  of  the  French 
language  in  the  College,  and  the  obtaining  a  collection  of  the  best  French  authors,  with 
the  aid  of  the  King.  That  neither  the  College  nor  myself  might  be  compromised  use- 
lessly, I  thought  it  necessary  to  sound,  previously,  those  who  were  able  to  inform  me 
what  would  be  the  success  of  the  application.  I  was  assured,  so  as  to  leave  no  doubt, 
that  it  would  not  be  complied  with ;  that  there  had  never  been  an  instance  of  the  King's 
granting  stich  a  demand  in  a  foreign  country,  and  that  they  would  be  cautious  of  set- 
ting the  precedent ;  that,  in  this  moment,  too,  they  were  embarrassed  with  the  difficult 
operations  of  putting  down  all  establishments  of  their  own  which  could  possibly  be 
dispensed  with,  in  order  to  bring  their  expenditure  down  to  the  level  of  their  receipts. 
Upon  such  information  I  was  satisfied  that  it  was  most  prudent  not  to  deliver  the  let- 
ter, and  spare  to  both  parties  the  disagreeableness  of  giving  and  receiving  a  denial. 
The  King  did  give  to  two  colleges  in  America  copies  of  the  works  printing  in  the  public 
press.  But  were  this  to  be  obtained  for  the  College  of  Rhode  Island,  it  would  extend 
only  to  a  volume  or  two  of  Buffon's  work  still  to  be  printed,  Manilius's  Astronomicon, 
and  one  or  two  other  works  in  the  press  which  are  of  no  consequence.  I  did  not  think 
this  an  object  for  the  College  worth  being  pressed.  I  beg  the  favor  of  you,  gentlemen, 
to  assure  the  Corporation  that  no  endeavors  of  mine  should  have  been  spared  could  they 
have  effected  their  wish,  and  that  they  have  been  faithfully  used  in  making  the  pre- 
liminary inquiries  which  are  necessary,  and  which  ended  in  an  assurance  that  nothing 
could  be  done.  These  papers  having  been  transmitted  to  me  through  your  delegation, 
will,  I  hope,  be  an  apology  for  my  availing  myself  of  the  same  channel  for  communica- 
ting the  result. 


1780-1783.  AND    MANNING.  353 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  sentiments  of  the  most  perfect  esteem  and  respect, 
gentlemen, 

Your  most  obedient  and  humble  servant, 

Thomas  Jefferson. 

The  late  Rev.  Edwin  M.  Stone,  in  his  elaborate  work  entitled  "Our 
French  Allies,"1  has  given  a  minute  account  of  military  operations  in 
Rhode  Island,  including  sketches  of  French  officers,  and  incidents  of 
social  life  in  Newport  and  Providence.  These  officers  were  men  of  cul- 
ture, not  a  few  of  them  representing  the  orders  of  nobility  in  their 
native  land.  During  the  years  1780  and  1781,  sixty-seven  of  them 
were  assigned  lodgings  with  the  leading  families  of  Providence,  includ- 
ing Governor  Cook,  Deputy  Governor  Bo  wen,  Colonel  Nightingale, 
Joseph  Russell,  and  the  brothers  Nicholas,  Joseph,  and  John  Brown, 
all  of  whom  were  prominent  members  of  the  Corporation  of  the  Col- 
lege. Balls,  parties,  and  other  entertainments  were  frequent,  and  thus 
the  exchange  of  courtesies  served  to  strengthen  mutual  respect  and 
friendship.  The  liberality  with  which  they  circulated  their  silver  and 
gold  at  a  period  when  a  Spanish  milled  dollar,  as  Mr.  Stone  remarks, 
bore  a  fabulous  value  in  paper  currency,  must  have  rendered  them  wel- 
come customers  with  the  trading  community.  We  can  readily  under- 
stand how,  under  these  circumstances,  the  idea  of  a  Professorship  of 
"the  French  language  and  history,"  should  have  been  suggested  to  the 
overseers  of  "this  our  infant  Seminary." 

The  following,  copied  from  a  rough  draft  of  a  letter  to  accompany 
this  address  to  "his  most  Christian  Majesty,"  deserves  a  place  here, 
not  only  from  its  connection  with  the  history  of  University  Hall,  as 
the  edifice  is  now  named,  but  also  from  its  statements  respecting  the 
history  and  condition  of  the  College  at  this  time :  — 

Sir  :  —  In  compliance  with  the  request  of  the  Honorable  the  Corporation  of  the  Col- 
lege at  Providence  in  the  State  of  Rhode  Island,  transmitted  in  their  vote  of  the  7th  of 


1 "  Our  French  Allies.  Rochambeau  and  his  army,  Lafayette  'and  his  devotion,  D'Estaing, 
DeTernay,  Barras,  DeGrasse,  and  their  fleets,  in  the  great  War  of  the  American  Revolution,  1778- 
1782."  By  Edwin  Martin  Stone.  Providence  Press  Co.  Royal  8vo.,  pp.  xxxi.,  632.  215  illustra- 
tions. 

45 


354  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  X. 

September  last,  we  take  the  liberty  to  inform  your  Excellency  that  the  College  under 
their  direction  was  founded  in  1764,  and  received  the  small  endowment  of  which  it  is 
now  possessed  solely  from  the  beneficence  and  contributions  of  individuals,  the  gov- 
ernment not  being  sufficiently  impressed  with  an  idea  of  the  importance  of  literature 
to  afford  its  patronage  or  lend  it  any  further  assistance  than  that  of  granting  it  a 
charter.  With  these  small  beginnings,  however,  at  the  commencement  of  the  late  war 
the  Corporation  had  the  pleasure  to  see  that  beautiful  edifice  erected  on  the  hill  at 
Providence,  and  upwards  of  forty  students  matriculated,  together  with  a  large  Latin 
school  as  a  nursery  to  supply  it  with  scholars.  The  whole  endowment  consisted  of  one 
thousand  pounds,  lawful  money,  as  a  fund,  besides  the  lot  of  six  acres  of  land.1  At 
that  period  the  young  Institution  was  speedily  growing  in  reputation  as  well  as  in 
number  of  scholars.  But  on  the  arrival  of  the  enemy  in  that  State,  in  the  year  1776,  it 
was  seized  by  the  public  for  barracks,  and  an  hospital  for  the  American  army,  and  con- 
tinued to  be  so  occupied  until  a  little  before  the  arrival  of  the  armaments  of  his  most 
Christian  Majesty,  upon  which  it  was  again  taken  out  of  the  hands  of  the  Corporation 
by  an  order  of  government,  and  delivered  up  to  our  allies  for  the  same  uses  to  which  it 
had  been  applied  by  the  American  army.  They  held  it  till  their  army  marched  for  the 
Chesapeake.  To  accommodate  it  to  their  wishes  they  made  great  alterations  in  the 
building,  highly  injurious  to  the  designs  of  its  founders.  This,  with  the  damages  done 
to  it  by  the  armies  of  both  nations  while  so  occupied,  subjected  the  Corporation  to  a 
heavy  expense  to  repair  it;  and  that  when  the  deranged  state  of  our  finances  prevented 
us  from  making  scarcely  any  advantage  of  the  interest  of  our  little  fund  in  the  State 
treasury.  Having  at  their  own  expense  made  the  repairs,  they  applied  first  to  the  Leg- 
islature of  the  State,  and  repeatedly  to  Congress  for  some  compensation;  but  have  not 
been  able  to  obtain  the  least  assistance.  Thus  circumstanced  they  think  it  their  duty 
to  solicit  the  patronage  of  his  most  Christian  Majesty  in  the  manner  they  have  done  in 
the  memorial  which  accompanies  this  letter. 

We  have  the  pleasure  to  inform  your  Excellency  that  there  are  upwards  of  fifty 
students  now  belonging  to  the  College,  with  flattering  prospects  of  an  increase. 

The  above  is  a  brief  account  of  the  origin  and  present  state  of  the  College  at  Provi- 
dence. We  only  add,  that  this  Institution  embraces  in  its  bosom  and  holds  out  equal 
privileges  to  all  denominations  of  Protestants ;  and  its  Corporation,  agreeably  to  charter, 
is,  and  must  forever  be  composed  of  some  of  all  denominations  of  Christians. 

We  have  the  honor  to  be,  Sir,  your  very  humble  servants. 


The  College  lands  originally  comprised  eight  acres,  according  to  the  recorded  deeds  and  the 
"College  Credit"  submitted  by  Nicholas  Brown  &  Co.  to  the  Corporation  in  1771.  The  highway 
thereto,  which  is  now  a  part  of  College  Street,  was  of  course  included  in  these  eight  acres.  The 
writer  speaks  of  the  "  lot "  without  probably  taking  into  account  the  "  highway." 


1780-1783.  AND    MANNING.  355 

The  most  important  business  at  the  annual  meeting  of  the  Corpora- 
tion in  1783,  was  the  confirming  and  ratifying  a  new  digest  of  the  Col- 
lege Laws,  which  had  heen  carefully  made  by  a  committee  appointed 
the  previous  year.  These  Laws,  in  Manning's  hand  writing,  are  pre- 
served in  the  archives  of  the  Library.  At  the  end  is  the  following, 
with  the  original  signatures  of  the  Committee :  — 

The  subscribers  having  been  appointed  a  committee  to  form  a  Digest  of  Laws  for 
this  Institution,  have  agreed  to  the  foregoing,  and  do  report  them  accordingly,  this 
22d  day  of  February,  1783. 

James  Manning, 
Jabez  Bowen, 
Nicholas  Brown, 
David  Howell. 

A  few  extracts  from  this  digest,  differing  somewhat  from  the  Laws  of 
1774,  given  in  full  in  a  previous  chapter,  may  be  here  introduced. 
They  serve  to  illustrate  the  character  and  liberal  tendencies  of  the  Col- 
lege, as  also  the  spirit  of  the  times. 

No  student  shall  be  admitted  into  this  College  until  he  shall  have  written  out  a  cor- 
rect copy  of  the  Laws  of  the  College,  or  have  otherwise  obtained  them,  and  had  them 
signed  by  the  President  and  one  or  more  of  the  Tutors,  as  the  evidence  of  his  admis- 
sion ;  which  copy  he  shall  keep  by  him  during  his  residence  in  College. 

Both  before  and  after  noon,  and  before  nine  o'clock  in  the  evening,  the  Tutors  in 
their  turn  shall  daily  visit  the  rooms  of  the  students  to  observe  whether  they  be  within 
and  pursuing  their  studies  ;  and  shall  punish  all  those  who  are  absent  without  liberty  or 
necessity. 

The  President  and  Tutors,  according  to  their  judgments,  shall  teach  and  instruct  the 
several  classes  in  the  learned  languages,  and  in  the  liberal  arts  and  sciences,  together 
with  the  vernacular  tongue. 

The  following  are  the  classes  appointed  for  the  first  year  namely :  In  Latin,  Virgil, 
Cicero's  Orations,  and  Horace,  all  in  usum  Delphini.  In  Greek,  the  New  Testament, 
Lucian's  Dialogues,  and  Xenophon's  Cyropjedia.  For  the  second  year,  in  Latin,  Cicero 
de  Oratore,  and  Caesar's  Commentaries  ;  in  Greek,  Homer's  Iliad,  and  Longinus  on  the 
Sublime,  together  with  Lowth's  Vernacular  Grammar,  Rhetoric,  Ward's  Oratory, 
Sheridan's  Lectures  on  Elocution,  Guthrie's  Geography,  Kaimes's  Elements  of  Criti- 
cism, Watts  and  Duncan's  Logic.    For  the  third  year,  Hutchinson's  Moral  Philosophy, 


356  BROWN    UNIVERSITY  Chap.  X. 

Doddridge's  Lectures,  Fenning's  Arithmetic,  Hammond's  Algebra,  Stone's  Euclid, 
Martin's  Trigonometry,  Love's  Surveying,  "Wilson's  Navigation,  Martin's  Philosophia 
Britannica,  and  Ferguson's  Astronomy,  with  Martin  on  the  Globes.  In  the  last  year, 
Locke  on  the  Understanding,  Kennedy's  Chronology,  and  Bolingbroke  on  History ;  and 
the  Languages,  Arts,  and  Sciences  studied  in  the  foregoing  years  to  be  accurately 
reviewed. 

It  is  interesting  to  note  the  courses  of  study  and  the  text-books  of  a 
century  ago.  Whether  the  studies  and  text-books  of  to-day  are  after 
all  better  fitted  for  the  development  of  the  faculties  and  the  acquisition 
of  knowledge,  is  in  the  minds  of  some  an  open  question.  It  is  certain 
that  our  most  distinguished  graduates  have  been  educated  under  what 
may  be  called  the  "old  system." 

Two  of  the  students,  in  rotation,  shall,  every  evening,  after  prayers,  pronounce  a 
piece  upon  the  stage ;  and  all  the  members  of  the  College  shall  meet  every  "Wednesday 
afternoon  in  the  hall,  at  the  ringing  of  the  bell  at  two  o'clock,  to  pronounce  before  the 
President  and  Tutors  pieces  well  committed  to  memory,  that  they  may  receive  such  cor- 
rections in  their  manner  as  shall  be  judged  necessary.1 

On  the  last  Wednesday  in  every  month,  every  student  in  College  shall  pronounce 
publicly,  on  the  stage,  memoriter,  such  an  oration  or  piece  as  shall  be  previously 
approved  by  the  President ;  on  which  occasion  the  two  upper  classes  shall  make  use  of 
their  own  compositions. 

The  senior  class  shall  attend  recitations  and  other  public  exercises,  until  the  second 
Wednesday  in  July,  on  which  they  shall  appear  in  the  hall  to  be  examined  by  the  Presi- 
dent, Fellows,  Tutors,  or  any  other  gentlemen  of  liberal  education,  touching  their 
knowledge  and  proficiency  in  the  learned  languages,  the  liberal  arts  and  sciences,  and 
other  qualifications  requisite  for  receiving  the  degree  of  Bachelor  in  the  Arts ;  and,  upon 
approbation,  they  shall  not  leave  the  College  before  they  have  completed  their  necessary 
preparations  for  the  public  Commencement,  nor  then,  without  the  President's  liberty. 

On  the  last  Wednesday  in  every  quarter,  there  shall  be  a  public  examination  of  the 
three  lower  classes  in  the  studies  they  shall  have  pursued  during  that  quarter ;  and  if  it 
shall  appear  that  any  one  has  neglected  his  business  so  as  not  to  have  made  such  profi- 
ciency in  them  as  his  opportunity  and  abilities  would  admit  of,  the  President  and  Tutors 
may  put  him  upon  a  conditional  standing  with  his  class,  which  condition  shall  continue 


»  We  have  commented  on  this  practice  in  connection  with  the  Laws  of  1774.  The  meeting  every 
Wednesday  afternoon  is  in  addition  to  the  arrangements  for  speaking  prescribed  by  the  previous 
Laws. 


1780-1783.  AND    MANNING.  357 

to  the  end  of  the  year  (only  by  his  better  conduct  he  shall  merit  an  exemption  there- 
from, at  a  future  examination)  and  then,  if  there  appear  no  hopeful  signs  of  reformation 
they  may  degrade  him  to  a  lower  class. 

Every  scholar  is  required  to  shew  all  due  honor  and  reverence  both  in  words  and 
behavior  to  all  his  superiors,  viz. :  Parents,  Magistrates,  Ministers,  and  especially  to 
the  Trustees,  Fellows,  President,  and  Tutors  of  this  College ;  and  shall  in  no  case  use 
any  reproachful,  revelling,  disrespectful  or  contumacious  language ;  but  on  the  con- 
trary shall  show  them  all  proper  tokens  of  reverence  and  obedience. 

The  Senior  Class  shall  always  have  the  choice  of  rooms ;  the  Junior  next,  and  the 
Sophomore  next ;  except  where  a  student  of  the  lower  classes  shall  have  been  at  the 
expense  of  painting  or  papering  a  room ;  or  shall  offer  to  do  so ;  in  that  case  he  shall  have 
the  preference,  and  not  only  be  permitted  to  reside  in  it  during  his  stay  at  College,  but 
on  leaving  the  same,  shall  have  the  liberty  of  disposing  of  his  property  therein  to  any 
member  of  the  Senior  or  Junior  classes,  who  shall  thereby  become  possessed  of  the 
same  right. 

It  is  not  permitted  any  one,  in  the  hours  of  study,  to  speak  to  another,  except  in 
Latin,  either  in  the  College  or  College  yard. 

The  Senior  Class,  when  required,  shall  read  a  chapter  out  of  the  Greek  Testament  into 
English,  before  morning  prayers ;  the  President  or  Tutors  calling  on  whom  they  think 
proper  of  the  class  to  perform  this  duty. 

Every  student  shall  attend  public  worship  every  first  day  of  the  week,  where  he,  his 
parents,  or  his  guardians  shall  think  proper,  provided  that  any  who  do  not  attend  with 
any  officer  of  instruction  produce  vouchers,  when  demanded,  of  his  steady  and  orderly 
attendance. 

N.  B.  — Such  as  regularly  and  statedly  observe  the  seventh  day  as  a  Sabbath,  are 
exempted  from  this  Law,  and  are  only  required  to  abstain  from  secular  employments, 
which  would  interrupt  their  fellow-students. 

The  times  of  vacation  shall  be  from  September  6  to  October  20,  from  December  24 
to  January  24,  and  from  the  first  Monday  in  May  three  weeks. 

The  following  Laws  concerning  the  Library  will  be  read  with  inter- 
est by  the  members  of  the  American  Library  Association  of  to-day. 
They  show  that  the  little  collection  of  "about  five  hundred  volumes, 
most  of  which  are  both  very  ancient  and  very  useless,  as  well  as  very 
ragged  and  unsightly,"  as  Manning  describes  them  in  a  subsequent 
letter  to  Dr.  Stennett,  was  nevertheless  highly  prized,  and  guarded 
with  jealous  care. 


358  BROWN    UNIVERSITY  Chap.  X. 

The  oldest  Tutor  shall  be  the  Librarian,  who  shall  open  the  Library  once  a  week,  at 
an  hour  appointed,  and  attend  and  deliver  out  such  books  as  shall  be  called  for,  by  such 
of  the  students  as  are  permitted  the  use  of  them. 

In  a  letter  to  the  late  Prof.  C.  C.  Jewett  concerning  the  early  his- 
tory of  the  Library,  the  Hon.  Asher  Robbins  writes  :  — 

At  the  reorganization  of  the  College,  in  the  autumn  of  1782,  I  was  appointed  to  the 
office  of  Tutor,  and  took  charge  of  the  Library  as  Librarian.  It  was  then  kept  in  the 
East  chamber  on  the  second  floor  of  the  central  building  (University  Hall) ;  the  vol- 
umes it  contained  were  quite  limited  in  number  —  these  mostly  the  primary  editions 
of  the  works  in  folio  and  quarto. 

All  the  students,  except  the  members  of  the  Freshman  Class,  shall  be  permitted  the 
use  of  the  Library. 

Poor  Freshmen  !  Obliged  to  wait  upon  the  Seniors  and  be  admon- 
ished by  them,  to  make  the  fires  and  sweep  the  rooms,  and  denied  the 
use  of  the  Library.  No  wonder  that  they  looked  forward  with  eager 
expectation  to  the  time  when  their  tutelage  would  cease,  and  they  be 
promoted  to  the  upper  classes. 

The  following  conditions  of  taking  out  books  shall  be  strictly  regarded:  —  Each  one 
shall  sign  a  receipt  for  every  book  he  shall  take  out,  engaging  to  return  it  in  the  like 
good  order  within  the  time  he  is  permitted  the  use  of  it,  which  shall  be  for  a  folio,  four 
weeks ;  for  a  quarto,  three  weeks  ;  for  an  octavo,  two  weeks  ;  and  for  a  duodecimo,  one 
week. 

In  a  manuscript  catalogue  of  the  Library  made  out  about  this  time, 
the  books  are  classified  and  entered  under  these  four  heads,  viz.  :  Folio, 
Quarto,  Octavo,  Duodecimo  ;  a  very  simple  arrangement,  involving  no 
conflict  of  classification  systems,  and  requiring  no  special  knowledge  of 
Bibliography.  Sotheby,  Wilkinson,  and  Hodge,  the  celebrated  auction- 
eers of  literary  property  in  London,  observe  this  method  to-day  in  their 
catalogues  of  the  books  which  they  sell. 

No  person  shall  be  allowed  to  take  books  out  of  the  Library,  without  the  knowledge 
of  the  Librarian ;  and  the  Librarian  shall  enter  down  in  the  receipt  the  title  and  bigness 
of  the  book  taken  out  and  the  time  when  it  is  taken  and  returned.    For  every  book  not 


1780-1783.  AND    MANNING.  359 

returned  agreeable  to  his  receipt,  the  delinquent  shall  pay  for  one  month,  for  a  folio, 
one  shilling,  and  so  in  proportion  for  a  longer  or  shorter  term ;  two-thirds  as  much  for 
a  quarto ;  half  as  much  for  an  octavo ;  and  one-quarter  as  much  for  a  duodecimo. 

The  final  article  in  this  admirable  digest  of  Laws  reads  as  fol- 
lows :  — 

And  whereas  the  statutes  are  few  and  general,  there  must  necessarily  be  lodged  with 
the  President  and  Tutors  a  discretional  or  parental  authority ;  therefore,  where  no 
statute  is  particularly  and  expressly  provided  for  a  case  that  may  occur,  they  are  to 
exercise  this  discretionary  authority  according  to  the  known  customs  of  similar  institu- 
tions, and  the  plain  general  rules  of  the  moral  law.  And  in  general  the  penalties  are 
to  be  of  the  more  humane  kind,  such  as  are  adapted  to  work  upon  the  nobler  principles 
of  humanity,  and  to  move  the  more  honorable  springs  of  good  order  and  submission  to 
government. 

We  should  be  glad,  did  space  allow,  to  present  further  extracts  from 
this  digest.  In  the  last  paragraph,  as  here  quoted,  President  Man- 
ning may  be  supposed  to  have  embodied  his  ideas  in  respect  to  college 
government  and  discipline,  which,  says  his  pupil  and  successor,  Dr. 
Maxcy,  "  was  mild  and  peaceful ;  conducted  by  that  persuasive  author- 
ity, which  secures  obedience  while  it  conciliates  esteem." 

The  old  stock,  so  to  speak,  of  students,  having  now  become 
exhausted,  there  were  no  more  public  Commencements  until  the  year 
1786,  at  which  time  the  Freshman  Class  of  1782  was  prepared  to  grad- 
uate. The  progress  of  events  during  this  period  can  best  be  learned 
from  Manning's  correspondence,  which  we  present  in  chronological 
order.  From  the  following  letter  to  Mr.  Kane,  it  appears  that  his 
friend  and  former  correspondent,  the  Rev.  Benjamin  Wallin,  had  made 
a  bequest  to  the  College.  How  large  this  bequest  was  we  cannot 
readily  determine,  as  no  mention  of  it  is  to  be  found  in  the  records  of 
the  Corporation. 

To  Mr.  Heney  Kane,  Walworth,  near  London. 

Providence,  Nov.  8, 1783. 
Sir  :  —  I  sympathize  with  you  in  the  loss  of  your  late  venerable  and  pious  pastor,  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Wallin.    I  hope  the  church  may  find  some  Elisha  to  take  his  mantle,  who, 


360  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  X. 

under  the  great  Head  of  the  church,  may  build  you  up.  I  am  pleased  to  find  that  in  his 
last  will  and  testament  he  remembered  the  College.  Mr.  Mullett  showed  me  the  letter 
from  you  to  him  on  the  subject  of  discharging  or  receipting  the  papers.  Mr.  John 
Brown,  our  treasurer,  who  is  empowered  by  the  Trustees  and  Fellows  to  conduct  all 
the  money  matters  of  the  Corporation,  has  settled  with  Mr.  Mullett,  as  you  will  see  by 
his  receipt,  attested  by  the  Chancellor  and  President.  You  may  rely  upon  receiving  his 
receipt  at  an  early  day. 

The  College  has  been  dispersed  during  the  war,  but  is  again  lifting  up  its  head. 
The  damages  it  has  sustained,  and  the  low  state  of  its  funds,  call  aloud  for  the  assist- 
ance of  its  friends  who  are  able  to  establish  it.  It  has  not  yet  received  a  name,  for 
want  of  some  distinguished  benefactor.  Such  a  person  we  should  be  glad  to  find 
amongst  our  friends  in  England  unto  whom  God  in  his  providence  has  given  wealth 
and  influence.  We  are  making  an  effort  to  do  something  here  in  America,  but  the 
burdens  of  the  war  leave  us  but  a  gloomy  prospect.  Members  of  the  Corporation  have 
subscribed  near  seven  hundred  pounds  lawful  money,  six  shillings  to  a  dollar,  towards 
augmenting  our  little  library  and  furnishing  an  apparatus,  besides  advancing  near  one- 
half  of  this  sum  out  of  their  own  pockets  for  the  repairs  of  this  edifice.  Every  testi- 
mony of  regard  for  it  will  be  most  thankfully  received  and  acknowledged  by  the  Cor- 
poration, and  especially  by  him  who  has  the  honor  to  be,  sir, 

Your  humble  servant, 

James  Manning. 

To  the  Rev.  John  Ryland. 

Providence,  Nov.  8,  1783. 
My  Dear  Friend: 

It  is  long  since  I  have  had  the  pleasure  of  receiving  a  line  from  you,  but  I  congratu- 
late you  on  the  return  of  peace  and  the  opening  again  of  a  communication  between 
England  and  America.  I  shall  not  at  present  trouble  you  with  my  reasoning  on  this 
surprising  revolution,  but  shall  only  say  that  I  am  convinced  that  it  is  of  God.  To 
recount  the  distressing  trials  through  which  we  have  passed  during  the  war,  would 
but  open  again  the  wounds  and  cause  them  to  bleed  afresh.  I  suppose  Mr.  Ryland  has 
no  less  affection  for  his  American  brethren  than  hithertofore,  and  therefore  take  the 
liberty  of  addressing  a  line  to  him  with  the  same  freedom  as  before. 

The  state  of  religion  throughout  America  has  been  on  the  decline  for  several  years, 
and  the  most  destructive  errors  have  prevailed,  excepting  a  revival  three  or  four 
years  since  in  New  England,  and  some  favorable  appearances  of  late.  I  should  have 
excepted,  however,  the  frontier  parts  of  the  country,  for  the  wilderness  has  blossomed 
like  the  rose,  and  the  Baptist  principles  have  greatly  prevailed  there.  The  College 
was  broken  up  for  nearly  six  years,  and  the  edifice  devoted  to  the  uses  of  the  army. 


1780-1783.  AND   MANNING.  361 

It  is  again  revived,  and  twelve  students  now  belong  to  it.  More  are  expected.  The 
edifice  received  great  damage,  but  has  been  partially  repaired,  at  the  private  expense 
of  the  Corporation,  who  have  also  subscribed  near  £700  lawful  money  to  augment  our 
little  library  and  procure  an  apparatus.  The  catalogues  are  making  out,  and  when 
ready  will  be  forwarded  to  England  to  give  our  friends,  with  you,  an  opportunity  of 
testifying  afresh  their  attachment.  We  are  making  application  also  through  this 
continent  to  get  what  endowments  we  can  for  the  College,  but  our  exhausted  state 
promises  little  favorable.  The  College  has  the  reputation  of  contributing  not  a  little 
to  the  interests  of  religion,  not  to  say  civil  liberty.  This  has  interested  the  Baptist 
society  in  general  to  look  with  a  more  favorable  eye  upon  literature.  But  the  burden 
of  taxes,  with  their  losses  through  the  war,  furnish  them  with  arguments  to  withhold 
their  pecuniary  assistance  which  the  most  able  logicians  cannot  confute.  Can  you  find 
a  gentleman  of  fortune  among  you  who  wishes  to  rear  a  lasting  monument  to  his 
honor  in  America?  If  you  can,  direct  his  attention  to  the  Hill  of  Providence,  in  the 
State  of  Rhode  Island,  whereon  an  elegant  edifice  is  already  erected,  which  waits 
for  a  name  from  some  distinguished  benefactor.  The  Corporation  is  determined 
to  do  this  honor  to  its  greatest  benefactor.  Should  some  English  gentleman  deign  to 
become  such,  it  may  serve  to  cement  that  union  which  I  wish  ever  to  see  cultivated 
between  the  two  countries,  notwithstanding  our  independence.  I  promise  myself  your 
interest  in  finding  such  an  one,  if  in  your  power.  I  must  refer  you  to  a  letter  to  Dr. 
Stennett  of  this  date  for  a  more  particular  account  of  the  state  of  affairs  amongst  us, 
as  I  have  not  time  now  to  be  particular.  I  should  be  happy  to  receive  one  of  your  old- 
fashioned  long  letters  by  the  return  of  this  vessel  or  the  first  which  may  come.  It  is 
probable  there  will  be  opportunity  of  transmitting  letters  as  usual  twice  a  year,  as  the 
trade  from  Providence  is  again  opened  directly  to  London.  I  should  have  written  in 
the  spring,  but  was  absent  when  the  vessel  sailed.  Our  dear  friend  Mr.  Wallin  is 
released  from  the  field  of  labor,  as  I  learn  by  my  letter  from  Dr.  Stennett,  who  has 
done  me  the  honor  to  begin  a  correspondence,  and  requested  me  to  continue  it.  "With 
this  request  I  shall  with  pleasure  comply.  Please  to  present  my  Christian  salutation 
to  your  worthy  family,  especially  to  your  son,  Mr.  John  Ryland,  Jr.,  from  whom  a 
letter  would  be  most  acceptable  to  him  who  wishes  you  the  highest  felicity,  and  is  with 
every  sentiment  of  esteem,  dear  sir, 

Your  unworthy  brother  and  servant  in  the  gospel, 

James  Manning. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Stennett,  to  whom  Manning  here  refers,  thus  writes 
under  date  of  May  14,  1783 :  — 

46 


362  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  X. 

Dear  Sir: 

It  is  a  long  time  since  I  had  the  pleasure  of  hearing  from  you.  Among  other  evils 
that  have  been  suffered  from  the  late  unhappy  and  unnatural  condition  between  this 
country  and  North  America,  the  embargo  that  has  been  laid  upon  epistolary  correspon- 
dence is  no  inconsiderable  one.  But  this  evil  is  now  removed,  and  you  will  give  me 
leave  to  congratulate  you  on  the  event.  "We  won't  at  present  enter  into  the  various 
political  reasonings  concerning  this  extraordinary  revolution.  God  is  no  doubt  bring- 
ing about  his  great  purposes,  and  it  is  to  be  hoped  that  even  during  the  late  perilous 
times  the  temple  of  the  Lord  has  been  building  with  you  as  well  as  with  us. 

This  letter  my  friend  Mr.  Mullett,1  brother-in-law  to  Mr.  Caleb  Evans  of  Bristol,  puts 
into  your  hands.  He  is  a  very  worthy,  sociable  man,  goes  over  upon  very  considerable 
affairs  of  a  mercantile  kind,  and  will  be  capable  of  giving  you  a  variety  of  information. 
My  brevity  now,  therefore,  you  will  excuse.  It  will  be  an  opening,  I  hope,  to  a  familiar, 
happy  correspondence  between  us.  The  state  of  religion  with  you,  and  of  the  College 
in  Rhode  Island,  I  should  be  glad  to  understand.  Be  so  good  as  to  remember  me  affec- 
tionately to  all  our  Christian  friends,  the  ministers  in  particular,  Mr.  Backus,  etc.,  etc. 

We  have  had  many  changes  in  our  congregation  by  death ;  but  I  hope  religion  in  our 
denomination  is  not  on  the  decline.  Of  good  Mr.  Wallin's  death  you  have  no  doubt 
heard.  His  place  is  not  yet  supplied.  My  health  has  of  late  been  but  indifferent,  but 
through  the  goodness  of  God  it  is  now  better. 

I  am  just  publishing  a  volume  of  discourses  on  domestic  duties,  one  of  which  either 
Mr.  Mullett,  or  Mr.  Stillman  —  who,  I  take  it,  is  still  at  Boston  —  will  put  into  your 
hands. 

You  will  excuse  my  hurrying  manner  at  present,  and  be  assured  that  I  am,  very 
dear  sir, 

Your  affectionate  friend  and  brother, 

Samuel  Stennett. 


1  Thomas  Mullett,  Esq.,  a  merchant  of  the  first  respectability.  He  was  a  native  of  Taunton, 
England,  and  died  at  Clapham,  Nov.  14, 1814,  in  the  sixty-ninth  year  of  his  age.  He  possessed,  says 
his  biographer,  an  excellent  understanding,  and  was  a  firm  friend  to  civil  and  religious  liberty. 
The  following  anecdote  is  related  of  him  in  Evans's  Life  of  Richards :  — 

"  Thomas  Mullett,  Esq.,  was  soon  after  the  American  war  at  Mount  Vernon,  the  seat  of  General 
Washington.  Besides  other  flattering  marks  of  attention,  Washington,  when  alone  with  him  in 
his  library,  asked  him  if  he  had  seen  any  individual  in  that  country  who  was  competent  to  the  task 
of  writing  a  history  of  the  late  unhappy  contest.  Mr.  M.  replied,  with  his  usual  presence  of  mind, 
'  I  know  of  one,  and  one  only,  competent  to  the  task.'  The  General  eagerly  asked, '  Who,  sir,  can 
that  individual  be? '  Mr.  M.  remarked, '  Caesar  wrote  his  own  commentaries ! '  The  General  bowed, 
and  replied, '  Caesar  wrote  his  own  commentaries ;  but,  sir,  I  know  the  atrocities  committed  on  both 
sides  have  been  so  great  and  so  many  that  they  cannot  be  faithfully  recorded,  and  had  better  be 
buried  in  oblivion.' " 


1780-1783.  AND   MANNING.  363 

Manning's  reply  is  one  of  unusual  length,  and  seems  to  have  been 
written  with  special  care.  It  is  of  itself  a  history  of  the  times  during 
the  American  war :  — 

Providence,  Nov.  8th,  1783. 
Reverend  and  Dear  Sir: 

Yours  of  May  14th  was  lately  handed  me  hy  Thomas  Mullett,  Esq.,  whom  I  find  to 
justify,  and  more,  the  excellent  character  you  gave  him ;  though  we  have  had  hut  a 
small  share  of  his  agreeahle  company,  owing  to  his  attention  to  his  widely-extended 
mercantile  concerns.  I  most  heartily  rejoice  to  have  a  free  communication  again 
opened  hetween  England  and  America ;  for  this  I  have  earnestly  wished  ever  since  its 
first  interruption.  May  heaven  forbid  its  ever  heing  again  shut!  But  I  feel  peculiarly 
happy  in  the  honor  you  have  done  me  in  the  renewal  of  our  correspondence.  I  con- 
gratulate you  on  the  restoration  of  your  health,  and  hope  you  may  be  long  continued, 
a  rich  blessing  to  the  church  of  God.  The  flourishing  state  of  our  society  with  you  is 
pleasing. 

During  some  of  the  first  years  of  the  war,  God  was  pleased  to  display  his  power,  in 
many  parts  of  New  England,  in  a  glorious  manner,  and  thousands  embraced  the 
Baptist  principles ;  but  those  halcyon  days  soon  ended,  since  which  has  ensued  an 
amazing  apostasy.  The  delusion  of  Relly,1  in  his  book  called  the  Union,  etc.,  has 
been  propagated  with  the  most  astonishing  success  by  John  Murray.  The  doctrine  of 
universal  salvation  has  been  licked  into  various  forms  by  its  numerous  zealous  advo- 
cates ;  and  as  it  so  exactly  coincides  with  the  carnal  mind,  has  been  sucked  in  by  multi- 
tudes, among  whom  are  not  a  few  professors  of  religion,  with  great  avidity. 

About  the  same  time  one  Jemima  Wilkinson2,  near  this  place,  who  had  been  edu- 
cated amongst  the  Quakers,  pretended  that  she  had  been  dead,  reanimated  with  a 
celestial  spirit,  and  endowed  with  an  extraordinary  commission  from  heaven  to  preach 
the  gospel.  She  sometimes  called  herself  the  Comforter;  and  sometimes,  when  in  an 
audience  of  great  numbers,  pointing  to  herself,  said  that  when  Jesus  Christ  first 
appeared,  he  came  in  the  flesh  of  a  man,  but  that  he  was  now  come  in  the  flesh  of  a 
woman.  She  has  continued  to  traverse  the  country  and  publicly  preach  ever  since, 
accompanied  with  a  number  of  disciples  who  do  her  homage  on  their  bended  knees. 


1  "Doctrine  of  union  between  Christ  and  his  Church.    By  James  Relly."    8vo.    London,  1731. 

2  Jemima  Wilkinson  was  born  in  Cumberland,  R.  I.,  about  the  year  1753.  In  1789  she  and  her 
followers  removed  to  Yates  County,  New  York,  where  they  founded  a  colony.  She  exacted  from 
her  adherents  the  most  complete  submission  and  the  most  menial  services.  After  her  death,  which 
took  place  in  July,  1819,  the  colony  was  broken  up.  A  narrative  of  her  life  and  character,  by  David 
Hudson,  was  published  at  Geneva,  N.  Y.,  in  1821,  making  a  duodecimo  volume  of  two  hundred  and 
twenty-eight  pages. 


364  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  X. 

Many  have  been  carried  away  with  her  delusion,  and  believe  her  to  be  the  Saviour. 
But  to  close  the  rear,  a  number  of  people,  who  came  from  the  west  of  England  about 
the  commencement  of  the  war,  under  the  direction  of  an  old  woman  whom  her  adher- 
ents call  the  Mother,  the  Elect  Lady,  etc.,  etc.,  pretend  that  the  new  dispensation  has 
taken  place,  and  that  they  are  the  only  and  true  church.  They  pretend  to  absolve  the 
sins  of  their  disciples,  and  of  course  require  particular  confession  to  be  made  to  them. 
Their  particular  worship  consists  in  dancing,  turning  round  on  the  heel,  jumping, 
singing,  and  embracing  each  other,  while  they  pretend  to  talk  in  unknown  tongues, 
work  miracles,  etc.,  etc.  They  interdict  all  intercourse  between  the  sexes,  declaring 
the  marriage  contract  void,  and  pretending  to  a  state  of  absolute  perfection.  Some 
carnal  fruits,  however,  have  inadvertently  resulted  from  their  chaste  embraces.  And 
—  would  you  believe  it?  —  vast  numbers  of  those  who  once  appeared  serious,  well- 
disposed  persons,  have  followed  their  pernicious  ways.  They  are  not  to  be  reasoned 
with ;  alleging  that  they  know  they  are  right,  and  they  will  rave  like  madmen  when 
opposed,  calling  this  the  effect  of  the  Spirit  of  God.  "While  these  delusions  on  the  one 
hand  attack  the  truth  of  the  gospel,  growing  infidelity  on  the  other  lends  all  its  aid 
totally  to  subvert  and  destroy  it,  whilst  the  professed  friends  of  it  seem  too  generally 
overwhelmed  and  in  a  deep  sleep.  This,  you  say,  is  a  dismal  picture,  but  not  more  so 
than  true.  Yet  there  are  those  who  stand  fast  in  the  truth,  and  some  late  revivals 
encourage  us  to  hope  for  better  days.  One  thing,  however,  is  favorable,  —  a  spirit  of 
toleration  more  universally  prevails  throughout  New  England,  and  the  doctrines  of 
religious  as  well  as  civil  liberty  are  better  understood  by  the  people  at  large,  against 
any  infractions  of  which  they  are  determined  to  guard. 

It  was  a  glorious  time  of  revival  in  our  church  when  the  war  first  commenced,  but 
when  the  town  became  a  garrison,  on  account  of  the  vicinity  of  the  royal  army  on 
Rhode  Island,  the  apprehensions  of  an  attack,  and  the  daily  alarms  to  which  we  were 
subjected,  induced  numbers  of  families  to  retire  into  the  more  interior  parts  of  the 
country,  not  only  for  safety  but  subsistence.  This  scattered  our  church  and  congrega- 
tion abroad,  which  has  never  been  collected  since,  near  fifty  of  our  members  not  having 
yet  returned.  These  things,  with  the  disinclination  of  many  to  attend  public  worship 
from  the  example  of  the  army,  have  greatly  reduced  us.  It  has  been  a  season  of  heavy 
trials  with  great  numbers  of  our  churches,  several  of  which  have  been  almost  totally 
dispersed.  After  all,  when  I  view  the  last  eight  years,  and  reflect  on  the  amazing 
anxiety  and  distress  through  which  we  have  waded,  and  the  astonishing  goodness  of 
God  in  preserving  so  many  of  us  to  see  the  return  of  peace,  I  am  lost  in  wonder ; 
especially  when  I  consider  the  ingratitude  of  our  hearts  towards  our  glorious  Bene- 
factor. Thousands  and  thousands  of  families,  once  living  in  affluence,  have,  by  the 
war,  been  reduced  to  beggary.  Sometimes  famine,  and  several  times  pestilence,  as 
well  as  the  sword,  threatened  to  combine  for  our  destruction.    But  language  fails  in 


1780-1783.  AND    MANNING.  365 

communicating  my  ideas.    I  heartily  wish  you  may  never  know  hy  experience  what  it 
is  to  live  in  the  midst  of  war. 

In  the  fore  part  of  December,  1776,  the  royal  army  landed  on  Rhode  Island,  and 
took  possession  of  the  same.  This  brought  their  camp  in  plain  view  from  the  College 
with  the  naked  eye ;  upon  which  the  country  flew  to  arms  and  marched  for  Providence. 
There,  unprovided  with  barracks,  they  marched  into  the  College  and  dispersed  the 
students,  about  forty  in  number.  After  this  the  College  continued  to  be  occupied  for  a 
barrack  and  an  hospital  alternately  until  June,  1782,  when  it  was  left  in  a  most  ruinous 
situation.  The  Corporation  advanced  out  of  their  own  pockets  near  one  thousand 
dollars  for  the  most  necessary  repairs,  and.  ordered  the  course  of  education  to  recom- 
mence ;  but  under  these  circumstances  the  number  of  students  was  small,  as  the  former 
number  had  mostly  completed  their  education  in  other  colleges,  or  turned  their  atten- 
tion to  other  objects.  Last  September,  five  young  gentlemen,  who  had  studied  with 
me  in  private,  were  admitted  to  the  honors  of  the  College  at  a  public  Commencement. 
Their  performances  met  such  a  universal  approbation  of  a  numerous  audience,  as 
inspired  the  Corporation  with  fresh  zeal  to  promote  the  Institution.  Mr.  John  Brown, 
the  Treasurer  of  the  College,  offered  to  give  a  sum  equal  to  what  all  the  other  members 
would  subscribe,  towards  procuring  an  addition  to  our  little  library,  and  a  philosoph- 
ical apparatus.  By  this  means  we  obtained  subscriptions  for  near  £700  lawful  money, 
six  shillings  to  the  dollar,  and  the  catalogues  are  being  made  out.  This  we  propose  to 
follow  with  an  application  to  Europe,  as  well  as  throughout  America,  for  further  bene- 
factions. We  have  nominated  persons  to  this  service,  but  we  fear  few  if  any  of  them 
will  engage  in  the  work,  on  account  of  the  difficulty  of  leaving  home,  and  the  fears  of 
not  meeting  a  cordial  reception  in  Great  Britain.  But  I  rejoice  to  find,  from  late 
accounts,  that  our  friends  remain  friends  to  the  College,  and  wish  to  know  the  state 
of  it.  This  encourages  us  to  solicit  every  assistance  they  can  give,  all  of  which  we 
greatly  need.  I  have  the  satisfaction  to  find  that  it  has,  under  all  its  disadvantages, 
been  instrumental  in  greatly  promoting  Baptist  principles,  and  the  spread  of  civil  and 
religious  liberty  throughout  New  England.  Our  number  of  students  is  twelve,  and 
more  are  expected  soon ;  but  the  great  objections  which  operate  against  us  are  the  want 
of  an  apparatus  and  library,  and  the  want  of  professors.  Of  these  advantages  the  old 
colleges  amongst  us  can  boast.  Our  library  consists  of  about  five  hundred  volumes, 
most  of  which  are  both  very  ancient  and  very  useless,  as  well  as  very  ragged  and 
unsightly.1    Our  prospects  to  remedy  this,  in  America,  are  at  present  very  unpromis- 


1  The  friends  of  the  College  will  observe  the  contrast  between  these  five  hundred  "  unsightly" 
volumes,  arranged  and  kept  in  a  dark  and  cheerless  chamber  in  the  College  edifice,  now  University 
Hall,  and  the  noble  Library  of  the  present  day,  consisting  of  eighty-five  thousand  standard  books 
of  approved  editions,  in  choice  and  substantial  bindings,  and  twenty-five  thousand  pamphlets ; 
arranged  in  an  elegant  and  costly  building  of  approved  modern  construction,  well  warmed,  well 


366  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  X. 

ing.  Last  fall  the  state  of  the  College  was  laid  before  the  Associations  in  New  England 
and  Philadelphia,  which  strongly  recommended  to  all  the  churches  to  make  collections 
for  endowing  it ;  the  same  has  been  done  this  year,  —  from  all  which  not  £20  sterling 
has  been  raised,  such  is  the  scarcity  of  money,  the  burden  of  taxes,  and  the  reduced 
state  of  the  country.  The  society  at  large  never  appeared  so  disposed  to  assist  if  it 
were  but  in  their  power ;  but,  generally  speaking,  the  Baptists  here  are  the  poor  of  this 
world. 

Several  pious  youth,  who  promise  fair  for  the  ministry,  having  picked  up  some 
grammar  learning,  have  applied  to  me  to  know  whether  any  way  can  open  for  their 
assistance  in  getting  an  education.  This  has  led  rne  to  think  of  a  plan  to  assist  such, 
and  I  have  sketched  out  the  following:  That  tbe  Rev.  Messrs.  Samuel  Stillman,  Gard- 
ner Thurston,  Isaac  Backus,  John  Gano,  Hezekiah  Smith,  with  the  President,  be  a 
standing  committee  of  the  Corporation,  and  in  case  of  the  demise  of  any  of  them  their 
number  to  be  filled  up  from  time  to  time  by  themselves,  who,  or  the  major  part  of  them, 
shall  examine  and  approve  of  such  as  shall  be  candidates  to  receive  the  assistance 
which  may  be  proffered  to  worthy  characters  in  that  way,  and  to  say  in  what  propor- 
tions it  shall  be  dealt  out  to  them.  It  will  be  easy  to  procure  a  vote  of  the  Corporation 
to  invest  this  committee  with  all  necessary  powers  to  discharge  this  trust ;  and  I  have 
fixed  upon  men  whose  doctrinal  and  practical  principles,  as  well  as  their  character  in 
this  country,  will  entitle  them  to  the  highest  confidence  of  benefactors  to  this  fund.  I 
was  long  since  convinced  that  a  plan  of  this  kind  would  be  vastly  serviceable,  and  pro- 
posed it  to  some  of  my  friends,  whose  only  objection  against  it  was  its  interference  with 
endowing  the  College,  which  was  an  object  of  the  greatest  importance ;  but  I  am  of 
opinion  that  many  would  be  induced  to  give  for  this  purpose  who  would  not  on  any 
other  consideration.  Should  a  donation  be  offered,  and  these  persons  be  mentioned  for 
the  trust,  in  this  way  I  have  suggested,  by  some  gentleman  out  of  the  Corporation,  I 
am  convinced  that  it  would  immediately  take,  and  that  something  considerable  could 
soon  be  raised,  which  would  be  of  standing  benefit  to  our  churches,  and  more  widely 
disseminate  the  knowledge  of  truth.1    Such  has  been  the  feeling,  through  New  Eng- 


Hghted,  and  well  ventilated;  open  at  all  hours  of  the  day  and  evening,  and  accessible  to  students 
and  graduates  without  distinction  of  class ;  the  whole  increased  from  time  to  time  from  the  income 
of  fifty-seven  thousand  dollars.  Among  these  "  five  hundred  volumes  "  was  a  copy  of  Eliot's  Indian 
Bible,  obtained  perhaps  in  1771  through  Morgan  Edwards,  which  is  now  regarded  as  one  of  the 
most  valuable  books  in  the  collection,  and  worth  a  fabulous  sum.  It  once  belonged  to  Roger 
Williams,  as  it  contains  notes  in  his  familiar  handwriting,  both  in  shorthand  and  in  English. 

i  The  system  of  scholarships,  inaugurated  by  President  Sears,  is  based  upon  the  same  general 
principles  which  Manning  here  develops ;  with  this  difference,  however,  —  that  the  scholarships 
are  not  of  necessity  Baptist  in  their  character,  or  confined  exclusively  to  students  who  have  or  who 
may  have  in  view  the  Christian  ministry.  These  points  are  left  for  the  respective  founders  of 
scholarships  to  determine.    The  majority  of  them,  serve  in  carrying  into  effect  precisely  these 


1780-1783.  AND    MANNING.  367 

land,  in  favor  of  a  college  education,  that  our  pious  illiterate  ministers  are  greatly  cir- 
cumscribed in  their  sphere  of  usefulness,  of  which  many  of  them  are  sufficiently  sen- 
sible, and  heartily  wish  their  successors  may  be  enabled  to  obviate  this  objection.  A 
great  and  effectual  door  is  opened  for  the  labors  of  Baptist  ministers  throughout  our 
vast,  extended  frontiers,  and  many  new  churches  have  been  lately  constituted  in  that 
howling  wilderness ;  and  indeed  the  labors  of  our  society  seem  there  generally  pre- 
ferred. 

I  fear  I  have  already  trespassed  upon  your  patience ;  but  you  wished  for  various 
information ;  and  you  must  consider  this  letter  contains  the  substance  of  a  ten  years' 
correspondence.  I  shall  be  happy  to  have  your  assistance  and  patronage  of  the  Col- 
lege, and  your  opinions  on  the  subjects  proposed  by  the  first  opportunity.  I  had  forgot 
to  mention  that,  amidst  the  wreck  of  public  credit,  we  have  been  so  fortunate  as  to  pre- 
serve, undiminished,  our  little  fund,  though  as  yet,  from  the  exhausted  state  of  the 
treasury,  which  has  operated  greatly  to  my  personal  disadvantage,  we  have  not  been 
able  to  command  any  interest.  I  have  the  assistance  of  a  Tutor,  and  a  grammar  mas- 
ter keeps  school  in  the  College  edifice. 

I  cannot  say  in  what  light  you  view  the  American  ^Revolution,  but  to  serious  people 
here  it  appears  to  be  of  God ;  and  if  the  counsels  of  Great  Britain  are  conducted  with 
wisdom  and  moderation,  it  will  in  the  issue  be  of  no  disadvantage  to  her  in  a  national 
view.  In  a  religious  view  I  am  certain  it  should  not  operate  to  produce  any  discord 
among  the  subjects  of  that  Prince  whose  kingdom  is  not  of  this  world.  As  far  as  my 
acquaintance  extends,  I  am  convinced  that,  on  our  part,  the  former  attachment  still 
continues ;  and  I  am  sure  I  have  as  little  reason  to  doubt  it  on  yours. 


views  of  President  Manning.  At  the  meeting  of  the  Warren  Association  held  in  the  year  1791,  the 
Rev.  Dr.  Stillman  presented  a  plan,  which,  he  stated,  he  had  received  from  a  friend,  for  establish- 
ing a  charitable  fund,  "  for  the  purpose  of  assisting  such  young  men  of  the  Baptist  denomination 
as  may  appear  to  be  suitably  qualified  for  the  ministry,  with  a  collegiate  education."  Who  this 
friend  was  we  cannot  positively  state,  but  we  have  no  doubt  whatever  in  regard  to  the  source 
whence  the  plan  itself  originated.  After  a  second  reading  it  was  unanimously  adopted  by  the 
Association,  and  a  board  of  trustees,  consisting  of  twelve,  was  chosen.  This  board  was  styled, 
"  Trustees  of  the  Baptist  Education  Fund."  It  was  required  that  "  so  many  of  the  Baptist  Fellows 
of  Rhode  Island  College  who  are  members  of  churches  shall  be  trustees  of  this  fund,"  the  remain- 
ing number  to  be  chosen  by  ballot  from  and  by  the  Warren  Association.  Of  the  College  Fellows  on 
the  board,  were  Dr.  Stillman,  of  Boston,  Dr.  Smith,  of  Haverhill,  Rev.  William  Williams,  of  Wren- 
tham,  Dr.  Maxcy,  President  of  the  College,  and  Robert  Rogers,  Esq.,  of  Newport.  Those  elected 
by  the  Association,  were  Isaac  Backus,  of  Middleborough,  Dr.  Baldwin,  of  Boston,  Rev.  Joseph 
Grafton,  of  Newton,  Rev.  Noah  Alden  of  Bellingham,  Rev.  Thomas  Green,  of  Cambridge,  Rev. 
George  Robinson,  of  Bridgewater,  and  Rev.  Isaiah  Parker,  of  Harvard. 

In  February,  1794,  the  Society  thus  commenced  was  duly  incorporated  by  the  Legislature  of  Mass- 
achusetts. In  1816  a  separate  organization  was  formed,  which,  in  1823,  was  incorporated  under  the 
name  of  "The  Baptist  Education  Society  of  the  Warren  Association."  At  this  time  the  funds, 
now  amounting  to  $3,600,  were  equally  divided  between  this  Society  and  the  Boston  Association, 
which  had  been  formed  in  the  year  1811.  Hence  the  origin  and  present  funds  of  the  Society  now 
known  as  the  Rhode  Island  Baptist  Education  Society. 


368  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  X. 

Mr.  Mullett  was  kind  enough  to  put  into  my  hands  your  volume  on  domestic  duties, 
and  I  heartily  thank  you  for  the  pleasure  which  the  perusal  of  it  gave  me.  I  wish 
there  were  more  of  them  in  this  country.  They  are  greatly  needed,  and  I  think  would 
sell.  Before  the  war,  for  supplying  the  College  and  my  friends,  I  kept  a  small  assort- 
ment of  books,  which  I  yearly  imported  from  London.  I  still  mean  to  do  the  same,  and 
have  thought  of  getting  a  number  of  our  Baptist  authors  for  the  supply  of  our  society 
in  different  parts  of  the  country.  I  think  there  has  not  been  sufficient  attention  paid  to 
our  own  writings  by  our  own  people.  Should  you  think  proper  to  send  any  of  your 
works  for  that  purpose,  on  the  same  terms  which  booksellers  with  you  have  them,  I 
shall  exert  myself  to  sell  them,  and  directly  remit  you  the  money.  I  have  mentioned 
my  letter  to  you  to  Dr.  Llewelyn,  to  whom,  if  you  please,  you  may  show  it,  and  also  to 
Mr.  Ryland,  and  any  other  friend  who  may,  in  your  opinion,  be  disposed  to  serve  the 
College,  or  wish  for  the  information  which  it  contains.  By  every  opportunity  I  shall 
be  happy  to  receive  letters  from  Dr.  Stennett.  With  sentiments  of  esteem,  I  am, 
dear  sir, 

Your  brother  in  Christ, 

James  Manning. 

The  distinguished  scholar  to  whom  the  following  excellent  letter  is 
addressed  died  on  the  7th  of  August,  three  months  previous  to  its  date. 
What  he  would  have  done  for  the  College  had  he  lived,  cannot  of  course 
be  determined.  It  is  certain  that  his  feelings  towards  the  Institution 
were  friendly.  In  the  original  subscription  book  of  Morgan  Edwards, 
his  name  appears  as  the  largest  subscriber  on  the  list.  Among  the  dupli- 
cate books  presented  to  the  library  by  the  Bristol  Education  Society, 
we  notice  a  fine  uncut  copy  of  the  "Biographia  Britannica,"  in  seven 
volumes  folio,  a  gift  from  Llewelyn,  who  bequeathed  his  library  to  that 
society.  It  contains  his  book-mark,  and  states  the  time  of  his  death. 
So  also,  "  Dio  Cassii  Historia  Romana,"  a  superb  copy  in  two  large  folio 
volumes,  printed  on  linen  paper,  and  bound  in  full  Russia  gilt. 

To  Thomas  Llewelyn,  LL.  D.,  London. 

Providence,  Nov.  8,  1783. 

Sir:  —  By  Thomas  Mullett,  Esq.,  for  whose  agreeable  acquaintance  I  am  indebted  to 

an  introductory  line  from  Dr.  Stennett,  I  had  the  pleasure  of  hearing  that  you  are  yet 

alive,  and,  though  in  a  declining  state  of  health,  are  still  protracting  your  usefulness  in 

the  cause  of  the  Redeemer  and  the  best  interests  of  mankind.    Your  known  zeal  in  pro- 


1780-1783.  AND   MANNING.  369 

moting  the  Baptist  society  for  a  series  of  years,  your  ability  to  serve  it,  and  the  desire 
you  expressed,  in  his  hearing,  of  knowing  the  state  of  the  College  at  Providence,  have 
encouraged  me  to  address  you  on  this  subject,  at  once  to  give  that  information  and  to 
solicit  your  patronage  of  an  institution  which  has  already,  in  the  minds  of  unbiased 
judges,  greatly  disseminated  the  knowledge  of  civil  and  religious  liberty  through  this 
country,  and  added  respectability  to  the  Baptist  profession.  Bleeding  with  the  wounds 
of  war,  it  now  solicits  the  relief  which  the  benevolent  and  opulent  alone  can  afford. 

From  its  first  establishment  until  the  commencement  of  the  late  unnatural  war,  it 
gradually  increased  in  the  number  of  students,  which  at  that  time  was  about  forty.  It 
then  began  to  attract  the  attention  of  the  public,  and  bid  fair  to  have  been  greatly  aug- 
mented in  numbers,  as  many  were  then  preparing  with  a  design  to  complete  their  edu- 
cation here.  This  town  becoming  a  frontier,  in  the  year  1776,  the  troops  took  possession 
of  the  edifice,  to  which  purpose  it  continued  to  be  appropriated  until  June,  1782.  Great 
waste  and  destruction,  you  will  naturally  conclude,  were  made  upon  it  by  men  whose 
profession  has  destruction  for  its  object.  To  repair  the  edifice  the  Corporation 
advanced  money  out  of  their  own  pockets,  as  also  to  fit  up  some  rooms  for  the  accom- 
modation of  students  who  are  likely  to  enter  soon.  The  number  of  these  is  now  twelve, 
and  more  are  soon  expected.  In  short,  we  want  nothing  but  a  proper  endowment  to 
enable  us  to  furnish  a  suitable  library  and  apparatus,  and  properly  support  able 
instructors,  to  render  the  College  very  respectable ;  the  grand  objection  against  it  is  the 
want  of  these  things,  of  which  they  can  boast  at  other  colleges.  Those  inimical  to  our 
profession  are  exceeding  vigilant  to  prevent  its  growth,  from  an  idea  of  its  importance 
to  the  Baptist  cause.  Hitherto  a  very  great  part  of  our  society  in  this  country  have 
been  by  no  means  friendly  to  it;  but  many  have  altered  their  opinion,  and  would  assist 
if  they  could ;  but,  reduced  by  the  war  and  the  weight  of  taxes,  at  present  they  can 
only  wish  it  well.  Cambridge  College  was  so  fortunate  as  to  attract  the  attention  of  a 
Hollis,  New  Haven  of  a  Yale,  and  New  Hampshire  of  a  Dartmouth,  who  have  given 
their  names  to  these  seats  of  learning.  We  should  think  ourselves  no  less  happy  in  the 
patronage  of  a  Llewelyn.  Llewelyn  College  appears  well  when  written,  and  sounds  no  less 
agreeably  when  spoken.  Nor  do  I  know  a  name  which  would  please  me  better  to 
hear  extolled  on  .our  public  anniversaries  as  the  founder  of  the  Institution.  The  Char- 
ter, one  of  which  I  beg  leave  to  present  to  you,  empowers  the  Corporation  to  give  the 
College  a  name  in  honor  of  its  most  distinguished  benefactor,  which  they  are  resolved 
to  do.  I  know  your  philanthropy  and  principles  of  liberty  would  not  suffer  you  to 
object  that  we  are  now  independent  of  the  British  Empire.  You  too  well  know  that 
necessity,  dire  necessity  impelled  to  this  measure  a  people  whose  feelings  revolted  at  the 
idea  upon  any  other  ground.  Besides,  subjects  of  the  Prince  of  Peace  cannot  approve 
of  strong  local  attachments.  It  is  the  ardent  wish  of  the  human  mind  to  establish  a 
47 


370  •       BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  X. 

permanent  fame.  As  this  appears  to  be  a  passion  natural  to  man,  so  it  is  doubtful 
whether  he  feels  a  stronger,  or  one  that  ceases  to  influence  him  later.  And  what  can 
more  effectually  gratify  this  predominant  affection,  than  the  grateful  recollection  of  the 
latest  posterity  that  we  have  laid  foundations  for  improving  the  human  intellect,  dis- 
seminating useful  knowledge,  and  propagating  the  gospel  of  peace  over  almost  half  the 
globe?  If  we  consider  the  rapid  progress  of  religion,  letters,  government,  and  arts  in 
this  new  world,  where  on  earth  can  a  theatre  be  erected,  from  which  the  human  char- 
acter caD  be  exhibited  to  better  advantage  (in  largely  contributing  to  the  progress  of 
religion,  society,  and  manners)  than  in  America?  But  you,  sir,  need  only  consider  that 
patronizing  this  College  will  directly  contribute  to  the  propagation  of  the  gospel  of 
Christ  in  its  simplicity  to  bestow  upon  it  your  friendship.  Of  the  prospects  of  this  I 
have  given  some  hints  to  Dr.  Stennett,  in  a  letter  of  this  date,  to  which  I  refer  you,  as 
I  have  desired  him  to  communicate  the  contents  of  it  to  his  friends,  and  those  of  the 
-College,  particularly  requesting  him  to  show  it  to  Dr.  Llewelyn.  Therein  I  have  men- 
tioned the  state  of  our  library,  apparatus,  fund,  etc.  The  whole  interest  of  the  latter 
■does  not  amount  to  more,  if  so  much,  as  £60  sterling  per  annum.  "We  propose  to  for- 
ward our  catalogue  as  soon  as  it  is  ready,  and  invite  our  friends  to  lend  us  their  assist- 
ance in  purchasing  the  books.  Should  your  views  be  different  from  mine  in  reference 
to  the  premises,  I  beg  your  forgiveness  for  troubling  you  on  this  subject  through  my 
zeal  for  the  College ;  but  should  you  think  favorably  of  the  proposal,  you  will  do  a  sin- 
gular favor  to  a  grateful  Corporation,  the  Baptist  Society  in  America,  and  I  doubt  not 
to  remote  posterity,  but  to  none  more  than  to  him  who,  with  every  sentiment  of  esteem, 
has  the  honor  to  subscribe  himself,  sir, 

Your  friend  and  servant  in  the  gospel  of  Christ, 

James  Manning. 

The  members  of  the  Warren  Association,  at  its  meeting  this  year, 
to  which  Manning  in  his  correspondence  alludes,  prepared  an  address 
to  their  "  friends  and  countrymen, ' '  which  presents  a  faithful  picture 
of  the  times  at  the  close  of  the  war,  and  exhibits  in  a  pleasing  light 
the  views  and  prospects  of  the  Baptist  denomination.  We  cannot 
resist  the  temptation  to  introduce  here  the  closing  paragraphs.  They 
have  special  reference  to  the  College,  and  show  how  intimate,  formerly, 
were  the  relations  it  sustained  to  the  churches :  — 

Permit  us  to  add  a  word  concerning  education,  and  we  shall  have  done.  In  Genesis 
xvii.  God  made  a  covenant  with  Abraham,  which  constituted  a  church  in  his  house- 
hold, who  had  a  large  grant  of  choice  lands  that  in  due  time  they  were  to  take  posses- 


1780-1783.  AND    MANNING.  371 

sion  of  by  destroying  the  heathen  inhabitants ;  and  as  long  as  that  state  continued,  they 
were  to  make  a  visible  difference  in  commerce  and  government,  as  well  as  worship, 
between  the  circumcised  and  all  other  people  in  the  world.  In  the  same  church  the 
priests  were  to  have  the  whole  government  in  worship,  and  were  also  to  declare  what  the 
sentence  of  the  law  was  in  capital  cases ;  and  the  judges  were  to  carry  the  same  into 
execution  (Deut.  xvii.  8-12).  When  Christ  came  he  fulfilled  the  law,  and  abolished 
those  distinctions  among  men ;  and  constituted  his  church  upon  a  better  covenant  — 
established  upon  better  promises.  His  word  calls  said  covenant  with  Abraham  the 
covenant  of  circumcision  (Acts  vii.  8),  but  in  after  ages  deceitful  men  took  away  that 
name,  and  called  it  the  covenant  of  grace ;  into  which  they  essayed  to  bring  children 
before  they  believed,  or  could  choose  for  themselves.  And  all  colleges  and  superior 
places  of  learning  were  entirely  under  the  command  of  such  men  for  many  centuries ; 
by  which  means,  natural  affection,  the  force  of  education,  temporal  interest,  and  self- 
righteousness,  all  conspired  together  to  bind  people  in  that  way ;  wherein  the  orthodox 
have  claimed  a  right  to  treat  all  others  as  others  have  not  a  right  to  treat  them.  But  a 
college  is  now  erected  at  Providence  upon  a  plan  of  equal  liberty,  where  education  is 
to  be  had  without  any  sectarian  or  party  tests.  Other  colleges  have  been  erected  and 
much  of  their  expense  borne  by  governments ;  but  this  has  been  done,  entirely  by  per- 
sonal generosity;  and  some  men  of  influence  have  tried  to  crush  it;  therefore  it  calls 
loudly,  to  all  lovers  of  knowledge  and  liberty,  to  contribute  their  mite  towards  its 
necessary  support. 

News  of  the  definite  treaty  of  peace  between  the  United  States  and 
Great  Britain  arrived  in  Providence  on  the  second  day  of  December, 
1783.  This  treaty  secured  to  the  Colonies  their  independence,  and  the 
possession,  says  Bancroft,  of  all  the  country  from  the  St.  Croix  to  the 
Southwestern  Mississippi,  from  the  Lake  of  the  Woods  to  the  St. 
Mary's.  But  who,  says  a  writer,  can  estimate  the  price  paid.  We  can 
count  up  the  millions  of  dollars  expended,  and  number  the  lives  that 
were  lost  in  that  contest.  But  who  can  form  an  estimate  of  the  suffer- 
ings of  the  inhabitants  at  large,  and  of  the  privations  they  bore,  in 
raising  that  sum  ;  or,  of  the  affliction,  and  sorrow,  and  pain,  that  pre- 
ceded and  followed  the  deaths  of  the  martyrs  of  freedom.  How  grate- 
ful to  the  citizens  of  Providence  especially,  who  had  suffered  more 
than  others,  and  were  now,  in  consequence  of  the  war,  destitute  of 
many  of  the  necessaries  of  life,  must  have  been  the  news  of  peace  at 
last.     A  service  of  thanksgiving,  at  the  request  of  the  town,  was  held 


372  BROWN   UNIVERSITY.  Chap.  X. 

in  the  Baptist  Meeting-house.  "Good  Mr.  Snow,"  says  Howland, 
"offered  the  first  prayer.  He  began  by  saying,  'Convened  on  this 
solemn  occasion.'  Doct.  Hitchcock  commenced,  'Assembled  on  this 
joyful  occasion.'  The  text  was,  '  The  Lord  hath  done  great  things  for 
us,  whereof  we  are  glad. '  Doct.  Manning  read  the  Psalms,  and  offered 
the  concluding  prayer.  These  three  were  all  the  ministers  then  belong- 
ing to  the  town,  except  Mr.  Graves,  who  had  ceased  to  officiate." 


CHAPTER    XI. 


1784-1785. 

Letter  to  Manning  from  the  Rev.  Dr.  Rippon,  of  London  —Most  of  the  Baptist  ministers 
in  England  on  the  side  of  America  in  the  war  —  Manning's  reply  to  Rippon  —  Apos- 
tasy of  Rev.  Elhanan  Winchester  —  Sketch  of  Hon.  Asher  Rohhins  —  Baptists  com- 
pelled to  contribute  to  the  support  of  Pedobaptist  worship  in  Massachusetts  and 
Connecticut  —  Resolution  of  the  "Warren  Association  in  reference  thereto  —  Letter  to 
Rev.  Thomas  Ustick  on  the  subject—  Sketch  of  Rev.  Elhanan  Winchester  —  His 
troubles  with  the  Baptist  church  in  Philadelphia  —  Two  letters  to  Rev.  Dr.  Smith  — 
William  Wilkinson  and  the  College  Grammar  School  —  Extract  from  the  Providence 
Gazette  respecting  the  transfer  of  the  school  from  the  College  to  the  brick  school-house 

—  Letter  to  Rev.  Dr.  Caleb  Evans,  of  Bristol,  England  —  Condition  of  the  College  — 
Efforts  to  add  to  its  funds  and  to  increase  its  library  —  Evans's  reply  to  Manning  — 
Illustration  lof  Manning's  numerous  and  perplexing  cares — Letter  from  Rev.  A. 
Booth  —  Manning's  reply  —  Letter  to  Rev.  John  Ryland,  Jr.  —  Letter  to  Rev.  Dr. 
Rippon,  introducing  Dr.  Solomon  Drowne,  of  Providence  —  Sketch  of  Dr.  Drowne 

—  Letter  to  Hon.  David  Howell,  in  Congress  —  Letter  to  Rev.  Thomas  Ustick  — 
Degree  of  Doctor  in  Divinity  conferred  on  Manning  by  the  University  of  Pennsylva- 
nia—  Second  letter  to  Hon.  David  Howell  —  Letter  to  Thomas  Mackaness,  Esq.,  of 
London  — Manning's  plan  to  establish  a  library  for  the  Baptist  Association  in  Ken- 
tucky—  Letter  to  Rev.  Dr.  Evans — Manning's  philanthropic  efforts  to  enlighten  the 
illiterate  Baptist  ministers  of  Kentucky  and  Virginia — Extract  from  Semple's 
History  of  the  Baptists  of  Virginia  —  Letter  to  Manning  from  Hon.  Granville  Sharp, 
of  London  —  Manning's  reply  —  Library  increased  to  two  thousand  volumes  —  Eccle- 
siastical matters  pertaining  to  the  Episcopal  Church  —  Letter  to  Rev.  Dr.  Rippon  — 
Biographical  sketch  of  Rev.  Stephen  Gano  —  Character  of  Hon.  Stephen  Hopkins,  the 
first  Chancellor  of  the  College  —  Letter  from  Rev.  Dr.  Evans  announcing  a  donation 
of  books  to  the  College  Library  from  the  Bristol  Education  Society — Character  of  the 
donation  and  of  the  aforesaid  Society  —  Letter  to  Hon.  David  Howell  in  behalf  of  the 
Corporation,  urging  him  to  use  his  influence  with  the  members  of  Congress  in  favor 
of  a  petition  for  indemnity  for  injuries  which  the  College  building  sustained  during 
the  war  —  Death  of  Hon.  Joseph  Brown  —  Correspondence  between  Manning  and 
John  Gill,  of  London,  respecting  the  publications  of  Rev.  Dr.  John  Gill  —  List  of  Dr. 
Gill's  published  works — Pleasant  bibliographical  "  morceau  "  respecting  the  first  vol- 
ume of  Backus's  Ecclesiastical  History. 

The  following  letter  is  from  the  Rev.  Dr.  John  Rippon,  of  London, 
successor  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Gill.  The  remarkable  statement  which  he 
makes,  that  all  the  Baptist  ministers  in  London  but  two,  and  most  of 
the  Baptist  clergy  in  the  country,  were  on  the  side  of  the  Americans  in 


374  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  XL 

the  "late  dispute,"  as  he  mildly  terms  the  war,  is  as  gratifying  to  us  of 
the  present  day  as  it  doubtless  was  to  Manning  and  his  friends.  The 
reader  of  the  correspondence  now  begun  will  readily  perceive  that  Dr. 
Rippon,  from  his  character  and  position,  was  well  qualified  to  judge  of 
the  views  and  feelings  of  his  brethren  in  matters  of  public  moment. 

Grange  Road,  Southwark,  May  1, 1784. 
Reverend  and  Dear  Sir  : 

I  have  long  wished  for  an  opportunity  of  introducing  myself  to  ,you  and  to  several 
other  brethren  on  your  side  of  the  Atlantic.  And  as  God  in  his  wisdom  has  now  put  an 
end  to  the  late  bloody  and  unrighteous  war,  and  opened  a  free  communication  between 
this  country  and  America,  I  take  the  liberty,  by  the  hands  of  your  neighbor,  Mr.  Chase, 
(who  speaks  in  the  highest  terms  of  you,  Messrs.  Stillman,  Gano,  etc.),  of  soliciting  such 
a  Christian  correspondence  as  your  wisdom  may  suggest,  and  your  large  connections 
and  many  avocations  may  permit. 

To  describe  myself  is  a  work  less  proper  than  what  I  wish  to  be  employed  in ;  but  as  it 
is  probable  my  name  has  never  reached  your  ears,  it  may  not  be  altogether  improper  to 
hint  that  I  was  born  at  Tiverton,  in  Devonshire,  about  forty  miles  from  Plymouth,  and 
about  sixteen  from  Upottery,  where  my  father  is  minister.  I  was  called  by  grace,  I 
trust,  when  about  sixteen  years  of  age,  became  a  student  at  Bristol  under  the  Rev. 
Messrs.  Hugh  and  Caleb  Evans  when  I  was  between  seventeen  and  eighteen,  and  con- 
tinued there  between  three  and  four  years.  After  the  death  of  Dr.  Gill,  I  was  invited 
thence  to  town  as  a  probationer  amongst  his  people,  and  with  them  have  been  comfort- 
ably settled  as  pastor  for  more  than  eleven  years.  The  church  now  consists  of  about 
three  hundred  members,  many  of  whom  are  very  lively,  affectionate,  and  evangelical. 
The  declaration  of  their  faith  and  practice,  which  they  made  at  their  admission,  is  at  the 
close  of  the  three  volumes  of  sermons  and  tracts  accompanying  this,  your  acceptance  of 
which  will  do  me  an  honor,  if  you  consider  them  as  a  small  token  of  the  great  affection 
I  bear  you  as  a  faithful  and  honored  servant  of  our  illustrious  Master. 

Whatever  scepticism  attacks  my  mind,  of  this  I  am  certain,  that  there  are  brethren 
in  your  country  "  whom  not  having  seen  I  love."  This  has  frequently  turned  to  me 
for  a  testimony  of  my  having  passed  from  death  unto  life.  Nor  did  I  least  of  all  expe- 
rience this  in  the  year  1780,  when  Mr.  Wallin  (who  left  earth  for  heaven  in  the  begin- 
ning of  the  year  1783)  received  a  letter  from  Boston  containing  an  account  of  a  great 
revival  through  New  England,  and  in  which  it  was  said  Mr.  Winchester  was  very 
instrumental.  I  sent  this  account  to  Mr.  Evans,  of  Bristol,  and  he  printed  an  extract 
from  it  in  the  following  Western  Association  letter.  It  afforded  a  joy  amongst  many 
churches  better  felt  than  described.    Some  of  us  thought  with  pleasure  on  Isa.  lix.  19. 


John  Rippon, 


1784-1785.  AND   MANNING.  375 

But,  alas!  the  next  account  we  hear  is  that  this  useful  man  has  wofully  changed 
his  sentiments.  Lord,  what  is  man!  A  sermon  of  Mr.  Wallin's,  called  the  "Outcasts 
Comforted,"  on  Isa.  lxvi.  5,  has  been  reprinted  here,  with  an  appendix  said  to  be 
written  by  one  Clarke,  a  mystic.  It  contains  observations  on  the  seventh  trumpet,  and 
a  dissertation  on  the  altar  of  brass  called  Ariel,  etc.  My  heart  has  been  grieved  for 
the  good  man,  and  I  have  wept  in  secret  places  on  his  account.  Is  it  true  that  Mr. 
Morgan  Edwards,  to  whom  I  intend  writing  soon,  has  printed  a  book  in  vindication 
of  him? 

I  believe  all  our  Baptist  ministers,  except  two,  and  most  of  our  brethren  in  the 
country,  were  on  the  side  of  the  Americans  in  the  late  dispute.  But  sorry,  very  sorry 
were  we  to  hear  that  the  College  was  a  hospital,  and  the  meeting-houses  were  forsaken 
and  occupied  for  civil  or  martial  purposes.  We  wept  when  the  thirsty  plains  drank 
the  blood  of  your  departed  heroes,  and  the  shout  of  a  king  was  amongst  us  when  your 
well-fought  battles  were  crowned  with  victory.  And  to  this  hour  we  believeithat  the 
independence  of  America  will  for  a  while  secure  the  liberty  of  this  country ;  but  that 
if  the  continent  had  been  reduced,  Britain  would  not  long  have  been  free. 

The  last  Warren  Association  letter  that  I  have  seen  is  dated  1779.  It  came  with  Mr. 
Backus's  History.  Since  then  many  important  things  must  have  happened,  and  it  may 
be  there  is  much  good  news  to  be  conveyed  to  us  respecting  our  sister  churches  in  the 
wilderness.  Glad  should  I  be  to  hear  of  the  success  of  the  gospel  and  of  the  prosperity 
of  the  College.  When  shall  the  priests  of  Zion  be  clothed  with  salvation,  and  her 
saints  shout  aloud  for  joy?  O  Lord,  let  "  thy  kingdom  come,"  let  it  spread  through  all 
the  world,  and  particularly  let  it  come  in  my  heart,  and  in  the  heart  of  thy  honored 
servant  for  whom  these  lines  are  designed. 

If  I  am  not  mistaken,  the  Baptist  in  this  country  is  more  flourishing  than  the  Pres- 
byterian or  Independent.  In  most  of  our  churches  there  is  a  cordial  attachment  to  the 
truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus,  attended  with  a  greater  liberality  towards  others  who  differ 
from  us  than  was  formerly  expressed.  May  a  Christian  contention  for  the  truth  and  a 
general  Catholicism  forever  walk  hand  in  hand,  that  unconverted  men  may  have  reason 
again  to  say,  "  See  how  these  Christians  love!  " 

This  afternoon  I  have  been  employed  in  packing  books  as  follows :  Gill's  Sermons 
and  Tracts,  3  vols.,  blue  boards,  for  yourself;  do.,  in  sheets,  for  that  much  respected 
man,  Mr.  Stillman,  of  Boston ;  a  dozen  of  Watts's  Hymns  and  Psalms,  and  half  a  dozen 
Bibles  and  as  many  Testaments,  to  be  disposed  of  as  you  think  best.  Gill  should  have 
been  bound  neatly ;  but  as  Mr.  Chase  is  likely  to  sail  Monday  morning,  it  cannot  be 
done.  Will  you  do  me  the  favor  of  making  this  apology  to  Mr.  Stillman  if  I  have  not 
time  to  write  him,  as  I  fear  I  shall  not,  for  it  is  Saturday  evening,  nine  o'clock,  now, 
and  it  was  past  eight  before  I  began  this  hasty  scrawl. 

With  the  above  I  have  sent  three  prints,  —  one  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Gill,  another  of  the 


376  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.   XI. 

late  Rev.  Hugh  Evans,  my  much  esteemed  tutor,  and  another  of  myself.  I  have  not 
time  to  get  them  glazed  and  packed.  The  first  two  deserve  a  respectful  place  in  the 
College,  and  the  last  courts  no  situation  hut  a  place  of  solitude  under  your  hospitahle 
roof.  I  shall  he  much  obliged  to  you  to  circulate  the  proposals  which  relate  to  Saurin 
and  Claude,  and  to  notice  the  advertisement  of  Gill's  books  which  I  have  sent.  If  any 
of  your  friends  want  any  of  them,  I  can  procure  them  at  bookseller's  price,  consider- 
ably cheaper  than  the  printed  list.  It  will  rejoice  me  to  be  of  any  service  to  them, 
and  more  especially  if  they  are  poor  ministers.  I  have  not  time  to  read  this  over 
now,  as  a  person  has  been  waiting  for  it  while  I  write.  Excuse  my  haste.  Remember 
me  respectfully,  if  you  please,  to  Mr.  Howell,  your  assistant.  Pray  for  me,  write  me 
the  first  opportunity,  and  be  assured  I  think  it  a  great  felicity  to  have  any  good  reason 
to  subscribe  myself, 

Your  affectionate  brother  and  servant, 

John  Rippon. 

P.  S.  —  I  am  this  week  thirty-three  years  of  age. 

Rippon  is  not  the  only  one  who  has  left  on  record  the  views  and 
sentiments  of  the  Baptists  of  England  in  regard  to  the  War  of  the 
American  Revolution.  The  celebrated  Robert  Hall  regarded  it  as 
unrighteous  as  well  as  unpopular  "with  men  of  true  liberal  principles." 
In  his  published  works,  the  well-known  John  Ryland,  of  Northampton, 
whom  we  have  noticed  in  previous  chapters  as  a  correspondent  of  Man- 
ning, and  a  benefactor  of  the  College,  is  quoted  as  saying  on  a  certain 
occasion :  —  "If  I  were  General  Washington,  I  would  summon  all  the 
American  officers  ;  they  should  form  a  circle  around  me,  and  I  would 
address  them,  and  we  would  offer  a  libation  in  our  own  blood,  and  I 
would  order  one  of  them  to  bring  a  lancet  and  a  punch-bowl;  and  he 
should  bleed  us  all,  one  by  one,  into  this  punch-bowl ;  and  I  would  be 
the  first  to  bare  my  arm ;  and  when  the  punch-bowl  was  full,  and  we 
had  all  been  bled,  I  would  call  upon  every  man  to  consecrate  himself  to 
the  work,  by  dipping  his  sword  into  the  bowl,  and  entering  into  a  sol- 
emn covenant  engagement  by  oath,  one  to  another,  and  we  would 
swear  by  Him  that  sits  upon  the  throne,  and  liveth  forever  and  ever, 
that  we  would  never  sheath  our  swords  while  there  was  an  English  sol- 
dier in  arms  remaining  in  America." 


1784-1785.  AND   MANNING.  377 

To  this  letter  from  Rippon  Manning  replies :  — 

Providence,  Aug.  3, 1784. 
Reverend  and  Dear  Sir: 

I  have  now  before  me  your  most  acceptable  favor  of  May  1st,  for  which  I  return  you 
many  thanks,  as  well  as  for  the  package  and  its  agreeable  contents.  I  felicitated 
myself  on  a  large  and  free  correspondence  with  Christian  friends  in  England  on  the 
return  of  peace,  and  accordingly  wrote  to  Mr.  "Wallin,  from  New  York,  at  the  first  dawn 
of  it,  but  soon  after  received  information  that  he  had  rested  from  his  labors.  By  the 
first  vessel  from  the  State  this  was  followed  by  letters  to  Drs.  Stennett  and  Llewelyn 
and  Mr.  Ryland;  but  these,  I  conjecture  from  your  letter,  never  reached  them,  since 
they  contained  such  information  as  I  judged  would  be  wished  for  by  our  brethren  on 
your  side  of  the  water,  and  such  as  in  your  letter  you  request.  Nothing  could  be  more 
agreeable  than  the  correspondence  you  propose,  which  I  shall  endeavor  to  keep  up  with 
the  greatest  punctuality.  Your  letter  did  not  give  me  the  first  information  of  your 
name,  etc.,  as  Mr.  Wallin  had  favored  me  with  the  sermon  and  charge  delivered  at 
your  settlement.  But  the  interruption  of  all  intercourse  by  means  of  the  war,  left  me 
in  a  great  measure  ignorant  of  the  state  of  our  churches  and  ministers  in  England, 
until  Dr.  Stennett's  letter,  last  fall,  by  Mr.  Mullett,  and  a  short  acquaintance  with 
Capt.  Thomas  Mesnard  last  May  in  New  York,  who  gave  me  such  a  pleasing  idea  of  Mr. 
Rippon,  that  I  requested  him  to  present  my  Christian  salutation,  and  inform  him  that 
a  letter  would  be  highly  pleasing  to  your  unknown  friend. 

Your  letter,  it  appears,  was  then  written  in  consequence  of  Mr.  Chase's  recommen- 
dation, to  whom  I  am  obliged  for  his  favorable  opinion.  As  soon  as  the  package  of 
books  and  the  prints  came  safe  to  hand,  Mr.  Stillman's  were  sent  forward,  together 
with  his  letter,  and  I  shall  distribute  the  Bibles,  Testaments,  Psalms,  and  Hymns 
as  I  think  will  be  most  serviceable  to  the  poor.  The  proposals  for  Dr.  Gill's,  Saurin's, 
and  Claude's  works  I  have  circulated ;  but  the  impoverished  state  of  the  country,  and 
the  disinclination  to  reading  books  on  religious  subjects,  presage  but  a  small  sale  at 
present.  Some,  however,  will,  I  expect,  be  wanted,  for  which  I  shall  expect  your 
kindly  proffered  services.  I  most  heartily  rejoice  at  your  success  in  the  ministry,  and 
the  happy  state  of  the  church  of  which  you  are  pastor.  May  the  Lord  continue  to 
strengthen  you  for  his  service,  and  honor  you  with  many  more  seals  of  your  ministry. 
You  speak  the  language  of  my  heart  towards  brethren  in  your  country  when  you 
express  your  affectionate  regard  for  us.  I  conceive  this  results  from  the  very  nature 
of  the  religion  of  Jesus.  Often  has  this  prompted  me  to  plan  a  voyage  to  Europe ;  but 
such  have  hitherto  been,  and  most  probably  will  continue  to  be,  my  embarrassments, 
that  I  shall  be  denied  this  privilege ;  but  I  hope  to  meet  the  whole  family  at  home,  and 
48 


378  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  XI. 

forever  enjoy  their  improving  society  above  when  our  labors  on  earth  are  finished. 
The  prints  of  Dr.  Gill  and  Rev.  Hugh  Evans  shall  have  a  respectful  place  in  the  Col- 
lege, and  as  I  daresay  Mr.  Rippon  loves  good  company,  he  will  excuse  me  for  placing 
his  there  also.  Not  that  I  am  unwilling  to  furnish  it,  and  its  agreeable  original,  with 
the  best  accommodations  my  house  can  afford,  for  this  I  should  esteem  a  peculiar  favor ; 
but  as  I  promise  myself  your  future  patronage  of  the  College,  I  know  of  no  place  so 
suitable  as  that. 

The  apostasy  of  Mr.  Winchester  has  been  for  a  lamentation  amongst  us.  Self- 
exaltation  was  the  rock  on  which  he  split.  Though  he  had  from  the  first  been  remark- 
able for  instability  of  character,  he  inflicted  a  grievous  wound  on  the  cause,  especially  in 
Philadelphia ;  but  I  think  he  is  now  at  the  end  of  his  tether.  His  interest  is  declining, 
which  will  most  probably  prove  a  deadly  wound.  I  saw  him  last  May,  and  from  his 
appearance  think  he  has  nearly  run  his  race.  His  state  of  health  will  not  admit  of  his 
preaching,  and  by  a  letter  last  week  from  the  Rev.  Thomas  Ustick,  who  now  supplies 
the  pulpit  in  Philadelphia,  I  learn  that  Winchester  and  his  friends  have  lost  the  case  in 
their  suit  for  the  meeting-house  and  the  property  of  the  church.  It  really  appeared 
that  God  owned  his  labors  in  the  revival  in  New  England.  Perhaps  for  attempting  to 
take  the  glory  to  himself,  he  has  laid  him  aside  as  an  improper  instrument  for  his 
work,  who  justly  challenges  the  whole  of  it  as  his  own.  From  common  fame,  and  from 
what  I  myself  saw,  I  really  think  this  to  be  the  case. 

Mr.  Morgan  Edwards  has  not  printed  in  vindication  of  his  principles,  but  he  read  me 
a  manuscript  more  than  a  year  since  on  that  subject,  which  he  did  not  own,  though 
charged  then  with  being  the  author.  He  did  not  deny  it ;  whereby  he  was  entreated 
not  to  add  the  printing  of  this  to  the  long  list  of  imprudent  things  which  had  already 
so  greatly  grieved  his  friends  and  so  injured  his  reputation.  This  plainness  did  not 
please  him,  but  I  thought  the  use  of  it  was  duty. 

Enclosed  I  send  you  the  minutes  of  the  Eastern  Association  since  the  year  1779 ;  and 
as  I  flatter  myself  that  my  letters  must  have  reached  Dr.  Stennett,  etc.,  before  this,  I 
refer  you  to  the  information  which  they  contain,  observing  in  general  that  at  the  com- 
mencement of  the  war  the  glorious  revival  in  which  the  College  and  the  town  of  Prov- 
idence, as  well  as  many  places  adjacent,  had  so  largely  shared  (during  the  continuance 
of  which,  in  the  course  of  a  year,  I  baptized  more  than  a  hundred  persons),  began  to 
decline ;  and  except  the  visitation  you  refer  to  in  your  letter,  the  state  of  religion,  sav- 
ing in  the  frontier  parts,  has  been  on  the  decline  until  about  the  close  of  the  war,  since 
which  public  worship  is  better  attended,  and  many  souls  have  of  late  been  hopefully 
converted.  On  a  visit  to  New  York  and  the  Jerseys,  the  last  spring,  I  found  the  people 
anxious  for  the  Word,  and  hopeful  appearances  in  almost  every  place  where  I  was  called 
to  preach.  By  a  letter  the  last  week  I  find  the  work  increases,  especially  under  the 
ministry  of  Mr.  Wilson,  a  young  minister  resident  at  Bordentown,  in  West  Jersey,  and 


1784-1785.  AND   MANNING.  379 

my  Brother  Gano,  in  New  York.  As  Mr.  Backus  is  here,  I  prevailed  on  him  to  give  a 
sketch  of  the  reformation  between  two  and  three  hundred  miles  east  of  us,  of  which  he 
has  had  some  direct  and  late  accounts.  This,  for  your  satisfaction,  I  also  enclose. 
Lord's  Day  sennight  I  conversed  with  a  person  from  there,  who  professed  to  he  a  sub- 
ject of  the  work.  He  gave  a  most  remarkable  account  of  the  display  of  God's  power 
and  grace  amongst  them.  In  general  our  churches  appear  to  stand  steadfast  in  the 
doctrines  of  grace ;  and  indeed  the  Baptist  churches  are  almost  left  alone  in  defending 
them  against  Arminians  and  Universalists,  as  our  brethren  of  other  denominations 
who  are  sound  appear  much  discouraged.  I  believe  I  may  say  with  truth,  that  the 
Baptist  society  in  America  increases  more  rapidly  than  any  other  religious  denomina- 
tion ;  but  in  general  we  are  the  poor  of  the  world.  God  grant  that  we  may  be  rich  in 
faith. 

I  rejoice  to  hear  that  our  Baptist  brethren  in  England  sympathized  with  us  in  our 
deep  affliction.  Our  blood  indeed  was  wantonly  shed,  —  of  this  I  have  been  a  deeply 
interested  spectator, —  but  I  trust  God  meant  it  for  good.  I  think  I  can  say  that  I  never 
in  one  instance  doubted  the  justice  of  our  cause,  and  I  desire  to  bless  God  that  I  never 
thirsted  for  the  blood  of  those  who  were  shedding  ours.  But  I  wish  to  banish  from  my 
mind  those  scenes  of  horror. 

Brotherly  kindness  prevails  more  amongst  the  several  denominations  throughout 
New  England  than  heretofore,  and  of  course  the  prejudices  against  the  Baptists  are 
greatly  abated.  Nothing  is  more  common  than  the  most  cordial  invitations  into  the 
pulpits  of  the  Pedobaptists  when  I  travel  through  the  country.  I  rejoice  to  hear  that  the 
same  spirit  prevails  with  you.  Union  in  Christ,  in  my  opinion,  should  lead  his  disciples 
to  the  strongest  expressions  of  love  towards  one  another. 

The  College  edifice  suffered  greatly  by  the  troops,  who  had  it  in  possession  nearly  six 
years.  To  repair  these  damages  has  been  a  difficult  task,  while  denied  compensation 
from  the  public,  and  destitute  of  funds  for  that  purpose.  The  members  of  the  Corpora- 
tion have  repeatedly  submitted  to  make  such  partial  repairs  as  were  absolutely  necessary 
to  its  preservation.  With  all  these  difficulties  to  combat,  it  begins,  however,  again  to 
revive.  It  now  consists  of  twenty-two  members,  and  we  expect  an  addition  of  several 
more  this  fall.  Mr.  Howell,  my  former  colleague,  has  been  for  several  years  in  the  civil 
departments,  and  is  now  in  the  Continental  Congress,  where  he  has  been  upwards  of  two 
years.    Mr.  Asher  Robbins,1  an  alumnus  of  Yale  College,  in  Connecticut,  is  now  a  tutor. 


1  Hon.  Asher  Robbins,  LL.D.  He  was  born  in  Connecticut,  and  was  graduated  at  Yale  College 
in  the  year  1782.  Soon  after  completing  his  collegiate  course,  he  was  elected  a  tutor  under  Manning, 
which  office  he  held  for  eight  years.  While  thus  occupied  in  quickening  the  diligence  of  his 
pupils,  and  in  imbuing  their  minds  with  a  genuine  relish  for  the  varied  forms  of  classical  beauty, 
he  sought  every  opportunity  to  cultivate  his  own  taste  for  the  classics,  and  indeed  for  every  species 
of  elegant  learning.  After  resigning  his  tutorship,  he  studied  law  under  the  Hon.  William 
Channing,  of  Newport,  at  that  time  the  Attorney-General  of  Rhode  Island.    Here  he  established 


380  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  XI. 

Sept.  16th.  As  no  opportunity  presented  to  forward  the  above,  I  beg  leave  to  add  that 
at  the  anniversary  meeting  of  the  Corporation  of  the  1st  instant,  the  Faculty  testified 
their  regard  for  Mr.  Rippon  by  conferring  on  him  the  degree  of  Master  in  the  Arts.  I 
should  have  herewith  sent  the  diploma,  but  could  not  get  it  written  in  time. 
Hope  by  the  next  opportunity  to  have  it  ready.  Last  week  I  attended  the 
Association  at  Mr.  Hunt's  place  in  Middleborough.  "We  had  a  most  harmonious 
meeting;  and  though  the  addition  to  our  churches  is  not  so  great  as  in  some 
former  years  past,  yet  there  are  many  promising  appearances  of  a  revival  in  them. 
There  were  present  some  ministering  brethren  from  the  eastern  part  of  New  Hampshire, 
and  Mr.  Case,  of  whom  Mr.  Backus  makes  mention,  as  being  signally  blessed  as  an 
instrument  in  turning  many  to  God  in  the  northeastern  part  of  Massachusetts.  They 
assured  us  that  God  was  working  wonders  through  a  great  extent  of  that  newly-settled 
country,  that  gospel  laborers  were  much  wanted  there,  and  that  in  the  revivals  great 
numbers  embraced  the  Baptist  principles.  The  most  sorrowful  accounts  we  received 
were  from  several  places  in  the  Massachusetts  and  Connecticut  States,  where  Pedobap- 
tists  are  again  taxing  our  people,  and  seizing  their  persons  and  property,  to  compel  them 
to  support  their  worship.  Poor  men !  They  grudge  their  neighbors  that  liberty  which 
they  themselves  enjoy,  and  for  which,  by  their  sides,  they  have  fought  and  bled.  This, 
however,  in  the  issue  may  operate  favorably.  The  whole  body  of  Baptists  seem  deter- 
mined to  maintain  their  rights,  and  support  those  who  may  be  called  to  suffer.  This  you 
will  see  by  a  resolution •  entered  into  at  the  Association,  the  minutes  of  which  I  should 


himself  in  the  practice  of  law,  and  here  he  resided  during  the  remainder  of  his  life.  From  1825  to 
1839  he  was  an  honored  and  useful  member  of  the  United  States  Senate.  He  seldom  engaged  in  the 
debates  of  that  body,  but  on  no  occasion,  says  Prof.  Goddard,  did  he  address  the  Senate  without 
leaving  on  the  minds  of  all  who  heard  him  a  decided  impression  of  his  high  intellectual  powers 
and  accomplishments,  of  his  ability  as  a  statesman,  and  his  acquisitions  as  a  scholar.  He  died  at 
Newport,  in  1845,  having  lived,  "  by  reason  of  his  strength,"  fourscore  years  and  more. 

Mr.  Robbins  was  the  first  librarian  of  Rhode  Island  College,  after  the  war,  as  we  learn  from  a 
letter  respecting  its  early  history  in  which  he  thus  writes:  "At  the  reorganization  of  the  College,  in 
the  autumn  of  1782, 1  was  appointed  to  the  office  of  tutor,  and  took  charge  of  the  library  as  libra- 
rian. It  was  then  kept  in  the  east  chamber,  on  the  second  floor,  of  the  central  building."  A  good 
likeness  of  Mr.  Robbins  is  among  the  collection  of  portraits  in  Sayles  Memorial  Hall. 

1  The  following  is  an  extract  from  the  minutes  of  this  meeting  of  the  Warren  Association,  held  at 
Middleborough,  Mass.,  Sept.  7,  8,  1784,  of  which  meeting  President  Manning  was  moderator :  — 

"Accounts  were  received  from  various  parts  of  our  country,  that  distress  has  lately  been  made 
Upon  a  number  of  our  brethren  and  friends  for  the  support  of  a  way  of  worship  which  we  consci- 
entiously dissent  from ;  which  is  not  only  a  violation  of  the  law  of  God,  but  also  directly  against 
the  fundamental  principles  of  the  late  Revolution  in  America ;  —  therefore  this  Association  is 
resolved  to  unite  in  the  most  prudent  and  vigorous  measures  for  putting  a  stop  to  these  oppressions 
and  to  maintain  the  just  rights  of  our  brethren  and  friends ;  and  for  that  end  makes  choice  of  the 
following  Committee  of  Grievances,  to  set  in  this  cause  according  to  their  best  discretion ;  and  we 
will  recommend  it  to  our  several  societies  to  communicate  their  proportion  of  the  necessary  expense 
hereof.  The  committee  chosen  for  this  purpose  are  our  beloved  Elders  Stillman,  Skillman,  Smith, 
of  Haverhill,  Backus,  and  Blood." 


1784-1785.  AND    MANNING.  381 

have  now  sent  had  they  been  printed.  Probably  Mr.  Stillman  may  obtain  and  enclose 
them  before  Capt.  Scott  sails.  Last  Lord's  Day  our  church  received  in  two  persons.  I 
had  not  been  called  on  to  administer  baptism  before  in  near  two  years.  Others  appear 
under  serious  impressions.  May  the  Lord  graciously  revive  his  work.  I  forgot  to  men- 
tion that  the  Hon.  Joseph  Brown,  a  member  of  the  Corporation,  a  philosophical  genius, 
was  at  our  last  meeting  chosen  Professor  of  Experimental  Philosophy  in  this  College  ; 
and  Dr.  Benjamin  "Waterhouse,  M.  D.,  of  Leyden,  was  chosen  Professor  of  Natural 
History, — both  of  whom  engaged  to  give  lectures  in  their  respective  branches,  without 
any  expense  to  the  College  while  destitute  of  an  endowment. 

I  fear  I  have  wearied  your  patience,  and  therefore,  with  every  sentiment  of  esteem, 
rest,  dear  sir, 

Your  unworthy  brother  and  fellow-laborer  in  the  gospel, 

James  Manning. 

P.  S.  —  The  enclosed  packet  I  beg  you  to  forward  to  Mr.  Evans,  free  of  expense,  if 
you  can  conveniently,  besides  a  letter  to  him  containing  a  catalogue  of  the  books  in  the 
College  library.  He  has  encouraged  us  to  hope  for  those  duplicates  which  they  have 
by  a  late  donation,  and  of  which  we  are  destitute. 

President  Manning's  reply  to  a  letter  from  the  Rev.  Thomas  Ustick, 
to  which  reference  is  made  in  the  foregoing,  gives  more  in  detail  the 
persecutions  of  the  Baptists  under  the  oppressive  laws  of  Massachusetts 
and  Connecticut :  — 

To  the  Rev.  Thomas  Ustick,  Philadelphia. 

Providence,  Sept.  17, 1784. 
Reverend  Sir: 

Yours  of  July  11th  ult.  came  to  hand ;  but  having  no  good  opportunity  of  sending  an 
answer,  and  being  much  engaged  otherwise,  I  omitted  an  answer  until  now.  I  am 
glad  your  long  suit  has  determined  in  favor  of  the  church.  I  hope  God  will  dispose 
you  to  make  a  proper  improvement  of  so  distinguished  a  favor,  and  the  people  be  dis- 
posed to  employ  their  property  to  his  glory.  I  have  communicated  the  contents  of 
your  letter,  agreeably  to  your  request.  Last  week  I  attended  the  Association  at  Elder 
Hinds's,  Middleborough.  Had  an  agreaable  meeting,  but  find  the  Congregationalists 
in  Cambridge,  Brookfield,  Woodstock  in  Connecticut,  with  some  other  places,  have 
made  distress  on  the  Baptists  this  last  summer.  Some  went  to  jail;  from  others  they 
took  their  stock,  land,  etc.  This  does  not  look  much  like  liberty.  The  Association 
recommended  the  paying  not  the  least  attention  to  their  ecclesiastical  laws,  and 
resolved  that  they  were  determined  to  maintain  their  claims  of  equal  liberty,  etc.,  and 


382  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  XI. 

would  recommend  to  the  churches  to  support  the  sufferers.  I  am  surprised  that  they 
are  not  ashamed  to  hold  up  their  heads,  in  this  enlightened  age,  in  such  a  shameful 
cause.    But  perhaps  God  means  it  for  good. 

We  had  several  ministering  brethren  from  New  Hampshire  and  the  northern  parts 
of  Massachusetts,  who  refreshed  us  much  with  good  tidings  from  that  quarter.  Many 
have  there  been  turned  to  the  Lord,  and  the  good  work  still  goes  on.  The  subjects  of  it 
generally  adopt  believer's  baptism.  There  are  great  calls  for  gospel  ministers  in  that 
quarter.  I  think  the  aspect  of  things  is  more  favorable  in  our  churches,  public  worship 
better  attended,  the  ministry  better  supported,  and  some  appearance  of  a  revival  of 
God's  work.  Even  poor  Providence  seems  to  share  a  little.  I  baptized  one  young  man 
last  Lord's  Day,  and  some  more  are  under  serious  impressions.  Mr.  Ingalls  preaches 
at  Grafton.  He  told  me  the  other  day  the  people  retained  a  great  affection  for  you,  and 
recently  wished  to  hear  from  you.  I  think  the  College  is  in  a  growing  state.  I  expect 
our  number  will  exceed  thirty  at  the  close  of  vacation.  At  the  last  Corporation  meet- 
ing the  Faculty  conferred  the  degree  of  LL.  D.  on  Governor  Hopkins,  our  chancellor, 
and  of  A.  M.  on  Mr.  John  Bippon,  Dr.  Gill's  successor.  Mr.  Joseph  Brown  was  chosen 
Professor  of  Experimental  Philosophy,  and  Dr.  Benjamin  Waterhouse,  Professor  of 
Natural  History.  They  have  both  engaged  to  lecture  without  salary  from  the  College 
until  there  shall  be  proper  endowments  for  those  chairs.  Miss  Joey,  daughter  of  Nich- 
olas Brown,  is  in  a  decline.  I  believe  the  rest  of  your  friends  are  well  as  usual.  With 
sentiments  of  esteem  and  respect  to  Mrs.  Ustick  and  friends, 

I  am,  etc., 

James  Manning. 

The  Rev.  Elhanan  Winchester,  to  whom  reference  is  made  in  the 
preceding  correspondence,  had  been  a  Baptist  clergyman  of  great 
repute  in  New  England.  He  was  born  in  Brookline,  Massachusetts, 
on  the  30th  of  September,  1751.  At  the  age  of  nineteen  he  became 
pious,  and  united  with  the  church  in  his  native  town.  Soon  after- 
wards he  commenced  the  public  work  of  the  ministry.  Subsequently, 
experiencing  a  change  in  some  of  his  views  of  religion,  he  visited 
Canterbury,  Connecticut,  where  he  was  baptized  by  Elder  Ebenezer 
Lyon,  and  received  as  a  member  of  the  Baptist  church.  In  the  spring 
of  1771  he  removed  to  Rehoboth,  Massachusetts,  where  he  remained 
one  year.  He  afterwards  preached  in  various  parts  of  New  England 
and  South  Carolina.  His  extraordinary  memory,  his  eloquence,  and 
apparent  zeal,  excited  great  interest,  and  multitudes  flocked  to  hear 


1784-1785.  AND   MANNING.  383 

him.  Unusual  success  attended  his  ministry,  and  his  name  became 
celebrated  in  all  the  churches.  In  the  year  1781  he  removed  to  Phila- 
delphia, where  he  advocated  the  doctrine  of  universal  restoration,  and 
was  excluded  in  consequence  from  the  fellowship  of  the  Baptist  denom- 
ination.1 He  preached  for  several  years  to  his  adherents  in  Philadel- 
phia, among  whom  his  biographer  includes  the  celebrated  Dr.  Ben- 
jamin Rush,  and  Dr.  John  Redman,  first  President  of  the  College  of 
Physicians  in  Philadelphia.     In  1787  he  removed  to  London.     He  pub- 


1  An  account  of  this  affair  may  be  found  in  a  little  pamphlet  entitled  "An  Address  from  the 
Baptist  Church  in  Philadelphia,  to  their  Sister  Churches  of  the  same  Denomination,  throughout 
the  Confederate  States  of  North  America.  Drawn  up  by  a  Committee  of  the  Church  appointed 
for  said  purpose,"  18mo.  Philadelphia:  Printed  by  Robert  Aitken,  1781,  pp.  16.  A  few  extracts 
from  this  rare  pamphlet  may  fitly  appear  in  this  connection :  — 

"In  the  beginning  of  October,  1780,  Mr.  Elhanan  Winchester,  a  native  of  Massachusetts  Bay, 
New  England,  came  as  a  messenger  from  the  Warren  Association  to  ours,  which  was  then  nigh  at 
hand.  Many  of  the  members  having,  previous  to  this,  repeatedly  heard  him  preach,  not  the  least 
suspicion  existed  but  that  he  continued  an  advocate  for  that  faith  which  we  look  upon  as  the 
faith  once  delivered  to  the  saints.  Accordingly,  at  a  meeting  for  business  the  9th  of  said  month,  it 
was  agreed  to  use  our  best  endeavors  to  prevail  on  him  to  stay,  and  preach  for  us  a  limited  time. 
In  two  or  three  days  after  this,  the  Rev.  Oliver  Hart  arrived  in  town  from  South  Carolina ;  we  were, 
therefore,  from  many  considerations,  prevented  doing  anything  decisive,  until  the  23d,  when,  at  an 
assembly  both  of  the  church  and  congregation,  it  was,  by  the  majority  then  present,  deemed  most 
consistent  with  the  resolution  of  the  9th  (a  deviation  therefrom  carrying  with  it  an  appearance  of 
injustice)  to  give  Mr.  Winchester  an  invitation  to  tarry  with  us  during  the  space  of  one  year. 
Being  waited  upon,  and  made  acquainted  with  the  circumstances  attending  the  choice,  he 
answered,  '  That  he  was  sorry  we  were  not  entirely  unanimous  therein ;  but,  nevertheless,  con- 
sented to  supply  our  pulpit  for  six  months,  at  least,  and  longer  if  everything  should  prove  agree- 
able.' 

"  Popular  applause,  the  idol  which  too  many  worship,  was  soon  discovered  to  be  an  object  zeal- 
ously sought  for  and  courted  by  Mr.  Winchester.  To  accomplish  this,  persons  were  every  week 
hastily  admitted  to  baptism,  upon  the  slightest  examination ;  though  we  really  believe  that  among 
the  number  are  several  sincere  Christians,  who,  during  this  season  of  trial,  have  not  been  ashamed 
openly  to  denounce  his  errors.  Various  innovations,  contrary  to  our  established  discipline,  were 
introduced  through  his  means.  The  church  undertook  a  reform.  In  some  respects  success 
attended  us;  in  others,  an  obstinate  adherence  marked  his  character. 

"  The  principal  foundation  of  the  greatest  uneasiness  we  shall  now  proceed  to  consider.  Early 
in  the  winter  it  was  whispered  to  a  few,  that  Mr.  Winchester,  notwithstanding  his  artful  endeavors 
to  conceal  the  same  in  his  public  discourses,  held  the  doctrine  of  a  final  restoration  of  bad  men 
and  angels  from  hell ;  that  the  whole  of  Adam's  progeny ;  yea,  the  devils  themselves,  at  certain 
different  periods,  would  be  delivered  from  their  torment,  and  made  completely  happy;  in  other 
words,  that  he  peremptorily  denied  the  endless  duration  or  perpetuity  of  future  punishment.  The 
method  taken  by  him,  at  first,  to  propagate  this  wicked  tenet,  was  by  '  creeping  into  houses,  and 
leading  captive  persons  of  weak  capacities,'  wherein  he  met  with  too  much  encouragement. 
Alarmed  at  this  authenticated  report,  he  was  at  different  times  privately  conversed  with  on  the 
subject  by  several  of  the  members.  He  did  not  presume  to  contradict  it  fully,  and  yet  his  confes- 
sion was  by  no  means  satisfactory.    Upon  these  occasions  he  would  frequently  intimate  his  inten- 


384  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  XI. 

lished  many  religious  and  controversial  works,  the  most  important  of 
which  are,  Dialogues  on  Universal  Restoration ;  Lectures  on  the 
Prophecies,  2  vols.,  8vo.  ;  Letters  on  the  Divinity  of  Christ ;  Defence 
of  Revelation ;  Oration  on  the  Discovery  of  America,  with  an  Appen- 
dix ;  Reigning  Abominations  ;  various  sermons,  etc.  Mr.  Winchester 
died  on  the  18th  of  April,  1797,  aged  forty-six  years.  He  appears  to 
have  been  a  man  of  sincere  piety,  notwithstanding  the  change  in  his 
theological  opinions.  His  biography,  by  the  Rev.  Edwin  M.  Stone,  of 
Providence,  was  published  by  Brewster,  of  Boston,  in  1836.  The  book, 
which  contains  an  excellent  portrait  of  Winchester,  is  now  extremely 
rare. 

The  following  letter,  now  for  the  first  time  published,  gives  inter- 
esting information  respecting  the  College  and  the  times  :  — 


tion  of  going  away,  provided  the  smallest  division  took  place  on  his  account ;  while  at  the  same 
juncture,  as  opportunity  served,  he  failed  not  to  use  arguments  in  order  to  gain  proselytes." 

The  result  of  all  this,  the  Address  goes  on  to  add,  was  the  introduction  of  the  whole  matter  at  a 
church  meeting  held  on  the  5th  of  March,  1781.  Much  debating  ensued;  the  members  became 
divided  into  two  distinct  parties,  and  finally  a  protest  against  the  doctrine  of  universal  restoration, 
as  a  dangerous  heresy,  was  signed  by  sixty-seven  of  the  most  substantial  and  influential  members 
of  the  church.  This  number  was  afterwards  increased  to  eighty-six.  Upon  a  motion  made  to  wait 
on  Mr.  Winchester,  and  inform  him  that  he  could  not,  with  propriety,  be  allowed  to  preach  for 
them  any  longer,  the  protestors  found  themselves  in  a  small  minority,  Mr.  Winchester's  adherents, 
including  many  of  the  "sisters"  and  younger  members  of  the  church,  "being  rather  the  most 
numerous."  The  church  at  this  time  numbered  about  one  hundred  and  seventy.  The  protestors, 
however,  conscious  of  having  truth  and  justice  on  their  side,  viewed  themselves  as  fully  authorized 
to  act  independently  of  the  new  party.  They  accordingly  appointed  a  committee  of  two  to  wait  on 
Mr.  Winchester  at  his  lodgings.  This  committee,  failing  to  find  him  at  home,  addressed  him  a 
letter,  which  he  returned  at  once,  unopened.  On  Thursday  evening,  March  the  8th,  his  friends 
broke  into  the  meeting-house,  and  took  forcible  possession  thereof,  Mr.  Winchester  preaching 
notwithstanding  the  confusion.  On  the  ensuing  Sabbath  he  administered  the  Lord's  Supper.  A 
council  of  ministers  was  now  called,  and  committees  representing  the  two  parties  were  appointed 
to  meet  them,  with  a  view  to  an  amicable  adjustment  of  the  difficulties.  Failing  in  this,  the 
members  of  the  New  Party,  so  called,  were,  by  advice  of  the  council,  formally  excluded  from  the 
church.  Subsequently  Mr.  Winchester  was,  by  the  action  of  the  Philadelphia  and  Warren  Asso- 
ciations, formally  excluded  from  the  fellowship  of  the  Baptist  denomination. 

The  Address,  of  which  we  have  given  the  substance,  was  dated  May  14, 1781,  and  signed  by 
Samuel  Miles,  William  Rogers,  Thomas  Shields,  and  John  M'Kim.  The  suit  for  the  possession  of 
the  house  and  property  was,  as  we  have  already  seen,  finally  decided  in  favor  of  the  protestors,  as 
they  were  then  called.  We  have  devoted  more  space  than  could  be  well  spared  to  this  matter, 
because  of  its  importance,  and  also  because  it  is  frequently  alluded  to  in  Manning's  correspond- 
ence. Indeed,  Manning  was  himself  prominent  in  the  affair.  Mr.  Ustick,  Winchester's  immediate 
successor,  was  received  by  the  church  on  his  recommendation ;  and  he  was  a  member  of  a  commit- 
tee appointed  by  the  Philadelphia  Association,  in  1781,  to  investigate  and  report  to  said  body  the 
proceedings  of  the  church  in  reference  to  Winchester  and  his  doctrines. 


1784-1785.  AND    MANNING.  385 

To  the  Rev.  Hezekiah  Smith. 

Providence,  March  18,  1784. 
Dear  Sir: 

Yours  of  the  25th  ult.  came  to  hand  last  evening.  I  heard  that  you  had  been 
threatened  with  a  fever,  and  am  happy  in  finding  that  you  are  restored  again  to  health. 
"We  have  been  led  through  the  gloomy  path  of  affliction  since  I  saw  you.  Mrs.  Man- 
ning has  been  confined  ever  since  the  14th  of  September  last.  For  two  or  three  of  the 
first  months  I  was  very  doubtful  of  her  ever  going  abroad  again.  Some  part  of  that 
time  she  seemed  very  near  her  end ;  but  the  Lord  has  had  mercy  on  her,  and  on  me  also 
in  so  far  restoring  her,  that  she  may  venture  abroad  again  when  the  weather  becomes 
fine.  Her  disorders  were  highly  bilious  and  very  complicated.  I  am  sorry  to  hear  of 
the  low  state  of  religion  with  you.  But  you  cannot  draw  a  more  dismal  picture  of  it, 
than  will  answer  to  the  life  here,  and  I  think  you  cannot  well  be  borne  down  with 
greater  discouragement  than  I  constantly  feel.  Public  worship  here  is  most  shame- 
fully neglected.  The  College  gradually  increases.  It  consists  of  thirteen  members, 
and  several  more  are  expected  this  spring.  A  catalogue  of  the  books,  which  are  to 
compose  our  new  Library,  is  made  out  with  great  care  and  attention.  It  has  cost  me  a 
great  deal  of  care  and  labor  through  the  winter,  and  we  are  now  busy  in  collecting  the 
books  subscribed  for  here,  in  order  to  leave  them  out  of  the  catalogue  which  Mr.  John 
Brown  is  about  to  send  to  England  this  spring.  The  air  pump,  with  its  apparatus 
complete,  is  arrived.  It  cost  fifty  pounds  sterling  in  London,  and  is  perhaps  the  most 
complete  in  America,  made  on  the  new  construction.  Mr.  Joseph  Brown  has  not  yet 
completed  his  list  of  the  apparatus,  for  want  of  some  information  on  that  subject, 
which  he  has  not  yet  been  able  to  obtain. 

If  Mr.  Wood  means  to  enter  the  Sophomore  Class  next  fall,  I  advise  him  to  read 
with  great  attention,  Cicero  and  the  Greek  Testament,  and  make  himself  master  of  the 
grammar  of  each  language ;  also  to  study  with  great  attention  Lowth's  English  Gram- 
mar, and  Sterling's,  or  Turner's  Rhetoric,  as  preparatory  to  Ward's  Oratory.  —  To  read 
Horace,  and  Xenophon's  Cyropsedia,  and  accustom  himself  to  compose  in  English.  We 
use  Guthrie's  Geography,  and  Watt's,  or  Duncan's  Logic;  —  But  we  do  not  commonly 
study  these  before  the  second  year,  as  we  wish  to  have  their  knowledge  in  the  lan- 
guages well  advanced  the  first  year.  Should  the  class  advance  faster,  I  will  let  you 
know.  I  think  a  further  attention  at  present  to  mathematical  studies  may  not  be 
advantageous.  Board  in  Commons  is  down  to  seven  shillings  and  sixpence  per  week, 
and  I  expect  it  will  soon  be  lowered,  perhaps  the  next  quarter,  to  six  shillings  and 
ninepence.    Tuition  is  twenty-four  shillings  per  quarter,  room  rent  six  shillings. 

We  have  had  no  account  from  the  Jerseys  since  last  December.  All  was  well  then. 
Our  river  is  again  opened,  and  the  packets  sailed  for  New  York,  so  that  I  expect  soon 
49 


386  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  XL 

to  hear  from  that  quarter.  Mr.  Gano  removed  into  the  city  towards  the  last  of  Decem- 
ber. "We  hear  that  the  city  has  been  greatly  distressed  for  wood.  It  has  sold  as  high  as 
five  dollars  per  cord.  The  people  of  Warren  are  "building  them  a  meeting  house,  and 
have  applied  to  me  to  recommend  to  them  a  minister,  who  will  also,  at  least  for  the 
present,  undertake  to  teach  a  school.  Perhaps  Mr.  Foster  will  be  willing  to  pay  them 
a  visit,  at  least.  Should  you  have  an  opportunity,  I  wish  you  to  mention  it  to  him.  I 
am  sorry  your  school  has  dwindled.  But  I  wish  you  to  persevere ;  it  may  rise  again. 
Mrs.  Brown  died  in  December  last,  happily  resigned  to  death,  and  expressing  her 
unshaken  hope  in  the  Redeemer.  I  have  conversed  with  few  people  in  my  life,  who 
gave  a  more  satisfactory  evidence  that  they  have  slept  in  Jesus,  than  she.  Mr.  Brown 
has  abundant  satisfaction,  as  well  as  the  rest  of  her  friends.  It  has  been  a  time  of 
mortality  with  consumption  this  winter,  in  the  town.  Seven  of  my  people,  and  some 
valuable  friends  have  fallen  thereby,  whose  loss  I  most  sensibly  feel.  In  the  winter 
past,  in  consequence  of  some  hints  from  Mr.  Howell,  the  Corporation  chose  him  to  go 
to  Europe  this  spring,  and  forwarded  letters,  etc.,  to  him,  to  request  him  to  get  his 
business  at  Congress  in  such  a  train,  as  to  comply  with  the  request.  Last  week  we  had 
his  answer,  that  he  could  not  go  on  the  footing  of  our  resolution,  which  was  to  bear  his 
necessary  expenses,  and  give  him  7^  per  cent,  out  of  the  proceeds  of  the  money  col- 
lected. Mr.  Rogers  is  chosen  to  solicit  to  the  Southward,  and  Mr.  Vanhorn  in  the 
Middle  States,  at  10  per  cent.,  and  they  complimented  me  with  the  New  England  States 
on  the  same  terms.  The  Address,  etc.,  executed  to  the  King  of  France  in  the  best 
manner,  were  also  sent  forward.  And  I  wrote  long  soliciting  letters  to  Drs.  Stennett 
and  Llewelyn,  who  have  expressed  concern  to  know  the  state  of  the  College,  the  former 
in  a  letter  to  me  by  Mr.  Mullett,  an  English  merchant  whom  he  recommended  to  me. 
I  wrote  many  other  letters  to  such  as  I  thought  were  likely  to  patronize  the  College. 
From  some  of  these  I  have  reason  to  expect  some  fruit.  But  time  must  determine.  In 
short  it  has  been  a  busy  winter  with  me  in  the  interests  of  the  College. 

I  should  be  happy  to  visit  Haverhill  this  spring,  but  I  believe  I  must  go  to  the 
westward,  as  the  state  of  my  affairs  calls  loudly  on  me  to  do  so.  My  stay,  however, 
must  be  very  short.  I  find  business  of  one  kind  or  another  to  engage  all  my  time  and 
attention,  and  I  think  the  more  so  as  I  grow  older.  I  hope  I  shall  be  ready  and  willing 
to  quit  this  busy  scene,  when  God  shall  call  me  hence.  Mr.  Howell  is  here,  and  desires 
to  join  with  Mrs.  Manning  and  myself  and  friends  with  best  regards  to  you  and  yours, 
and  all  friends  in  Haverhill. 

"With  sentiments  of  esteem,  I  am,  etc., 

James  Manning. 

From  the  following  letter  it  appears  that  the  College  at  this  time, 
notwithstanding  the  financial  embarrassments  of  the  people  in  conse- 


1784-1785.  AND    MANNING.  387 

quence  of  the  war,  promised  better  than  at  any  former  period  of  its 
existence :  — 

To  the  Rev.  Hezekiah  Smith. 

Providence,  July  3, 1784. 
Dear  Sir: 

By  some  means  I  mislaid  your  last  to  me  in  which  you  mention  some  buddings  of 
a  spiritual  nature  amongst  you.  I  rejoice  to  hear  it.  Hope  it  may  gloriously  increase. 
I  returned  the  27th  ult.  Mrs.  Manning  sailed  that  day  sennight  to  enjoy  her  last  inter- 
view with  her  dear  mamma,  just  about  to  leave  us  by  a  consumption,  and  very  desirous 
of  seeing  her.  She  arrived  at  New  York  last  Tuesday.  Your  friends,  as  far  as  I  could 
hear,  are  in  usual  health.  The  Plains  are  destitute  of  a  minister.  They  intend  to  try 
for  Sammy  Jones.  Mr.  Runyon  is  settled  at  Piscataway,  where  are  some  appearances  of 
a  revival.  The  general  meeting  was  crowded,  ten  or  eleven  ministers  present,  and 
amongst  them  Mr.  Hart,  who,  I  think,  will  settle  at  Hopewell.  Cranberry  is  visited 
with  a  revival,  as  are  some  other  places  in  some  small  degree,  especially  under  the  min- 
istry of  Mr.  "Wilson,  of  Bordentown.  Mr.  Gano's  meeting-house  is  completely  repaired 
and  his  congregation  very  full.  Things  look  rather  promising  in  New  York,  though  the 
people  are  poor  after  their  exile.  I  never  enjoyed  more  freedom  in  preaching  in  any 
journey  in  my  life,  nor  was  I  ever  more  attended  to.  The  College  consists  of  twenty- 
three  students,  nine  being  added  since  the  vacation.  More  than  a  dozen  are  expected 
to  enter  in  the  fall.  We  have  a  number  of  promising  youth,  and  amongst  them  is  my 
nephew  Jimmy,  son  of  Jeremiah.    Mr.  Wilkinson  Ms  a  good  master,    The  school  is 


1  William  Wilkinson,  who  was  graduated  in  1783.  He  immediately  took  charge  of  the  College  Latin 
school,  which  charge  he  retained  until  1792.  He  was  eminently  successful  as  a  teacher,  and  fitted  for 
College  many  of  its  distinguished  alumni.  In  1785  he  was  appointed  librarian  of  the  College.  As  the 
history  of  the  Latin  school  forms  a  part  of  our  College  history,  we  may  be  pardoned  for  introducing 
here  an  advertisement  from  the  Providence  Gazette,  by  which  it  appears  that  the  connection  which 
had  existed  between  the  school  and  the  College  was  for  a  time  dissolved :  — 

"  William  Wilkinson  informs  the  public,  that,  by  the  advice  of  the  school  committee,  he  proposes 
removing  his  school  from  the  College  edifice,  on  Monday  next,  to  the  brick  school-house;  and,  sen- 
sible of  the  many  advantages  resulting  from  a  proper  method  of  instruction  in  the  English  language, 
he  has,  by  the  committee's  approbation,  associated  with  him  Mr.  Asa  Learned,  as  an  English 
instructor.  Those  gentlemen  and  ladies  who  may  wish  to  employ  them  in  the  several  branches  of 
the  Greek,  Latin,  and  English  languages  taught  grammatically,  arithmetic,  and  writing,  may  depend 
on  the  utmost  attention  being  paid  to  their  children.  Greek  and  Latin  at  twenty-four  shillings  per 
quarter ;  English  at  sixteen  shillings. 

Wilkinson  and  Learned. 
Providence,  Oct.  20, 1786." 

In  tracing  further  the  history  of  this  Latin  or  grammar  school,  we  find  in  the  records  of  the  Cor- 
poration, under  date  of  Sept.  4, 1794,  the  following :  "  Voted,  That  the  President  use  his  influence  and 
endeavor  to  establish  a  grammar  school  in  this  town,  as  an  appendage  to  this  College,  to  be  under 


388  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  XL 

nearly  up  to  twenty,    All  the  rooms  in  the  two  lower  stories  are  now  full,  and  we  must 

go  directly  to  finishing  the  two  upper  ones,  at  least  the  third,,  if  we  can  possibly  devise 

ways  and  means  ;  which  I  expect  will  be  very  difficult.   I  think  the  advice  you  gave  Mr. 

"Wood  was  right,  and  he  will  doubtless  fare  as  well  on  the  subject  of  advancement  with 

us  as  at  Jersey  College.    The  Institution  promises  better  now  than  at  any  period  of  its 

existence.    Had  we  about  one  or  two  thousand  pounds  more  to  provide  for  a  suitable 

tuition,  I  should  rejoice.     Secure  of  your  interest  in  sending  us  scholars,  I  shall  say 

nothing  on  that  head,  but  as  the  bearer,  Capt.  Thivell,  is  waiting,  must  conclude  with 

best  wishes  to  you,  lady,  and  all  friends. 

Yours,  as  ever, 

James  Manning. 

P.  S.  —  Miss  Joey  Brown,  daughter  of  Nicholas,  is  fast  declining.  Her  disorder  is 
thought  to  be  the  consumption. 

President  Manning  now  begins  a  correspondence  with  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Caleb  Evans,  President  of  the  Baptist  academy  in  Bristol.  His  father 
was  the  Rev.  Hugh  Evans,  one  of  the  most  distinguished  Baptist  minis- 
ters of  his  day.  Dr.  Evans  proved  to  be  a  warm  friend  of  the  College, 
and  was  the  means  of  securing  valuable  books  for  the  Library.  He  died 
on  the  9th  of  August,  1791,  in  the  fifty-fourth  year  of  his  age.  He  pub- 
lished a  collection  of  hymns,  and  numerous  sermons  and  addresses,  the 
greater  part  of  which  are  to  be  found  in  the  Library.  "Our  Baptist 
College  in  America,"  says  Dr.  Rippon,  "  was  proud  to  confer  on  him  her 
highest  honors,  in  which  she  was  followed  by  the  principal  and  profes- 
sors of  the  King's  College,  Aberdeen,  in  the  year  1789." 

Providence,  Sept.  13,  1784. 
Reverend  Sir: 

I  have  long  wished  for  a  favorable  opportunity  of  introducing  myself  to  you,  and 
am  happy  that  one  has  at  length  offered,  by  answering  your  request  in  a  late  letter  to 
my  friend  and  brother,  Rev.  Samuel  Stillman,  of  Boston.  Enclosed  is  the  catalogue 
of  all  the  books  now  belonging  to  the  College.    Nearly  one-half  of  them  have  their 


the  immediate  visitation  of  the  President,  and  the  general  inspection  of  the  town's  school  commit- 
tee, and  that  the  President  also  procure  a  suitable  master  for  such  school."  This  resolution  was 
doubtless  carried  into  effect.  Fifteen  years  afterwards,  as  we  have  already  stated  in  a  previous 
chapter,  the  Corporation  erected  a  brick  building  for  the  accommodation  of  the  school,  at  an 
expense  of  fifteen  hundred  dollars.  This  building,  which  has  since  been  enlarged,  is  the  one  now 
occupied  as  the  "  University  Grammar  School." 


Caleb  Evans. 


1784-1785.  AND   MANNING.  389 

bindings  much  broken,  as  they  were  old  when  presented.  Besides  the  enclosed  we 
have  ordered  out  from  London  this  fall  about  fourteen  hundred  volumes,  a  catalogue 
of  which  we  sent  to  Dr.  Stennett,  requesting  his  advice  to  the  merchants,  Messrs. 
Champion  and  Dickinson,  in  the  purchase  of  them,  hoping  that  he  may  point  out 
where  they  can  be  had  second-hand,  etc.  Of  this  you  may  obtain  a  sight  by  applying 
to  the  Doctor.  Together  with  that  we  sent  a  catalogue  of  books  which  we  are  not  able 
to  purchase,  but  which  we  should  be  glad  to  receive  by  way  of  donation,  should  any  of 
our  friends  be  so  disposed.  "Were  I  not  oppressed  with  cares,  and  at  present  destitute 
of  assistance,  I  would  send  them  to  you  also.  If,  however,  I  can  make  out  a  copy 
of  these  catalogues  before  the  ship  sails,  they  shall  accompany  this.  The  above- 
mentioned  fourteen  hundred  volumes  are  a  donation  from  our  treasurer,  John  Brown, 
Esq.,  of  Providence.  The  amount  of  two  hundred  pounds  sterling  was  also  ordered 
to  be  expended  in  the  purchase  of  a  necessary  philosophical  apparatus,  in  addition  to 
what  we  already  have,  consisting  chiefly  of  a  telescope,  an  air-pump  and  its  apparatus, 
globes,  and  a  thermometer.  The  money  for  this  order  was  subscribed  by  other  mem- 
bers of  the  Corporation  last  fall.  A  list  of  these  articles  was  also  forwarded  to  Dr. 
Stennett. 

Your  kind  attention  to  the  interests  of  the  College,  and  the  proffer  of  your  services, 
were  sensibly  felt  by  the  Corporation  at  their  annual  meeting  this  present  month ;  and 
it  is  in  obedience  to  their  commands,  imposed  by  the  following  vote,  that  I  now  write : 
"  Voted,  That  the  Rev.  Messrs.  President  Manning  and  Samuel  Stillman  be  a  committee 
to  write  to  the  Rev.  Hugh  Evans,  of  Bristol,  and  other  gentlemen  in  England,  and 
enclose  the  catalogue  of  books  belonging  to  the  College,  and  endeavor  to  procure  such 
donations  in  books,  apparatus,  and  money  as  may  be  obtained  from  thence ;  and  also 
consult  Dr.  Stennett  on  the  expediency  of  sending  a  person  to  England  to  solicit  dona- 
tions for  the  College." 

At  the  commencement  of  the  war  the  College  was  in  a  growing  state.  The  number 
of  students  was  about  forty,  and  there  was  a  good  Latin  school  in  the  edifice.  In  1776 
it  was  delivered  up,  or  rather  taken  possession  of,  by  the  troops  as  a  barrack  and  hos- 
pital, and  continued  to  be  occupied  by  the  militia,  Continental  and  French  troops,  and 
seamen,  until  June,  1782.  During  this  period  the  house  sustained  great  damages,  for 
which  we  have  received  no  compensation  yet,  nor  have  we  much  prospect  of  it  in 
future.  This  has  thrown  a  heavy  burden  on  the  Corporation,  and  greatly  embarrassed 
them  in  making  the  necessary  repairs,  especially  as  our  fund  is  small.  This  we  have 
made  many  efforts  to  augment  by  collections,  etc.,  in  this  country,  but  to  so  little  pur- 
pose that  our  whole  fund  produces  but  about  sixty  pounds  sterling  per  annum.  The 
distressed  and  exhausted  state  of  the  country  by  war,  leaves  us  little  room  soon  to  hope 
for  much  from  this  quarter,  especially  as  money  is  become  so  scarce  that  our  people  in 
the  country,  although  possessed  of  property,  cannot  command  sufficient  to  pay  their 


390  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  XI. 

taxes.  We  are  unwilling,  however,  to  relinquish  our  design,  as  it  is  evident  that  the 
Institution  has  already  greatly  contributed  to  the  perpetuity  of  our  denomination,  and 
begins  again  to  attract  public  attention.  The  number  of  students  already  in  College, 
and  of  those  we  expect  in  the  course  of  the  fall,  is  upwards  of  thirty.  In  teaching  I 
have  the  assistance  of  one  Tutor.  A  small  Latin  school  is  kept  up  in  the  College.  Any 
services  you  can  render  in  endowing  it  will  be  most  acceptable  to  the  Corporation. 

Last  week  I  attended  our  Association  at  Middleborough,  and  though  several  of  the 
remote  churches  did  not  send  messengers,  a  great  number  of  Christian  friends  met  and 
enjoyed  a  harmonious  and  agreeable  interview.  Were  the  minutes  printed  I  would 
enclose  them.  In  several  places  there  is  a  happy  revival  of  religion,  especially  in  the 
eastern  parts  of  Massachusetts,  and  I  am  not  without  encouragement  under  my 
poor  ministry.  The  doctrine  of  religious,  as  well  as  civil  liberty,  is  in  general  better 
understood  in  New  England  than  before  the  Revolution,  notwithstanding  in  places  the 
persons  and  property  of  several  of  our  friends  have  been  seized  on  for  ministerial  rates. 
I  think  it  not  improbable  that  the  rapid  increase  of  our  society  will  provoke  some  of 
our  neighbors  to  give  us  much  trouble ;  but  it  affords  encouragement  that  the  whole 
body  are  determined  to  maintain  their  rights  and  support  the  burden  which  may  first 
fall  upon  individuals.  Possibly  the  knowledge  of  this  resolution  entered  into  at  our 
last  annual  meeting  may  deter  our  oppressors.  If  not,  may  the  great  Head  of  the 
church  furnish  us  with  grace  to  suffer  like  Christians. 

I  have  often  heard  of  your  Education  Society,  and  of  its  great  utility  in  training  up 
young  men  for  the  ministry.  My  highly  respected  friend  and  your  brother-in-law, 
Thomas  Mullett,  Esq.,  gave  me  the  best  account  of  it  which  I  have  yet  received;  still, 
if  it  be  not  too  troublesome  I  should  be  glad  to  receive  further  information  respecting 
it,  and  I  will  engage  to  repay  it  in  any  information  you  may  wish  for  in  my  power  to 
give. 

In  a  letter  to  Dr.  Stennett,  last  fall,  I  gave  a  pretty  full  account  of  the  state  of  relig- 
ion and  some  other  matters  in  this  new  world ;  it  was  in  answer  to  his  request  in  a  let- 
ter by  Mr.  Mullett.  If  this  letter  reached  him,  it  is  not  improbable  that  you  have  seen 
it,  as  I  requested  him  to  communicate  the  contents  to  those  of  our  friends  who  might 
wish  to  hear  from  us.  On  the  opening  again  of  the  communication  between  both  coun- 
tries, it  was  pleasing  to  find  our  brethren  in  England,  at  least  a  great  number  of  them, 
so  much  interested  in  our  welfare.  How  strong  a  proof  this  of  the  reality  of  that 
Christian  love  and  unity  in  the  spirit  which  is  the  genuine  fruit  of  a  gracious  prin- 
ciple! The  same  temper  is  manifested  here  towards  our  brethren  in  England.  There 
is  the  same  joy  expressed  on  hearing  that  Christ's  kingdom  is  advancing  with  you 
which  appeared  before  the  war.  And  why  should  it  not  be  so,  since  his  kingdom  is  but 
one?  Dependence  or  independence  therefore  should  make  no  difference  amongst  his 
subjects,  who  consist  of  the  elect  out  of  different  people,  nations,  and  languages.    The 


1784-1785.  AND    MANNING.  391 

privilege  of  a  correspondence  with  Mr.  Evans  I  shall  highly  prize,  if  not  too  trouble- 
some to  him ;  and  he  may  depend  on  punctuality  on  the  part  of  his  unworthy  friend 
and  brother, 

James  Manning. 

To  this  letter  Dr.  Evans  replies  :  — 

Bristol,  England,  Jan.  26,  1785. 
Dear  Sir: 

As  the  extensive  connections  in  which  my  brother  is  engaged  on  your  wide-extended 
continent  render  it  advisable  for  him  once  more  to  traverse  the  mighty  waters,  and  to 
pay  a  visit  to  his  American  friends,  in  which  number  you  hold  a  distinguished  place, 
I  gladly  embrace  the  opportunity  of  accepting  your  correspondence,  and  replying  to 
your  favor  of  the  13th  of  September  last,  which  I  received  in  due  course  in  November. 
I  shall  be  truly  happy  to  do  anything  in  my  power  to  promote  the  prosperity  of  the 
infant  College  over  which  you  so  worthily  preside,  and  shall  omit  no  opportunity  that 
offers  of  testifying  my  regards  to  it.  Charity,  you  know,  the  old  proverb  says,  should 
begin  at  home,  but  I  think  it  should  not  end  there,  but  flow  on  without  control  to  the 
utmost  limits  of  possibility.  I  had  so  little  time  with  Dr.  Stennett  when  I  was  in  Lon- 
don that  we  had  no  opportunity  of  entering  upon  the  affairs  of  your  College  as  I  wished 
to  have  done,  nor  could  I  have  a  sight  of  the  catalogue  of  the  books  lately  purchased. 
I  shall  nevertheless  pursue  the  design  of  obtaining  for  you  such  of  our  duplicates  as 
may  be  worthy  your  acceptance,  without  strictly  adhering  to  what  you  already  have, 
because  you  may  easily  exchange,  as  you  observe,  such  as  may  prove  superfluous.  But 
this  cannot  be  accomplished  till  August  next,  as  our  Society  will  have  no  meeting  till 
that  time.  As  to  a  person's  coming  over  here  to  solicit  benefactions,  I  rather  fear  it 
would  not  at  present  be  advisable ;  but  should  Dr.  Stennett  think  otherwise,  and  a 
proper  person  should  come,  especially  if  it  were  either  yourself  or  Dr.  Stillman,  I 
would  readily  use  my  utmost  efforts  to  promote  his  success.  Our  friends  in  general 
are  well  enough  affected  to  America,  but  many  of  them  have  very  little  idea  of  the 
utility  of  academical  institutions,  though  it  is  evident  the  prejudices  are  wearing 
away.  I  am  sorry  to  see,  as  well  by  the  account  Mr.  Mullett  gives  me  as  by  your  letter, 
that  religion  is  at  so  low  an  ebb  amongst  you,  though  I  doubt  not  the  time  will  come 
when  it  will  again  run  and  be  glorified.  There  have  been  on  your  continent,  in  years 
past,  many  enemies  against  revivals,  and  your  set  time  to  favor  Zion  will,  I  doubt  not, 
yet  come  again.  Your  church  is,  however,  I  hear,  flourishing,  as  also  Mr.  Stillman's, 
and  some  others.  Blessed  be  God,  we  have  cause  for  thankfulnessthere.  One  of  our 
churches  in  this  city  lately  baptized  twenty,  and  probably  before  this  letter  leaves  this 
place  I  shall  have  the  pleasure  of  receiving  something  more  than^an  equal  number  to 


392  BROWN   UNIVEKSITY  Chap.  XL 

the  solemn  rite.  And  yet  still  we  have  much  cause  to  complain  of  lukewarmness  and 
formality.  Dr.  Stennett's  Discourse  on  Domestic  Duties  you  have  probahly  seen,  and 
probably  Mr.  Booth's  treatise  on  Baptism,  the  most  elaborate  and  decisive  performance 
upon  that  subject  that  has  ever  yet  been  published,  or  probably  ever  will  be.  I  enclose 
you  one  of  our  last  Associational  letters,  and  a  sermon  lately  published  by  one  of  our 
ministers  on  Walking  by  Faith,  which  I  beg  your  acceptance  of,  as  also  a  fifth  volume 
of  Saurin  to  complete  the  set  which  Mr.  Mullett  tells  me  he  presented  to  your  College, 
and  which  he  had  of  me  for  his  own  use  on  the  voyage  Amongst  the  books  you  may 
expect  in  the  fall  are  tire  Polyglott  General  Dictionary,  10  vols.,  including  Bayle's 
Biographical  Dictionary,  and  many  others  equally  valuable.  I  shall  wish  your  direction 
how  to  send  them.  I  will,  my  dear  sir,  detain  you  no  longer  than  to  express  my 
warmest  wishes  for  the  increasing  prosperity  of  the  church  and  College  over  which  you 
preside,  the  revival  of  the  interests  of  literature  and  true  religion  through  the  American 
continent  and  the  whole  world,  and  recommend  my  brother  to  your  continued  friend- 
ship.   I  remain, 

Yours  affectionately,  in  the  endearing  bonds  of  gospel  love, 

Caleb  Evans. 

In  his  correspondence  with  Evans,  Dr.  Manning,  it  will  be  observed, 
speaks  of  being  "oppressed  with  cares."  The  number  and  variety  of 
his  cares  may  be  inferred  from  the  following  amusing  extract  from  a 
letter  written  by  Dr.  Waterhouse,  which  we  find  quoted  in  the  memoir 
by  Professor  Goddard :  "I  never  shall  forget  what  Dr.  Manning,  in 
great  good  humor,  told  me  were  among  his  '  trying  experiences.'  He 
told  me  that  his  salary  was  only  eighty  pounds  per  annum,  and  that  for 
this  pittance  he  performed  all  the  duties  of  President  of  the  College  ; 
heard  two  classes  recite  every  day ;  listened  to'  complaints,  foreign  and 
domestic,  from  undergraduates  and  their  parents,  of  both  sexes,  and 
answered  them,  now  and  then  by  letter  ;  waited  generally  on  all  tran- 
sient visitors  into  College,  etc.  Nor  was  this  all.  '  I  made,'  said  Dr. 
Manning,  *  my  own  garden,  and  took  care  of  it ;  repaired  my  dilapi- 
dated walls  ;  went  nearly  every  day  to  market ;  preached  twice  a  week, 
and  sometimes  oftener ;  attended,  by  solicitation,  the  funeral  of  every 
baby  that  died  in  Providence  ;  visited  the  sick  of  my  own  society,  and 
not  unfrequently  the  sick  of  other  societies  ;  made  numerous  parochial 
visits,  the  poorest  people  exacting  the  longest,  and,  in  case  of  any  seem- 


1784-1785.  AND    MANNING.  393 

ing  neglect,  finding  fault  the  most.'  "  Amid  all  these  perplexing  cares, 
which  allowed  him  but  scanty  time  for  premeditating  his  sermons,  we 
have  the  testimony  of  Dr.  Waterhouse  for  adding  that  "  the  honorable 
and  worthy  man  never  complained." 

Rev.  Abraham  Booth  to  Manning. 

London,  June  30,  1784. 
Dear  Sir: 

It  is  with  pleasure  that  I  reflect  on  a  restoration  of  intercourse  between  Great 
Britain  and  America,  after  so  long  an  interruption  by  so  destructive  a  war:  May  a 
kind  Providence  yet  render  the  two  countries  mutually  useful  to  each  other.  Having 
a  favorable  opportunity,  I  here  present  you  with  a  publication.  Shall  be  glad  to  hear 
of  their  obtaining  your  approbation. 

You  will  much  oblige  me  by  transmitting  the  enclosed  parcel  to  Mr.  Stillman ;  and 
you  will  increase  the  obligation  by  favoring  me  with  a  few  lines  your  first  opportunity. 

Taking  it  for  granted  that  Dr.  Stennett  will  give  you  some  account  of  the  state  of 
religion  amongst  us  in  the  country,  I  have  nothing  to  add  but  my  ardent  prayers  that 
a  kind  Providence  may  bless  your  confederated  provinces  with  peace  and  prosperity, 
and  that  the  great  Head  of  the  church  may  cause  pure  and  undefiled  religion  to  flourish 
in  all  your  academies,  your  churches,  and  through  all  your  extensive  country.  I  con- 
clude, and  remain, 

Your  cordial  friend  and  unworthy  brother, 

A.  Booth. 

P.  S.  —  Mr.  Benjamin  Wallin  died  upwards  of  two  years  ago. 

To  the  above  Manning  replies  :  — 

Providence,  Oct.  3,  1784. 
Dear  Sir: 

On  my  return  from  New  York,  four  days  ago,  I  was  so  ^iappy  as  to  find  a  line  from 
Mr.  A.  Booth,  accompanied  with  the  publications  mentioned.  My  present  hurry  has 
permitted  me  to  examine  but  little  more  than  the  titlepages,  but  from  my  predilection 
for  the  author  of  the  Reign  of  Grace,  I  am  persuaded  any  publication  of  his  will  be 
highly  acceptable.  My  next  shall  inform  you  of  my  opinion  of  the  publications  on 
perusal.  In  the  mean  time  I  beg  you  to  accept  my  hearty  thanks  for  the  donation.  By 
the  ship  Hope,  belonging  to  this  town,  and  by  the  bearer,  Dr.  Solomon  Drowne,  who 
goes  as  a  passenger  in  her,  I  embrace  the  opportunity  of  acknowledging  the  receipt  of 
yours.  Mr.  Drowne  is  a  son  of  the  College,  a  gentleman  of  remarkable  modesty,  who, 
50 


394  BROWN    UNIVERSITY  Chap.  XI. 

having  passed  through  the  best  medical  schools  in  this  country,  now  visits  Europe 
with  views  of  further  improvement  in  the  line  of  his  profession.  He  is  a  member  of 
the  Corporation,  and  of  unblemished  character,  on  whose  information  you  may  safely 
rely  respecting  the  College,  or  any  other  matters.  As  such  I  beg  leave  to  introduce 
him  to  your  notice,  and  refer  you  to  him  for  particulars. 

The  restoration  of  public  tranquillity  and  a  free  intercourse  between  the  two  coun- 
tries, after  so  long  an  interruption,  is  matter  of  thanksgiving  to  God.  Few,  perhaps,  in 
either  country,  more  sincerely  regretted  this  interruption  than  your  unworthy  friend ; 
to  which  no  consideration  could  ever  reconcile  him  except  that  of  making  a  part  of  the 
plan  of  His  administration  who  is  infinite  in  wisdom.  Conciliatory  measures,  I  doubt 
not,  will  render  both  countries  reciprocally  useful. 

I  have  transmitted  the  letter  and  parcel  to  Mr.  Stillman  by  a  safe  hand.  I  have  not 
yet  been  so  happy  as  to  receive  a  line  from  Dr.  Stennett,  which  I  am  daily  expecting, 
with  the  wished-for  information.  Enclosed  I  send  you  a  copy  of  our  last  Association 
minutes.  This  will  give  you  a  general  view  of  the  state  of  a  number  of  our  churches. 
Since  that  time  I  have  received  authentic  accounts  of  a  most  glorious  work  of  God,  in 
what  is  called  the  State  of  Vermont,  formerly  the  Hampshire  grants,  on  the  west  side  of 
Connecticut  River.  It  extends  over  well-nigh  half  the  peopled  part  of  that  territory, 
and  appears  increasing.  The  eastern  part  of  Massachusetts  continues  still  to  be  remark- 
ably visited  in  the  same  way,  and  the  prospect  brightens  at  New  York  and  in  many 
parts  of  the  "Western  States.  Some  drops  have  also  fallen  on  Providence,  Newport, 
and  Swansea,  with  several  other  places.  My  attention,  however,  is  so  much  called  for 
at  the  College,  that  I  cannot  visit,  as  I  wish  to,  and  rejoice  together  with  them.  A  long 
letter  to  Dr.  Stennett,  last  fall,  which  you  have  probably  seen,  gave  some  general 
accounts  of  the  state  of  religion  amongst  us  since  the  commencement  of  the  war.  I 
shall  not  therefore  repeat  what  I  then  wrote,  —  only  observe  that  two  of  the  leaders  ia 
what  they  called  the  New  Dispensation,  but  others  the  Shaking  Quakers,  have,  not- 
withstanding their  boasted  immortality,  lately  died;  one  of  whom  was,  as  they  termed 
her,  the  elect  lady.  The  adherents,  I  am  told,  to  that  fanatical  system,  are  falling  off 
and  renouncing  it.  Their  folly  indeed  has  been  abundantly  manifest.  It  is  the  general 
opinion  of  serious  people  that  these  shakings  presage  something  glorious  to  the  church 
of  God.    May  the  Lord  grant  an  accomplishment  of  their  wishes. 

The  mournful  news  of  Mr.  Wallin's  death  reached  us  more  than  a  year  ago.  When 
he  died  a  truly  great  man  in  Israel  fell ;  but  I  doubt  not  it  was  his  gain. 

Your  ardent  wishes  for  our  national  prosperity,  but  more  especially  for  that  of  the 
churches  of  Christ  in  this  new  world,  are  peculiarly  acceptable.  Permit  me  to  repay 
them  by  wishes  as  ardent  for  Great  Britain  and  Ireland,  those  lands  of  our  forefathers' 
nativity,  and  for  the  advancement  of  the  glorious  kingdom  of  our  common  Lord 
throughout  the  whole  world. 


1784-1785.  AND    MANNING.  395 

A  line  from  Mr.  Booth  will  always  be  very  acceptable  to  his  sincere  friend  and 
unworthy  brother, 

James  Manning. 

To  the  Rev.  John  Ryland,  Jr. 

Providence,  Nov.  12, 1784. 
Reverend  and  Dear  Sir: 

I  beg  leave  to  embrace  this  opportunity  to  confess  my  fault  in  not  forwarding  your 
diploma  before  now.  By  some  unaccountable  neglect  it  was  mislaid  till  a  few  days 
since. 

You  will  forgive  the  execution,  as  the  writing  is  but  indifferent,  nor  could  we  at  that 
time  procure  it  done  otherwise.  It  is,  however,  a  small  testimony  of  our  regard  for 
the  merit  of  Mr.  Ryland,  and  as  such  we  beg  you  to  accept  it. 

The  long  and  agreeable  correspondence  I  was  honored  with  by  your  father  (to  whom 
I  have  written  since  the  war)  leads  me  to  wish  for  the  continuance  of  it.  But  if  his 
advanced  age  or  engagements  forbid  it,  I  wish  for  it  from  his  son,  and,  as  I  am  told, 
successor  in  the  school  at  Northampton.  I  heartily  wish  you  success  in  the  important 
employment  of  educating  youth,  and  in  preaching  the  gospel  of  our  glorious  Saviour. 

"We  have  seen  days  of  sorrow  during  the  late  calamitous  war,  but  blessed  be  God 
that  I  have  lived  to  see  a  period  to  it,  and  a  free  intercourse  again  opened  between  us 
and  Great  Britain.  Some  agreeable  letters  have  already  reached  me  from  several 
friends  in  England,  more  of  which  I  hope  for  soon ;  also  more  particular  accounts  of 
the  state  of  religion  in  general  and  your  society  in  particular.  I  long  to  read  some  of 
those  old-fashioned  letters  from  Rev.  John  Ryland  in  this  way.  They  will,  however, 
be  very  acceptable  from  his  son. 

The  College  is  reviving.  Thirty  students  have  already  entered,  and  more  are 
expected.  We  have  in  part  repaired  the  damages  of  the  house,  which  were  very  great, 
by  the  wanton  waste  of  the  soldiery.  I  have  the  assistance  of  one  Tutor.  "We  need 
more  help,  but  the  low  state  of  our  funds  will  not  support  another,  and  the  scarcity  of 
cash  at  present  in  this  country  forbids  our  hopes  of  augmenting  our  little  stock.  "We 
were  so  fortunate,  in  the  wreck  of  public  credit  during  the  war,  as  to  preserve  our  little 
fund  undiminished.  In  the  eastern  part  of  Massachusetts  and  in  the  State  of  Vermont 
there  is  a  most  glorious  work  of  God,  which  has  continued  for  some  time  and  still 
increases.  Please  to  present  my  best  regards  to  your  honored  father,  and  believe  me, 
with  every  sentiment  of  esteem,  dear  sir, 

Your  unworthy  brother, 

James  Manning. 


396  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  XI. 

To  the  Rev.  Dr.  Rippon. 

_  „  Providence,  Nov.  12,  1784. 

Reverend  and  Dear  Sir: 

This  will  be  handed  you  by  my  friend,  Dr.  Solomon  Drowne,  of  Providence,  a  son  of 
the  College,  a  gentleman  of  great  modesty,  who  visits  your  city  with  views  of  further 
medical  improvement.  I  beg  leave  to  recommend  him  to  you  as  a  man  of  good  charac- 
ter, and  a  Fellow  of  the  College.  Through  him  you  may  receive  what  information  you 
wish  respecting  the  College,  etc.  Together  with  this  you  will  receive  the  diploma  I  men- 
tioned in  my  last.  We  beg  you  to  accept  it  as  a  testimony  of  our  respect  for  the  charac- 
ter and  merit  of  Mr.  Rippon.  I  must  apologize  for  the  writing.  It  was  done  in  a  hurry 
and  by  a  young  hand. 

The  Lord's  work  still  goes  on  gloriously  in  the  eastern  parts  of  Massachusetts  and 
Vermont.  By  recent  advice  from  these  parts  we  are  assured  that  whole  congregations, 
almost,  of  Congregationalists,  embrace  the  Baptist  principles;  and  in  one  instance  their 
minister  was  baptized  with  his  people.  Several  useful  ministers  are  raised  up  amongst 
them  lately  in  that  wilderness.  This  looks  somewhat  like  the  coming  of  our  Redeemer's 
kingdom.  With  me  you  say  amen !  Come,  Lord  Jesus,  come  quickly.  In  great  haste, 
I  am,  dear  sir, 

Your  unworthy  brother  and  fellow-believer  in  Jesus, 

James  Manning. 

We  have  already  referred  to  Dr.  Drowne  in  a  previous  chapter  as  a 
graduate  in  1773.  Upon  his  return  from  Europe,  he  practised  medicine 
in  Providence  for  awhile,  then  removed  to  Ohio,  thence  to  Pennsylva- 
nia, and  finally  settled  in  the  town  of  Foster,  Rhode  Island,  where  he 
passed  the  remainder  of  his  days  in  professional  and  agricultural  pur- 
suits, and  in  the  cultivation  of  his  taste  for  botany  and  for  elegant 
letters.     He  died  in  1834,  at  the  advanced  age  of  eighty-one  years. 

Providence,  Dec.  23,  1784. 
To  the  Honorable  David  Howell, 

Member  of  Congress  in  Philadelphia  : 
Sir:  —Before  you  receive  this,  you  will  doubtless  be  advised  of  the  melancholy  situ- 
ation of  our  common  friend,  Mr.  Joseph  Brown,  who,  upwards  of  four  weeks  since, 
received  a  violent  shock  of  an  apoplexy  and  numb  palsy  combined,  which  for  some  time 
caused  his  physicians  and  friends  to  despair  of  his  life.  But  though  he  is  much  recov- 
ered, as  to  the  use  of  hia  limbs  and  his  speech,  it  forbids,  in  a  great  measure,  our  indulg- 
ing a  hope  of  his  restoration  to  former  usefulness.    Joey,  daughter  of  Nicholas  Brown, 


1784-1785.  AND   MANNING.  397 

still  survives,  but  is  in  the  last  stage  of  her  disorder.  Mrs.  Thurston,  wife  of  the  elder, 
died  of  the  small  pox  last  Friday.  He  and  his  family  have  it  by  inoculation,  and  are  in 
a  hopeful  way  to  recover.  I  left  Newport  last  Monday  morning.  Your  family  are  in 
usual  health,  for  aught  I  have  heard  to  the  contrary  since  my  return.  Mr.  "Wilkinson 
speaks  favorably  of  Jeremiah's  proficiency  in,  and  attention  to,  Greek. 

I  have  nothing  new  to  advise  you  respecting  the  College.  Our  number  is  above  thirty. 
We  have  heard  that  you  very  soon  adjourned  to  Philadelphia,  after  your  meeting  at 
Trenton.  I  suppose  you  find  better  living  and  more  diversion  in  the  city;  to  which,  if 
members  of  Congress  are  not  entitled,  I  beg  leave  to  know  who  are  ?  I  hope  you  will  be 
good  natured,  unanimous,  and  attentive  to  the  public  business,  conducting  it  to  the 
great  honor  and  advantage  of  the  United  States. 

What  think  you  of  an  application  to  Congress  for  the  rents  and  damages  of  the 
College?  Will  it  do  this  session  or  not?  I  fear  it  will  become  an  old  story,  and  that 
we,  in  the  issue,  will  lose  the  whole,  if  we  defer  it  longer.  What  we  ask  is  not  only 
just,  but  greatly  wanted  at  present.  I  beg  you  to  feel  round  amongst  the  members,  and 
form  a  judgment  of  the  probability  of  success  in  case  of  an  application.  Should  things 
appear  promising,  I  will  forward  the  papers,  and  indeed  will  come  myself,  Deo  volente, 
in  the  spring,  if  you  think  it  can  be  of  any  use. 

You  remember  I  mentioned  to  you  the  case  of  our  farm  in  the  Jerseys,  and  our 
thoughts  of  selling  it  for  public  securities.  What  is  your  opinion?  Will  Congress, 
this  session,  provide  for  paying  the  interest  on  final-settlement  notes  equally  with  that 
of  loan-office  certificates,  or  not?  From  the  face  of  things  at  present  with  you,  is  it 
your  opinion  that  public  securities  will  appreciate  soon?  If  so,  which  species  of  them 
are  the  most  likely  to  do  so  ?  If  Congress  takes  up  this  subject,  how  long  do  you 
expect  it  will  be  first?  I  wish  a  resolution  of  these  queries  when  your  leisure  will 
permit.  Are  you  likely  to  open  a  land-office  soon,  to  dispose  of  any  of  the  Western 
territory  ?  What  concessions  have  the  Indians  made  to  the  commissioners  sent  out  to 
treat  with  them?  Will  they  sell  any  part  of  their  lands  to  the  States?  or  do  they 
oppose  our  extending  our  settlements?  What  will  be  the  terms,  if  Congress  opens  an 
office,  on  which  they  will  dispose  of  their  lands?  It  is  the  ardent  wish  here  that 
something  may  speedily  be  done  with  our  new  acquisitions  towards  raising  our  public 
credit,  and  alleviating  the  burdens  of  taxation,  under  which  the  people  at  present 
groan.  And  if  the  way  is  paved  by  the  commissioners,  I  see  no  reason  for  losing  time, 
as  money  daily  grows  scarcer.  This  must  affect  the  price  of  them  greatly,  at  a  future 
distant  period,  unless  some  expedient  can  be  hit  on  to  replenish  the  States  with  that 
useful  article.  Will  not  Congress  establish  a  mint  for  the  Union  ?  I  think  this  measure 
would  be  attended  with  advantage.  While  we  neglect  it,  do  we  not,  apparently,  betray 
a  diffidence  or  distrust  of  the  continuance  of  our  independence  ?  A  national  coin  would 
serve  to  strengthen  the  sinews  of  government,  in  my  opinion,  and  might  be  managed 


398  BROWN    UNIVERSITY  Chap.  XL 

so  as  to  secure  a  medium  in  the  country,  I  should  think,  which  is  certainly  a  great 
national  object.  But  you  will  begin  to  smile  at  my  scribbling  politics,  and  I  shall  pro- 
voke your  risibilities  no  further;  concluding  by  inquiring  how  you  found  friends 
in  the  Jerseys,  requesting  a  line  from  you  at  your  first  leisure,  and,  joined  with  Mrs. 
Manning,  presenting  my  best  compliments.  With  sentiments  of  esteem,  I  am,  respect- 
fully, 

Yours,  etc., 

James  Manning. 

To  the  Rev.  Thomas  Ustick,  Philadelphia. 

Providence,  March  4, 1785. 
Reverend  and  Dear  Sir: 

Unwilling  to  saddle  you  with  postage  to  the  amount  of  three  or  four  shillings,  as  I 
had  no  other  medium  of  conveyance,  I  have  now  before  me  yours  of  December  24th,  and 
January,  to  which  I  have  given  you  no  answer.  I  presume,  from  not  mentioning  in 
your  last  the  indisposition  of  your  family,  that  your  children  are  recovered.  This,  at 
least,  I  hope,  is  the  case.  In  addition  to  the  procedure  of  the  Pedobaptists,  mentioned 
in  my  last,  I  now  have  to  inform  yoxa  that  some  time  in  this  winter  they  took  three  of 
Mr.  Thomas  Green's  people  for  minister's  rates,  and  put  them  into  Cambridge  jail. 
You  recollect  that  he  lives  in  that  town.  Our  friends  have  prosecuted  them,  and  the 
trial  comes  on  there  the  9th  inst.  Perhaps  a  degree  of  this  opposition  to  the  truth  of 
the  gospel  is  necessary  to  engage  a  suitable  attention  to  its  importance.  It  is  no  argu- 
ment in  favor  of  the  disposition  of  those  who  make  it,  but  it  may  be  a  means  of  great 
good  to  those  against  whom  it  is  made. 

Some  revivals  in  various  parts  of  New  England  are  encouraging  amidst  these  trials. 
Providence  in  a  small  degree  is  blessed  with  some  quickenings  amongst  Christians, 
and  a  few  instances  of  late  awakenings.  I  hope  you  may  yet  rejoice  on  this  account 
in  Pennsylvania. 

The  state  of  the  College  is  as  promising  as  we  could  reasonably  expect.  Our  num- 
ber is  thirty-one,  and  more  are  expected  to  enter  this  spring.  Mr.  John  Brown  is  about 
finishing  the  third  story,  which  we  expect  to  want  in  the  course  of  this  year,  if  those 
whom  we  expect  should  come.  I  believe  our  students  are  as  orderly,  industrious,  and 
as  good  scholars  as  at  any  one  period  of  the  Institution.  One  Tutor  is  all  the  assistance 
which  I  have  at  present,  Mr.  Robbins,  from  Connecticut,  who  gives  good  satisfaction. 
Probably  I  shall  be  able  to  answer  your  request  relative  to  Mr.  Brown  this  spring 
before  I  visit  the  Jerseys,  which  I  expect  to  do  in  May,  without  some  unforseen  cause 
should  prevent  it.  The  Corporation  at  that  time  had  resolved  on  an  application  to 
Congress  for  reparation  of  the  damage  done  the  College  during  its  appropriation  to 
public  uses  through  the  war,  and  have  resolved  to  send  me  on  that  errand.    In  this  I 


1784-1785.  AND    MANNING.  399 

shall  want  every  assistance  from  the  friends  of  the  Institution,  by  letters  to  the  mem- 
bers, etc.  If  your  acquaintance  with  any  of  them  will  enable  you  to  aid  me,  I  know 
I  am  sure  of  that  aid. 

Mr.  Joseph  Brown's  indisposition  is  indeed  a  very  heavy  stroke  to  us.  The  College 
and  the  church  particularly  feel  it.  There  is  little  probability  of  his  ever  being  restored 
to  his  former  usefulness,  though  he  again  goes  a  little  abroad.  I  have  attended  to 
your  request  in  respect  to  the  minutes  you  enclosed.  I  am  sorry  to  hear  of  the  acrimony 
among  you  respecting  the  officers  of  government.  I  think  it  very  imprudent  in  the 
Presbyterians,  as  well  as  injurious,  to  wish  to  engross  these  to  themselves.  But  that 
profession  has  been  of  old  impeached  of  a  propensity  this  way,  and,  as  St.  Paul  some- 
where says,  I  partly  believe  it. 

As  I  am  thoroughly  conscious  of  my  want  of  qualifications  for  the  honor  you  men- 
tion, so  I  do  not  wish  it.  It  is  perhaps,  at  best,  but  an  empty  sound,  and  rendered,  in 
too  many  instances,  still  more  so  by  the  character  of  those  on  whom  it  has  been 
bestowed,  for  a  place  in  whose  catalogue  I  have  no  ambition.  I  thank  you,  however, 
for  your  kind  attention.  You  have  my  hearty  thanks  for  your  expressions  of  friendship 
to  the  College.  You  reason  rightly  with  the  Baptists  respecting  this  matter,  who,  one 
would  think,  have  sufficient  proofs  of  the  propriety  of  it,  from  the  struggles  amongst 
themselves.  But  we  are,  and  ever  have  been,  in  these  respects,  a  wrong-headed 
people.  I  am  happy  to  have  a  better  opinion  of  their  hearts.  I  hope  Mr.  Rogers's  lec- 
turing may  be  of  use,  and  that  you  may  both  labor  with  great  success,  and,  as  father 
Alden  says,  "  with  good  agreement." 

I  am  sensible  that  your  attention  to  a  school  must  greatly  interfere  with  your  dis- 
charge of  the  duty  of  a  pastor,  but  I  hope  this  may  not  be  without  its  good  effect  to 
counterbalance  that  loss,  since  there  appears  to  be  a  needs  be  for  it.  In  your  letter  to 
Mr.  Pitman  you  mentioned  Winchester,  in  possession  of  his  fifth  wife  and  a  red  coat. 
Please,  in  your  next,  to  give  us  the  particulars  of  that  eccentric  genius,  his  adherents, 
success,  etc.,  etc. 

Mrs.  Manning  has  been  restored  to  her  health  for  some  time,  except  a  cold,  which  at 
present  incommodes  her.  Joey  Brown  died  in  the  fore  part  of  winter,  —  as  ripe  for 
heaven,  by  every  evidence  which  could  be  wished  for,  as  almost  any  person  I  ever  saw. 
Many  have  dropped  off  this  winter  in  this  town  and  Newport  by  chronic  complaints, 
but  at  present  good  health  is  more  prevalent. 

With  best  respects  to  Mrs.  Ustick  and  friends,  in  which  Mrs.  Manning  joins,  and 

with  sentiments  of  esteem,  I  am,  as  ever, 

Yours,  etc., 

James  Manning. 

It  appears   from  this   letter   that   Mr.  Ustick,  who  was  now  the 
esteemed  pastor  of  the  First  Baptist  Church  in  Philadelphia,  had  inter- 


400  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  XL 

ested  himself  in  obtaining  for  his  beloved  President  and  Instructor 
the  honorary  degree  of  Doctor  in  Divinity,  which  he  soon  afterwards 
received  from  the  University  of  Pennsylvania.  The  original  parch- 
ment, which  is  in  the  writer's  possession,  is  dated  May  6,  1785.  It  is 
signed  by  "Johannes  Ewing,  S.  T.  D.  Phil.  Nat.  Prof,  et  Praefectus, 
Samuel  Magill,  S.  T.  D.  Phil.  Mor.  Prof,  et  Vice-Praefectus,"  and 
Professors  James  Davidson,  Robert  Patterson,  Henry  Helmuth,  Wil- 
liam Shippen,  Adam  Kuhn,  and  Benjamin  Rush.  Dr.  Rush  is  said  to 
have  been,  before  the  war,  one  of  the  hearers  of  Dr.  Rogers,  — 
attracted,  doubtless,  by  his  eloquence.  He  was  in  College  with  Presi- 
dent Manning  at  Princeton  two  years,  having  been  graduated  in  the 
class  of  1760.  The  parchment,  which  is  exceedingly  interesting  as  an 
illustration  of  the  way  in  which  honorary  degrees  were  conferred  a 
century  ago,  thus  commences  :  — "  Quum  Honos  sit  Virtutis  prae- 
mium,  ideoque  apud  omnes  Academias  usitatum  sit,  ut  qui  moribus, 
ingenio  et  optimarum  Artium  cognitione  prae  caeteris  eminent,  ii  max- 
imis  laudibus  et  summis  honoribus  afhciantur:  Nos  igitur  Universi- 
tatis  Pennsjdvaniensis  Praefectus,  Vice-Praefectus  et  Professores  hoc 
scripto  testatum  volumus,  virum  admodum  Reverandum  Jacobum 
Manning  Ecclesiae  quae  est  Providentiae  in  Nova  Anglia  Pastorem  et 
Universtatis  ejusdem  loci  Praesidem  Sacrosanctae  Theologiae  Doctoris 
titulem,"  etc.  President  Manning,  it  will  be  observed  in  his  letter  to 
Mr.  Ustick,  refers  to  his  "want  of  qualifications"  for  the  honor,  and 
adds :  —  "  I  do  not  wish  it,"  etc.  As  it  was  conferred,  in  the  language 
of  Rev.  Augustus  Toplady,  "like  grace  from  heaven,  unthought  of, 
unimplored,"  he  did  not  refuse  it,  and  carefully  preserved  the  parch- 
ment as  a  choice  treasure. 

Providence,  March  21,  1785. 
To  the  Honorable  David  Howell, 

In  Congress  at  New  York: 

Sir  :  —  And  the  snow  three  and  four  feet  deep !  what  do  y  ou  think  of  that  ?    How  do 

you  think  Mrs.  Howell  fares  this  inclement,  protracted  winter?  —  not  to  mention  the 

cows,  old  Sorrel,  etc.,  in  regard  to  hay.    But  I  heg  pardon  for  calling  your  attention 

from  that  higher  region  where  you  are  conversant,  in  settling  the  nation,  to  these  sub- 


1784-1785.  AND   MANNING.  401 

lunary  things.  To  be  serious,  we  have  not  only  had  a  hard  winter,  but  the  spring  thus 
far,  is  much  of  the  same  tenor.  We  talk  here  of  removing  to  the  temperate  climate  of 
Kentucky  to  avoid  this  snow  and  frost,  which  throw  us  into  a  torpid  state  so  great  a 
part  of  the  year.  I  saw  your  papa  and  family  at  meeting  yesterday;  all  well.  Your 
friends  in  general  are  well.  I  have  enclosed  Mr.  Carter's  paper  of  the  12th  instant, 
containing  the  law  made  at  the  last  session  of  the  General  Assembly  in  relation  to  the 
impost,  in  Mr.  Van.  Horn's  letter,  which  I  authorize  you  to  open  that  you  may  see  it, 
provided  you  have  not  yet  received  it.  But  I  beg  you  to  reendorse  it  and  direct  it  to 
Mr.  Van  Horn,  to  be  left  at  Mr.  Ustick's.  The  College  remains  in  statu  quo  idem,  the 
church,  congregation,  politics  of  the  town,  etc.,  for  aught  I  know.  I  thank  you  for  the 
newspapers  you  sent  me.  I  think  the  address  to  the  York  Assembly  labored.  "Will  it 
compass  their  ends  ?  It  is  diverting  enough  to  hear  Doctors  Ewing  and  Rush  endeavor- 
ing to  expose  each  other  for  their  latent  zeal  for  the  Kirk,  and  exhibiting  to  the  world 
the  naked  truth.  If,  by  their  quarrel,  an  old  proverb  should  be  verified,  it  might  afford 
matter  of  rejoicing  to  many.  But  they  are  members  of  the  militant  church,  and  so  I 
leave  them  to  box  it  out.  I  told  you  in  my  last  that  the  Corporation  had  resolved  to 
send  me  forward  in  the  spring  to  Congress,  as  you  desired.  But  as  you  did  not  give 
much  encouragement  of  success  from  the  application,  I  beg  leave  to  inquire  what  you 
think  of  the  probability  of  our  procuring  a  grant  of  some  part  of  the  "Western  territory, 
instead  of  a  grant  of  money,  as  I  perceive,  by  your  letter  to  Mr.  Brown,  you  expect  a 
land-office  to  be  opened  in  the  spring?  This  would  not  augment  the  public  debt,  and 
would  in  time  be  productive  for  the  College.  Rather  than  get  nothing,  I  should  be  glad 
to  accept  of  this.  This,  however,  is  only  a  thought  of  my  own,  and  suggested  for 
your  consideration,  on  which  I  should  be  glad  of  your  opinion,  in  your  next,  that  I  may 
take  the  sense  of  the  Corporation  on  this  subject  before  I  set  out. 

Pray,  how  go  final-settlement  notes  and  other  continental  securities  in  New  York  at 
present?  You  need  not  have  been  quite  so  short  in  your  last,  for  I  make  a  point  of 
writing  whenever  I  can  find  anything  to  say;  and  would  you  wish,  after  reading  this, 
to  have  me  write  again  and  say  nothing?  If  so,  I  can  spill  ink  and  spoil  paper  as  fast 
as  most  of  my  neighbors. 

Pray,  what  is  likely  to  be  the  result  of  the  wranglings  of  the  Dutch  and  the 
Emperor?  Will  there  be  a  general  war,  and  if  so  will  it  reach  us?  You  stand  on  the 
watchtower,  and  can  tell  us,  we  presume,  what  may  be  depended  on.  Now  there  is  a 
claim  entered  for  a  very  long  letter,  by  next  post,  by,  sir, 

Your  humble  servant, 

James  Manning. 

51 


402  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  XI. 

To  Thomas  Mackaness,  Esq.,  of  London,  to  whom,  it  seems,  Dr. 
Manning  had  shown  kind  attentions  while  a  captive  at  Providence 
during  the  war,  he  thus  writes  :  — 

Providence,  July  10,  1785. 
Dear  Sir: 

Yours  of  April  27,  1785,  with  the  hox  of  books,  containing  five  volumes  quarto  of 
Witsius's  Works,  in  Latin,  came  safe  by  the  hand  of  Mr.  Fry.  When  they  arrived  I 
was  absent  at  New  York,  or  I  should  have  embraced  an  earlier  opportunity  of  present- 
ing my  thanks  to  Mr.  Mackaness  for  the  donation,  and  the  kind  attention  which  you 
have  been  pleased  to  pay  to  me.  Your  letter  last  winter,  by  your  son-in-law,  came  safe 
to  hand,  but  I  had  not  the  pleasure  of  seeing  him.  I  took  the  earliest  opportunity  of 
forwarding  you  a  letter,  by  the  care  of  our  common  friend  Deacon  Mason,  of  Boston,  in 
hopes  it  might  have  reached  Mr.  Harvey's  hands  before  he  sailed.  I  am  sorry  you  did 
not  receive  it.  A  visit  from  you  to  your  Providence  friends  was  greatly  wished  for, 
and  indeed  expected.  Messrs.  Jos.  Rogers  and  Geo.  Benson  are  well.  Tbe  former  is 
mourning  the  loss  of  a  dear  and  amiable  wife.  He  feels  that  the  hand  of  God  has 
touched  him.  He  could  sympathize  with  you  in  calling  to  remembrance  the  tender 
and  afflictive  scenes  through  which  you  have  passed.  I  am  glad  to  find  that  you  think, 
however  stormy  the  path,  that  you  have  been  led  the  right  way  towards  the  city  of 
habitation.  I  sincerely  wish  your  affliction  may  be  sanctified,  so  as  to  work  for  you  "  a 
far  more  exceeding  and  eternal  weight  of  glory."  I  hope  you  may  be  so  happy  as  to 
settle  your  children  to  your  mind ;  but  I  should  not  think  they  had  fixed  upon  the  most 
agreeable  place.  Yet  contentment  and  industry  will,  anywhere,  answer  the  purposes 
of  this  life,  which  is,  at  best,  but  a  short  passage  to  a  long  eternity. 

The  kind  mention  which  you  say  you  have  heard  made  of  me  by  your  honorable 
friend  is  pleasingly  flattering,  as,  from  his  universal  character,  there  are  few  men  on 
earth  of  whose  approbation  I  should  be  more  ambitious.  The  little  services,  if  they 
may  be  termed  services,  in  my  power  to  render  you  when  here  a  captive,  gave  me,  I  am 
confident,  a  much  higher  degree  of  pleasure  than  they  could  possibly  afford  you.  That 
"  it  is  more  blessed  to  give  than  to  receive,"  I  have  found  to  be  true  as  often  as  God  has 
given  me  a  heart  to  make  the  experiment,  and  I  hope  he  will  give  me  more  of  that 
disposition.  Whether  I  shall  ever  be  gratified  in  my  wishes  to  see  the  place  of  your 
nativity  or  not,  I  have  yet  to  learn.  At  several  different  times  I  thought  the  point 
nearly  decided ;  but  I  am  yet  on  the  Hill  at  Providence,  overwhelmed  with  cares.  And 
though  I  think  my  services  of  little  importance  to  the  church  and  College,  my  brethren 
and  masters,  it  seems,  think  my  presence  here  of  some  importance  to  both.  I  have  the 
satisfaction,  however,  to  see  my  flock,  both  in  the  church  and  College,  again  collected, 
beyond  what  they  have  been  since  the  war  until  lately.    I  have  little  to  say  of  my 


1784-1785.  AND    MANNING.  403 

success  in  the  ministry.  Yesterday  I  baptized  three.  The  season  was  solemn.  The 
audience  is  both  large  and  attentive,  and  I  hope  among  them  are  some  inquiring  souls. 
One  of  the  members  of  College  has  lately,  I  hope,  been  brought  to  know  the  Lord. 
Our  number  of  students  is  about  thirty-five,  with  a  prospect  of  increase.  But  as  we 
are  destitute  of  an  adequate  fund,  this  does  but  increase  my  labors,  as  I  am  confined  to 
constant  teaching. 

The  Lord  is  gracious  to  many  parts  of  this  land,  in  of  late  pouring  out  his  Spirit  upon 
the  people.  '  Mr.  Gano  has  a  rich  blessing  in  New  York.  The  eastern  part  of  New  Jersey 
is  also  visited.  In  Vermont  there  is  a  day  of  God's  power,  and  so  also  in  several  of  the 
interior  parts  of  New  England.  May  that  glorious  kingdom  come  over  all  the  earth!  I 
long  to  hail  the  approach  of  the  King  of  Zion,  and  I  partly  believe  I  shall  live  to  see  the 
accomplishment  of  at  least  some  of  the  glorious  things  spoken  of  the  city  of  God 

By  recent  accounts  from  Kentucky,  five  hundred  miles  down  the  Ohio  below  Fort 
Pitt,  I  learn  that  God  has  done  and  is  still  doing  wonders  in  that  wilderness.  Seven  or 
eight  Baptist  churches  are  here  settled,  and  a  number  of  faithful,  but  very  unlettered 
ministers,  are  engaged  in  the  harvest.  To  spread  the  knowledge  of  the  Redeemer  (who 
came  preaching  in  the  wilderness  of  Judea)  in  the  wilderness,  has  long  been  with  me  a 
desirable  object.  And  with  this  view  I  have  conceived  a  design,  if  possible,  of  furnish- 
ing their  untutored  minds  with  books.  My  plan  is  to  establish  a  library  for  the  Baptist 
Association  (to  be  established  there  this  year)  of  such  books  as  are  best  adapted  to  their 
situation,  to  qualify  their  ministers  more  thoroughly  for  their  ministerial  work,  and  to 
assist  those  young  men  of  promising  abilities  for  the  ministry  with  useful  knowledge 
before  they  enter  on  the  work.  With  this  view  I  am  about  to  make  collections  of  books 
in  America,  and  I  recommend  the  same  to  my  correspondents  in  England,  and  request 
them  to  send  forward  to  the  Rev.  Thomas  Ustick,  minister  of  the  Baptist  church  at  Phila- 
delphia, with  a  line  to  him  informing  him  of  the  donors  and  the  design.  He  will  take 
charge  of  the  same,  till  they  can  be  safely  forwarded  to  Kentucky,  for  the  uses  men- 
tioned. Any  services  you  can  render  in  so  good  a  cause  will  be  kindly  accepted.  They 
are  almost  wholly,  I  am  told,  destitute  of  all  kinds  of  books.  I  propose  there  shall  be  a 
book  kept  by  the  association,  in  which  shall  be  entered  the  donors'  names,  and  what  they 
contributed.    You  have  my  best  wishes,  in  which  Mrs.  Manning  joins. 

Your  unworthy  friend, 

Jambs  Manning. 

P.  S. — Should  I  not  have  the  pleasure  to  see  you,  please  to  present  my  Christian  salu- 
tation to  Mr.  Thornton  when  you  return. 


404  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  XL 

To  the  Rev.  Dr.  Caleb  Evans. 

Providence,  July  21,  1785. 
Dear  Sir: 

Yours  of  26th  and  31st  of  January  came  to  hand  last  month  while  I  was  in  New  York, 
the  perusal  of  which  gave  me  great  pleasure,  especially  that  paragraph  which  mentions 
the  additions  to  the  churches  in  Bristol.  May  you  be  so  happy  as  to  see  the  good  work 
increase.  Things,  in  reference  to  religion,  remain  much  as  when  I  wrote  last,  except  a 
greater  attention  paid  to  public  worship.  Lord's  Day  before  last  I  baptized  three  per- 
sons. In  several  parts  of  New  England  the  Lord  is  evidently  at  work.  In  Vermont 
there  is  a  glorious  shower  of  divine  influence,  as  also  in  the  city  of  New  York,  and  the 
eastern  part  of  the  Jerseys.  My  Brother  Gano  is  greatly  blessed,  upwards  of  forty  having 
of  late  been  added  to  his  church,  among  whom  are  two  of  his  sons  and  one  of  his  daugh- 
ters. When  I  heard  last  from  there  the  work  was  increasing.  I  had  the  pleasure  of  a 
short  interview  with  Mr.  Mullett  in  New  York,  and  he  twice  or  three  times  gave  us  the 
pleasure  of  his  company,  though  but  a  short  time,  as  he  passed  to  and  from  Boston. 
He  was  kind  enough  to  engage  to  transmit  my  letters  safely  to  England.  Your  kind 
proffers  of  service  to  myself  or  Mr.  Stillman  in  soliciting  for  the  College,  should  either  of 
us  be  sent,  are  very  acceptable,  but  we  have  yet  had  no  advice  on  that  subject  from  Dr. 
Stennett.  Your  account  of  the  ideas  of  the  Baptists  with  you,  respecting  literary  insti- 
tutions, are  very  similar  to  those  of  the  American  Baptists.  We  shall  gladly  receive 
the  books  you  mention,  and  any  others  which  you  can  spare,  or  procure  for  us.  As  there 
is  no  direct  communication  between  Bristol  and  Providence,  shall  wish  you  to  send 
them  via  New  York,  to  the  care  of  my  brother-in-law,  John  Stites,  merchant,  at  the  cor- 
ner of  Queen  and  Chapel  Streets  in  that  city,  with  a  line  advising  him  where  to  send 
them.  I  shall  inform  him  of  this  advice  to  you,  and  request  him  to  forward  them  imme- 
diately to  me.  Dr.  Stennett's  Discourses  on  Domestic  Duties  I  have,  and  highly  esteem 
them.  I  wish  every  family  were  possessed  of  the  book.  Mr.  Booth's  treatise  on  Bap- 
tism, and  his  tract  on  Church  Communion,  he  was  kind  enough  to  present  to  me  last 
year.  Upon  reading,  I  recommended  it  in  almost  the  same  words  in  which  you  mention 
it ;  alleging  that  I  thought  it  would  supersede  the  necessity  of  any  future  publications 
on  the  subject.  I  wish  it  could  be  circulated  throughout  this  continent,  and  am  deter- 
mined to  use  my  endeavors  for  that  purpose.  I  shall  write  him  on  this  subject  by  this 
opportunity.  The  Association  Letters,  the  sermon  on  Walking  by  Faith,  and  the  fifth 
volume  of  Saurin's  Sermons  all  came  safe  to  hand,  for  which  I  beg  leave  to  present  to 
you  my  hearty  thanks,  and  wish,  in  my  turn,  it  were  in  my  power  to  afford  you  equal 
pleasure  by  transmitting  some  valuable  American  publications,  but  this  is  a  barren  soil. 
The  embarrassments  of  trade,  especially  in  the  New  England  States,  open  before  us  a 
gloomy  prospect,  producing  an  amazing  stagnation  of  business,  which  must  continue  till 


1784-1785.  AND    MANNING.  405 

new  channels  are  opened,  or  the  restrictions  on  the  American  trade  are  taken  off  in  the 
ports  of  Britain  and  France.  Our  merchants  at  present  sink  money  by  all  the  trade  they 
drive.  This  renders  it  next  to  impossible  to  make  remittances  to  Britain,  as  bills  are 
eight  per  cent,  above  par.  "Were  it  otherwise  I  should  try  to  send  over  for  some  books 
on  my  own  account ;  especially  for  some  of  the  publications  of  our  ministers,  in  order  to 
circulate  them  in  this  country ;  and  for  the  Encyclopedia  Britannica,  a  book  we  expected 
in  our  catalogue,  but  it  did  not  come.  From  the  accounts  we  have  had  of  it  I  presume  it 
must  be  a  work  of  the  greatest  utility.     • 

The  College  continues  to  increase  gradually  in  the  number  of  students,  which  at 
present  is  thirty-seven,  one  of  whom,  I  have  reason  to  believe,  has  been  recently  con- 
verted. I  have  long  wished  for  an  account  of  your  Education  Society, —  the  founda- 
tion, who  are  admitted  and  with  what  qualifications,  the  course  of  studies  pursued, 
manner  of  teaching,  time  required  in  completing  the  course,  etc.,  etc.,  —  but  I  fear  I 
should  be  troublesome  to  ask  it  of  you.  Some  information  I  received  on  these  sub- 
jects from  my  dear  friend  Mr.  Mullett,  but  he  referred  me  to  Mr.  Evans,  and,  if  I 
rightly  recollect,  mentioned  a  book  published  from  whence  I  could  draw  this  informa- 
tion. If  giving  this  information  should  be  troublesome,  I  do  not  wish  it,  as  from  your 
situation  you  cannot  surely  be  in  want  of  employment.  One  thing  more  I  wish  to 
mention,  which  is,  that  the  new  settlement  of  Kentucky,  five  hundred  miles  down  the 
.Ohio  river  below  Fort  Pitt,  was  first  settled  by  Baptists.  It  now  contains  more  than 
thirty  thousand  souls.  There  are  seven  Baptist  churches  and  eight  ministers,  who 
propose  forming  an  Association  this  year.  They  inform  me  that  they  are  extremely 
destitute  of  books,  and  the  ministers  are  illiterate,  but  wish  for  the  means  of  informa- 
tion. I  have  proposed  to  my  friends  the  establishing  of  a  library  of  some  useful  books 
for  the  benefit  of  the  Association,  that  the  ministers  and  those  who  are  candidates 
for  the  ministry  may  have  the  use  of  it;  and  thus,  may  I  add,  laying  the  foundation  of 
a  seat  of  education.  To  this  end  I  have  written  to  my  friends  in  different  parts  to  col- 
lect what  books  they  can,  and  send  them  to  the  care  of  Rev.  Thomas  Ustick,  minister  of 
the  Baptist  church  in  Philadelphia,  to  be  ready  to  be  sent  forward  by  the  first  good  con- 
veyance. Could  your  ministering  brethren  in  England  be  induced  to  send  their  works, 
they  would  compose  an  excellent  library  for  this  purpose.  I  find  by  a  publication  of  a 
Presbyterian,  under  the  title  of  a  History  of  Kentucky,  that  his  denomination  mean  to 
monopolize  and  gain  an  establishment  there  in  a  literary  way.  We  have  in  contempla- 
tion the  putting  in  for  a  share.  I  have  paid  some  attention  to  this  subject,  and  don't 
mean  to  lose  sight  of  it.  Your  assistance  and  influence  in  favor  of  this  design  will  be 
the  most  acceptable.     Charity  should  not,  indeed,  end  at  home. 

With  sentiments  of  esteem,  etc., 

James  Manning. 


406  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  XI. 

P.  S.  —  It  is  proposed  to  have  a  book  in  the  intended  library,  containing  the  names 
of  the  donors,  and  the  donations  made  by  them,  that  posterity  may  know  what  atten- 
tion the  present  generation  paid  to  the  disseminating  of  useful  knowledge  in  the  wilder- 
ness. Whether  the  design  succeeds  or  not,  I  shall  have  the  satisfaction  to  do  good ; 
and  if  I  am  not  greatly  deceived,  a  little  laid  out  in  this  way  will  turn  to  good  account. 
I  mean  to  send  them,  if  possible,  soon,  a  person  of  our  denomination  to  open  a  seminary 
amongst  them;  and,  indeed,  were  I  not  confined  to  the  College,  should  spend,  God 
willing,  the  next  winter  there  myself.  Bibles  and  religious  books  which  are  printed  to 
be  distributed  gratis  amongst  the  poor,  would  be  Avell  bestowed  there,  for  the  people 
are  religiously  disposed.  The  fullest  confidence  may  be  placed  in  Mr.  Ustick,  that 
everything  sent  to  his  care  will  be  forwarded  to  them.  He  is  a  man  of  principle.  Aa 
the  term  of  human  life  is  so  short,  and  the  sphere  of  our  activity  so  contracted,  it 
behooves  us  to  exert  ourselves  to  fill  it  up,  to  the  utmost,  with  acts  of  public  utility, 
especially  in  promoting  the  interests  of  the  Redeemer. 

Dr.  Manning,  as  all  his  writings  show,  considered  piety  as  the  first 
and  indispensable  requisite  in  a  minister.  No  degree  of  genius  or  of 
mental  cultivation  was  allowed  by  him  to  compensate  for  the  want  of  a 
heart  renewed  by  the  Holy  Spirit,  and  moved  to  undertake  the  care  of 
souls  by  the  constraining  love  of  Christ.  He  believed,  nevertheless,  in 
an  educated  ministry.  How  earnestly  he  labored  to  secure  this  for 
the  churches  more  especially  of  his  own  denomination,  the  College  of 
Rhode  Island  and  the  Warren  Association  are  perpetual  witnesses.  In 
these  letters  to  Thomas  Mackaness  and  Dr.  Evans  we  have  an  illustra- 
tion of  his  philanthropic  efforts  to  enlighten  the  illiterate  Baptist  min- 
isters of  Kentucky,  and  to  provide  instruction  for  the  rising  generation 
in  that  then  remote  wilderness  ;  and  this,  too,  when  "overwhelmed," 
as  he  expresses  it,  with  his  own  cares  and  duties.  For  a  fuller  develop- 
ment of  his  plans  with  reference  to  Kentucky,  the  reader  is  referred  to 
a  letter  addressed  to  the  Rev.  Dr.  Rippon,  dated  July  22.  Three 
years  later  we  find  Manning,  according  to  Benedict,  corresponding  with 
the  Baptists  in  Virginia,  and  encouraging  them,  through  their  estab- 
lished organizations,  to  found  a  seminary  of  learning  for  the  special 
benefit  of  their  rapidly-increasing  numbers  in  that  section  of  the 
country. 

In  reading  Semple's  History  of  the  Baptists  of  Virginia,  we  find 


1784-1785.  AND    MANNING.  407 

that,  among  the  papers  presented  at  a  session  of  the  General  Com- 
mittee, held  August  11,  1788,  was  a  letter  from  President  Manning, 
recommending  and  encouraging  the  Baptists  of  Virginia  to  erect  a 
seminary  of  learning.  The  subject  was  taken  up,  and  they  came  to 
the  following  decision,  viz. : 

Resolved,  That  a  committee  of  five  persons  on  each  side  of  James  River,  be  appointed 
to  forward  the  business  respecting  a  seminary  of  learning ;  accordingly  Samuel  Harriss, 
John  Williams,  Eli  Clay,  Simeon  Walton,  and  David  Barrow,  were  appointed  on  the 
South;  and  Robert  Carter,  John  Waller,  William  Fristoe,  John  Leland,  and  Reuben 
Ford,  on  the  North  side  of  said  river. 

During  the  year  1784  Dr.  Manning,  it  appears,  addressed  a  letter  to 
the  Hon.  Granville  Sharp,  LL.  D.,  of  London,  a  zealous  member  of 
the  Established  Church,  but  liberal  to  Protestant  Dissenters  of  all 
classes,  and  noted  for  his  opposition  to  the  American  war.  He  was 
also  distinguished  for  his  opposition  to  negro  slavery,  and  for  the  zeal 
with  which  he  engaged  in  various  patriotic  and  philanthropic  move- 
ments. His  publications,  which  were  numerous,  he  presented  to  the 
College  Library,  with  a  set  of  the  works  of  his  grandfather,  Dr.  John 
Sharp,  Archbishop  of  York.  He  subsequently  sent  other  valuable 
presents  to  the  Library.  The  following  letter  was  written  in  reply  to 
one  from  Manning :  — 

Old  Jewry,  London,  21st  Feb.,  1785. 
Reverend  Sir: 

On  the  22d  ult.  I  received  your  obliging  letter  of  the  12th  October,  1784,  by  the 
hands  of  Mr.  Drowne,  who  seems  highly  worthy  of  the  excellent  character  you  gave 
me  of  him. 

My  best  thanks  are  due  to  you  for  the  satisfactory  intelligence  of  the  safe  arrival  of 
the  books  which  I  sent  for  the  Library  of  the  College  in  Providence,  and  also  for  your 
full  and  explicit  account  of  that  very  useful  Institution. 

Some  additions  have  been  made,  I  believe,  to  my  tracts  on  Congregational  Courts 
since  I  sent  the  copies  of  them  by  Mr.  Watson ;  and  therefore  I  have  now  sent  another 
copy  for  the  College  Library,  and  one  for  yourself ;  though  indeed  the  tract  is  still 
incomplete  by  the  want  of  an  index ;  for  I  have  not  had  leisure  to  revise  and  correct 
the  index  that  has  been  made  for  it  by  a  person  whom  I  employed  for  that  purpose  some 
time  ago. 


408  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  XI. 

Two  of  the  additional  tracts  relate  to  the  laying  out  of  settlements  on  uncultivated 
lands,  —  a  subject  of  very  important  consideration  to  America;  for  if  care  is  not  taken 
in  these  early  times  before  land  becomes  scarce,  to  reserve  a  due  proportion  of  cottage- 
land,  and  common-land  around  every  town,  as  well  as  around  new  settlements,  for  the 
accommodation  of  poor  industrious  families,  and  also  small  portions  of  land  for  the 
maintenance  of  schools  and  other  public  establishments,  it  will  be  very  difficult,  a  few 
years  hence,  to  procure  land  for  such  purposes. 

A  well-regulated  agrarian  law  would  also  be  exceedingly  beneficial  to  America  to 
prevent  monopolies  of  land ;  for  when  large  tracts  of  land  are  engrossed  in  a  few  hands 
it  necessarily  occasions  not  only  internal  weakness,  and  an  inability  to  defend  a  country 
against  foreign  invaders,  but  it  also  inevitably  reduces  to  slavery  the  industrious 
laborers  who  cultivate  the  enormous  tracts  of  the  haughty  overgrown  landholders;  for 
this  is  the  very  foundation  of  the  detestable  aristocratical  oppression  and  monarchial 
despotism  in  Russia,  Poland,  Bohemia,  Germany,  France,  and  all  other  countries  under 
the  unmerciful  dominion  of  the  two  beasts  of  tyranny,  which  are  now  preparing  them- 
selves for  a  speedy  retribution  of  the  divine  vengeance! 

A  mediocrity  in  the  proportion  of  landed  possessions  in  the  hands  of  freeholders, 
together  with  an  ample  provision  of  cottage-lands  for  the  laboring  poor,  and  common- 
lands  for  all  other  housekeepers,  will  certainly  be  most  beneficial  for  every  community  ; 
and  such  mediocrity  of  landed  possessions  may  be  gradually  obtained,  without  injury 
to  the  rights  of  the  present  possessors,  by  restraining  inheritances  to  an  equal  distri- 
bution in  gavel-kind  amongst  all  the  sons  of  landholders ;  or,  if  the  first-born  is  to  be 
allowed  a  preference,  it  should  be  only  to  the  amount  of  a  certain  limited  number  of 
acres  (as  many  as  shall  be  deemed  a  reasonable  competence  for  an  independent  gentle- 
man), and  the  overplus  to  be  divided  amongst  the  nearest  of  kin,  whose  possessions  are 
below  the  said  limited  competence  of  landed  inheritance,  unless  the  remainder  of  the 
land  be  otherwise  legally  disposed  of,  by  the  will  and  testament  of  the  late  possessor. 

The  inheritances  of  heiresses  should  also  be  subject  to  the  same  limitations  ;  so  that 
if  the  husband  has  the  legal  competence  of  land  already  in  his  own  right,  the  mother's 
estate  should  be  reserved  for  the  eldest  son;  but  to  be  held  by  the  latter,  when  of  age, 
no  longer  than  during  his  father's  life ;  with  an  option,  however,  to  give  up  either  his 
father's  or  mother's  inheritance  to  the  younger  children.  By  this  means  the  over- 
grown possessions  would  be  soon  reduced  to  reasonable  competences,  and  the  number 
of  substantial,  independent  landholders  would  be  greatly  increased,  for  the  general 
security  of  the  country,  wherever  such  regulations  shall  take  place.  This  would  set 
bounds  to  the  insatiable  thirst  of  realizing,  which  prompts  some  thrifty  men  to  "  lay 
house  to  house  and  field  to  field;"  for  they  would  be  compelled,  by  a  just  agrarian 
law,  to  find  some  more  beneficial  mode  of  employing  their  superfluous  wealth,  and  the 
most  avaricious  of  them  would  undoubtedly  be  induced  to  employ  it  in  trade,  which 


1784-1785.  AND   MANNING.  409 

would  greatly  promote  the  extension  of  commerce,  and  consequently  the  welfare  of  the 
whole  community.  I  have  enclosed  a  copy  of  a  letter  which  I  wrote  to  a  friend  of  the 
Abbe  de  Mably,  to  show  that  the  defects  which  he  observed  in  some  of  the  American 
constitutions  would  be  effectually  remedied  by  the  ancient  system  of  Frank-pledge  (as 
described  in  my  last  work),  which  was  manifestly  the  polity  of  the  commonwealth  of 
Israel  whilst  under  the  theocracy ;  for  the  same  arrangement  of  the  people  into  exact 
numerical  divisions  of  tithings,  hundreds,  and  thousands,  was  then  ordained  as  a  part 
of  their  political  constitutions,  though  it  was  even  at  that  time  too  frequently  neg- 
lected ;  whereby  the  people  fell  into  confusion  and  anarchy,  and  "  every  man  did  what 
seemed  right  in  his  own  eyes."  But  this  was  not  occasioned  by  any  defect  in  the  con- 
stitution itself,  but  merely  by  the  neglect  of  it;  for  I  know  of  no  other  method  but 
this,  if  duly  maintained  by  annual  renewal,  whereby  liberty,  equal  right,  and  national 
security  can  be  so  effectually  supported. 

Probably  what  I  have  written  concerning  the  popular  right  of  electing  bishops  (see 
tract  No.  5)  may  seem  superfluous,  as  well  to  yourself  as  to  some  other  learned  pro- 
fessors of  divinity,  who  have  not  been  educated  in  an  Episcopal  Church  ;  nevertheless, 
it  is  a  subject  worthy  your  consideration,  especially  as  it  will  be  found  that  the  most 
important  objections  that  have  usually  been  made  by  Protestant  Dissenters  to  the 
order  of  bishops,  would  be  effectually  removed  by  the  restoration  of  popular  right  in 
the  election  of  them ;  and  that  all  danger  of  tumults  in  such  elections  would  be 
obviated  by  electing  two  of  the  most  eminent  presbyters,  of  unimpeachable  morality 
and  virtue,  whose  appointment  to  the  dignity  should  be  decided  by  lot,  after  solemn 
prayer  by  the  whole  congregation,  according  to  the  apostolic  example  related  in  Acts 
i.  15-26.    I  remain,  with  due  respect  and  esteem,  reverend  sir, 

Your  most  obedient,  humble  servant, 

Granville  Sharp. 

To  this  letter  Manning  replies  :  — 

Providence,  State  of  Rhode  Island,  July  26, 1785. 
Dear  Sir: 

In  May  last,  just  before  I  left  Providence  for  New  York  and  Philadelphia,  I  received 
by  the  ship  London  your  most  acceptable  letters  of  February  21,  22,  as  also  the  copy  of 
your  letter  to  a  friend  of  the  Abbe"  de  Mably,  dated  Dec.  30,  1784,  and  your  letter  of 
March  4,  1785,  together  with  the  two  copies  of  your  last  work  on  Congregational  Courts. 
As  the  Hope  had  a  long  passage,  I  received  the  letters  and  books  by  the  London  first, 
but  the  duplicates  by  the  Hope  came  safe.  I  have  complied  and  shall  comply  literally 
with  your  desire  of  making  them  public.  Your  letter  relating  to  ecclesiastical  matters, 
52 


410  BROWN"   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  XI. 

after  perusal,  I  communicated  to  my  ministering  brethren  of  the  Episcopal  Church  in 
my  vicinity,  who  took  a  copy  of  it.  I  then  took  it  to  New  York  and  communicated  it  to 
some  of  the  members  of  Congress ;  lent  it  to  Dr.  Provost,  the  rector,  who  desired  lib- 
erty to  copy  it,  which  I  granted  him,  withal  requesting  him  to  communicate  it  to  his 
brethren.  He  proposed  doing  so,  and  laying  it  before  the  convention  of  the  Episcopal 
clergy  of  Virginia  and  New  York  inclusive,  to  meet  in  September  next  at  the  city  of 
Philadelphia.  Two  weeks  since,  I  received  from  General  Knox,  via  Boston,  Arch- 
bishop Sharp's  Sermons  and  "Works,  in  seven  volumes,  with  two  volumes  of  Sharp  on 
Congregational  Courts.  The  General  informed  me  that  by  some  accident  they  had 
been  wet.  This  had  marred  the  beauty  of  the  binding,  but  had  not  injured  the  print. 
No  letter  accompanied  them,  but  I  presume  they  were  designed  for  the  library,  where 
I  shall  place  them.  The  kind  attention  of  Mr.  Sharp  to  this  College  has  laid  me  and 
the  friends  of  it  under  great  obligations,  which  I  beg  leave  most  heartily  to  acknowl- 
edge, by  returning  him,  as  well  in  behalf  of  the  College  as  myself,  our  united  thanks. 
Shall  comply  with  your  wishes  respecting  Bishop  Wilson's  works,  whenever  they  may 
arrive.  Your  treatise  on  Frank-pledge,  with  that  on  Congregational  Courts,  I  handed 
to  the  Hon.  Messrs.  Howell  and  Ellery,  members  of  Congress  for  this  State  ;  but  they 
had  fixed  upon  the  plan  of  laying  out  the  back  lands  before  my  arrival.  As  I  was 
pleased  with  your  ideas  on  that  subject,  I  strongly  recommended  to  them  an  examina- 
tion, and  an  adoption  of  your  plan  where  it  would  be  an  improvement  upon  theirs.  I 
mean  by  this  opportunity  to  furnish  you  with  their  publication  on  this  subject,  if  I  can 
procure  it.  I  thank  you  for  the  interest  you  feel  in  the  welfare  and  future  happiness 
of  America,  and  for  your  generous  and  benevolent  exertions  to  promote  the  same. 
These  exertions  I  doubt  not  will  meet  a  due  reward  from  the  supreme  Judge  and 
Rewarder  of  merit.  Your  publications  are  highly  approved  by  the  gentlemen  of  my 
acquaintance.  To  point  out  an  inadequate  mode  of  defending  the  rights  without  lay- 
ing a  foundation  for  subverting  the  liberties  of  mankind,  is,  in  my  view,  the  great 
desideratum  of  government,  and  I  have  yet  seen  nothing  which  promises  fairer  to 
accomplish  this  than  your  scheme,  a  part  of  which,  at  least,  I  expect  will  be  adopted 
by  the  United  States. 

I  concur  with  you  in  sentiment  exactly  concerning  the  importance  of  a  mediocrity 
in  the  proportion  of  landed  possessions  in  the  hands  of  freeholders.  It  is  the  real 
strength  of  a  nation,  and  most  agreeable  to  the  dictates  of  reason  and  the  rights  of  man. 
In  New  England  a  system  was  adopted  when  the  country  was  first  settled,  which 
remains  in  full  vigor  to  this  day ;  so  that  it  is  hard  to  find  many  here  in  the  extremes  of 
poverty  or  wealth.  It  was  this  spirit  which,  in  the  last  war,  captivated  British  armies, 
or  repelled  them  from  their  borders,  as  it  is  calculated  to  disseminate  knowledge  and 
the  love  of  liberty  throughout  the  whole  community.  Many  if  not  most  of  the  States 
have  enacted  laws  by  which  the  estates  of  those  who  die  intestate  shall  be  equally 


1784-1785.  AND    MANNING.  411 

divided  amongst  all  the  surviving  children,  both  male  and  female,  or  at  most  give  the 
oldest  son  hut  two  shares.  In  consequence  of  this  many  people  make  no  other  will, 
hut  appoint  executors  to  execute  that  which  the  law  has  made  for  them.  This  is  a  guard 
against  the  danger  arising  from  overgrown  estates,  as  many  who  devise  them  by  will 
or  otherwise  conform,  nearly,  to  what  the  law  points  out  as  equitable.  This  renders  an 
agrarian  law  in  a  measure  unnecessary. 

For  your  friendship  and  assistance  afforded  Mr.  Drowne,  I  thank  you,  and  shall  be 
happy,  in  my  turn,  to  testify  my  readiness  to  repay  the  kindness.  I  have  the  pleasure  to 
inform  you  that  the  College  at  Providence  daily  increases  in  reputation  and  number  of 
students.  Some  valuable  though  small  additions  have  been  lately  made  to  our  library, 
which  consists  now  of  upwards  of  two  thousand  volumes.  The  prospects  from  this 
country  of  augmenting  our  funds,  so  as  to  establish  an  adequate  number  of  professors, 
from  the  decay  of  trade  and  the  scarcity  of  money  are  at  present  rather  gloomy,  but  we 
hope  some  generous  benefactors  may  yet  arise  and  obviate  this  difficulty. 

I  have  the  pleasure  to  inform  you  that  there  is  an  evident  alteration  for  the  better  in 
the  morals  of  the  people  throughout  this  country.  Religion,  too,  begins  to  raise  her 
drooping  head  ;  and  what  affords  me  peculiar  satisfaction  is,  that  a  spirit  of  moderation 
prevails  beyond  what  has  been  known  since  the  first  settlement  of  New  England. 
The  various  denominations  of  Christians  are  cultivating  a  spirit  of  brotherly  love  by  an 
unreserved  intercourse  with  each  other.  Among  the  many  mischievous  consequences 
resulting  from  the  late  war,  we  are  happy  to  find  that  the  prevalence  of  a  spirit  of  toler- 
ation, and  a  more  general  knowledge  of  the  doctrine  of  religious  liberty,  in  some  meas- 
ure counterbalance  them. 

That  you  may  long  live  to  promote  the  great  interests  of  mankind  by  your  shining 
abilities  and  indefatigable  labors, and  have  the  happiness  to  see  the  good  effects  of  them 
on  society,  and  at  last  be  admitted  to  receive  an  ample  reward  of  all  your  labors  in  the 
regions  of  bliss,  is  the  ardent  wish  of,  dear  sir, 

Your  sincere  friend  and  very  humble  servant, 

James  Manning. 

The  little  library  of  five  hundred  volumes  had  now,  through  the 
generosity  of  John  Brown,  and  the  gifts  of  friends,  been  increased, 
Manning  here  states,  to  two  thousand  volumes.  They  were  kept  in  a 
chamber  on  the  second  floor  of  what  is  now  known  as  University  Hall. 
These  literary  treasures,  few  as  they  were,  seem  to  have  been  thoroughly 
appreciated  by  their  conservators,  and  guarded  with  unceasing  vigi- 
lance.    We  have  already,  in   a  previous   chapter,  given  some   of  the 


412  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.   XI. 

regulations  of   the  Library,  as  a  part  of  the    College  Laws  of  1783. 
The  following  is  an  additional  regulation  :  — 

The  students  shall  come  to  the  Library  four  at  a  time,  when  sent  for  by  the  Libra- 
rian, and  they  shall  not  enter  the  Library  beyond  the  Librarian's  table,  on  the  penalty  of 
three  pence  for  every  offense. 

As  the  Librarian's  table  was  in  the  centre  of  the  room  opposite  the 
entrance,  this  last  regulation  would  seem  to  supersede  a  previous  one, 
requiring  that  the  Librarian  "  in  delivering  out  the  books,  should  suffer 
none  of  the  students  to  derange  or  handle  them  on  the  shelves." 

In  the  early  days  when  books  were  few  and  costly,  "  free  circu- 
lation," of  which  we  boast  to-day,  was  a  thing  unknown,  and  even 
the  Holy  Bible  was  chained,  preservation  being  the  leading  consid- 
eration in  the  minds  of  those  to  whom  was  entrusted  the  care  and 
management  of  public  collections.  How  does  the  dark  chamber  of 
1785,  to  which  the  three  upper  classes  were  admitted  once  a  week, 
when  "sent  for  four  at  a  time,"  contrast  with  the  elegant,  spacious, 
and  well  lighted  Library  Building  of  to-day,  open  day  and  evening  for 
all  students,  professors,  and  graduates,  its  alcoves  open,  its  shelves 
free,  and  the  books  handled  at  will  without  loss  or  injury. 

Resuming  now  Manning's  correspondence  :  — 

To  the  Rev.  Dr.  John  Rippon. 

Providence,  July  22,  1785. 
My  Dear  Brother: 

Yours  of  Dec.  24,  1784,  came  to  hand  last  month,  together  with  the  pamphlet  occa- 
sioned by  the  death  of  that  eminent  man,  Dr.  Gifford,  for  which  please  accept  my  best 
thanks.  That  of  Feb.  23,  1785,  came  by  the  Hope,  together  with  the  acceptable  presents 
of  Deacon  Shepherd  and  Rev.  John  Ryland,  for  which,  in  the  name  of  the  College, 
please  to  present  them  my  most  cordial  thanks.  This  should  have  been  done  by  the 
Corporation,  had  a  meeting  of  that  body  been  held  since.  I  am  greatly  pleased,  as  well 
as  instructed,  by  both  these  valuable  works,  though  my  attention  has  been  of  late  so 
much  taken  up  in  other  ways  that  I  can  command  but  little  time  for  reading.  With 
you  I  regret  your  want  of  timely  information  of  the  catalogue  of  books  sent  for  the 


1784-1785.  AND    MANNING.  413 

College ;  and  1  make  no  doubt  of  your  being  both  able  and  willing  to  have  made  a 
considerable  saving  for  the  College.  Had  I  been  then  as  well  acquainted  with  your 
character  as  I  have  been  since,  I  should  have  addressed  you  on  the  subject.  We  did 
then,  as  we  thought,  the  best  we  could  do ;  but  my  expectations  were  disappointed,  I 
confess,  in  the  price  of  the  books.  Should  we  ever  be  so  fortunate  as  to  have  more 
money  to  lay  out  in  that  way,  which  I  see  but  little  prospect  of,  we  shall  take  the 
liberty  to  solicit  Mr.  Rippon's  assistance.  I  am  pleased  to  hear  tha^t  Dr.  Gill's  Exposi- 
tion is  to  be  completed.  Many  of  them  are  now  wanted;  but  the  difficulty  of  making 
remittances  from  New  England,  and  the  inconceivable  scarcity  of  cash,  have  almost 
put  an  end  to  business.  New  channels  of  trade  will  probably  soon  open,  but  not,  I  fear, 
before  many  of  our  mercantile  people  are  ruined.  I  rejoice  to  hear  that  the  cause  of 
religion  is  on  the  advance  in  your  churches,  and  that  our  denomination  increases  in 
some  of  the  counties.  Mr.  Evans  gives  me  agreeable  information  from  Bristol  of  con- 
siderable additions  to  two  of  our  churches  in  the  city. 

And  though  stupidity  greatly  prevails  in  general,  we  still  have  some  agreeable 
revivals  in  different  parts  on  this  continent.  The  wilderness  of  Vermont  still  con- 
tinues to  blossom  as  the  rose.  New  York  and  the  eastern  part  of  New  Jersey  are 
blessed  with  a  joyful  harvest.  My  Brother  Gano  appears  to  be  the  principal  instrument 
whom  God  honors  in  that  city,  so  lately  filled  with  violence.  Three  of  his  own  children 
are  in  the  number  of  converts ;  and  if  I  augur  rightly,  one  of  his  sons,  a  doctor,1  must 


1  The  Rev.  Stephen  Gano,  M.  D.  He  was  born  in  the  city  of  New  York,  Dec.  25, 1762,  being  the 
third  son  of  the  Rev.  John  Gano.  At  the  age  of  thirteen  he  was  placed  under  the  care  of  his 
maternal  uncle,  Dr.  Stites,  to  be  educated  for  the  medical  profession.  Having  made  honorable 
proficiency  in  his  studies,  he  received  an  appointment  as  surgeon  in  the  army,  and  entered  the 
public  service.  He  was  at  this  time  nineteen  years  old.  His  mother,  who  had  been  the  principal 
agent  in  procuring  for  him  the  appointment,  having  buckled  on  his  regimentals,  said  to  him  as 
they  parted,  concealing  her  tears,  "  My  son,  may  God  preserve  your  life  and  your  patriotism;  — the 
one  may  be  sacrificed  in  retaking  and  preserving  the  home  of  your  childhood;  but  let  me  never 
hear  that  you  have  forfeited  the  birthright  of  a  freeman."  He  continued  in  the  service  two  years, 
and  then  retired  to  settle  as  a  physician  in  Tappan,  now  Orangetown,  New  York.  Soon  after  his 
conversion  he  was  impressed  with  the  idea  that  it  was  his  duty  to  preach  the  gospel.  He  was 
accordingly  ordained  in  the  Gold  Street  Church,  New  York,  his  father  and  President  Manning  par- 
ticipating in  the  exercises  of  the  occasion.  This  was  on  the  2d  of  August,  1786.  He  at  once 
engaged  in  missionary  labors  on  the  Hudson,  and  wherever  he  went  his  preaching  awakened  a  deep 
interest.  He  was  successively  pastor  of  the  Baptist  church  at  Hillsdale  and  at  Hudson.  In  1792  he 
received  an  invitation  to  become  the  pastor  of  the  Baptist  church  in  Providence,  which  invitation 
he  accepted.  Some  members  of  the  society,  it  is  understood,  at  first  objected  to  his  being  the  pas- 
tor of  a  church  whose  relations  with  the  College  were  so  intimate,  on  the  ground  that  he  had  never 
himself  received  a  collegiate  education.  These  objections,  however,  were  soon  removed,  and  the 
most  cordial  and  friendly  relations  were  established  between  himself  and  his  people.  Here  he 
continued  during  the  remainder  of  his  useful  life.  He  died  on  the  18th  of  August,  1828,  in  the 
sixty-seventh  year  of  his  age,  greatly  beloved  and  respected  throughout  the  entire  community. 
The  event  was  immediately  made  known  by  the  tolling  of  the  city  bells,  and  the  children  who  were 
assembled  in  the  several  schools  were  dismissed,  out  of  respect  to  his  memory.    His  funeral  was 


414  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  XL 

preach  Christ  to  others.  Upwards  of  forty  have  "been  lately  added,  and  the  work,  hy 
late  information,  is  on  the  increase.  Grace  reigns  also  in  several  places  in  New  Eng- 
land. Some  drops  have,  in  mercy,  fallen  on  Providence.  Three  I  haptized  Lord's  Day 
sennight.  Puhlic  worship  is  better  attended  than  since  the  war,  in  our  meeting.  I 
should  be  happy  to  receive  a  letter  from  Mr.  Rippon  on  spiritual  things,  but  business, 
at  proper  times,  calls  for  our  attention.  I  thank  you  for  your  kind  attention  to  Mr. 
Drowne,  as  he  is  modest  to  an  excess.  And  since  you  cannot  command,  or  at  least 
make  use  of  the  wings  of  a  dove  to  visit  America,  what  think  you  of  substituting  in 
their  place  those  of  a  ship?  I  would  engage  that  you  should  have  the  fervent  prayers 
of  many  of  your  American  friends  for  a  safe  and  speedy  passage,  and  a  most  kindly 
welcome  to  these  western  shores  ;  and  withal  I  have  prepared  you  a  lodging,  which  (as  a 
minister  once  said  of  his  bed),  if  homely,  is  a  sincere  one.  I  am  confident  no  house  in 
your  capital  would  please  me  better  than  Mr.  Rippon's,  should  I  ever  be  permitted  to 
visit  your  country ;  nor  should  any  be  preferred  to  it  as  a  home  ;  but  I  almost  give  over 
the  expectations  of  seeing  my  English  brethren  till  I  meet  them  above,  the  prospect  of 
which  often  gives  me  pleasure.  There  I  hope  to  see  and  converse  with  the  whole 
family  at  home,  without  the  aid  or  necessity  of  pen  and  ink.  In  the  meantime  I  feel 
my  obligations  to  diligence  in  the  business  of  my  holy  calling,  that  I  may  be  found 
ready. 

The  College  still  increases,  though  gradually.    Our  number  is  thirty-seven;  one  of 
whom,  I  hope,  has  been  called  by  grace.    Last  week  we  buried  our  venerable  Chancellor, 


attended  by  an  immense  concourse  of  people,  and  a  sermon  appropriate  to  the  occasion  was 
preached  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Sharp,  of  Boston. 

During  his  pastorate  of  thirty-eight  years  Dr.  Gano  was  permitted  to  witness  many  signal 
manifestations  of  the  divine  power  and  presence.  In  one  year  he  baptized  one  hundred  and  forty- 
seven  converts,  swelling  the  number  of  church  communicants  to  six  hundred  and  forty-eight.  As 
an  evidence  of  his  general  usefulness,  it  may  be  mentioned,  that  for  nineteen  consecutive  years  he 
presided  as  moderator  at  the  meetings  of  the  Warren  Association.  "  He  had,"  says  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Jackson,  "  a  tine,  commanding  figure,  being  more  than  six  feet  in  stature,  and  every  way  well  pro- 
portioned. His  voice  was  full,  sonorous,  and  altogether  agreeable.  His  manner  was  perfectly 
artless  and  unstudied.  He  had  great  command  of  language,  and  could  speak  with  fluency  and 
appropriateness,  with  little  or  no  premeditation.    His  discourses  were  eminently  experimental." 

Dr.  Gano  was  married  on  the  25th  of  October,  1782,  to  Cornelia,  daughter  of  Capt.  Josiah  Vava- 
sor, of  the  city  of  New  York.  By  her  he  had  two  sons  and  two  daughters.  On  the  4th  of  August, 
1789,  he  was  a  second  time  married  to  Polly,  daughter  of  Colonel  Tallmadge,  of  New  York.  By 
this  marriage  there  were  also  four  children,  three  daughters  and  one  son.  His  third  wife  was 
Mary,  daughter  of  Hon.  Joseph  Brown,  by  whom  he  had  one  daughter,  Mrs.  Eliza  B.  Rogers.  In 
1801  he  was  married  to  Mrs.  Joanna  Latting.  of  Hillsdale,  N.  Y.,  who  survived  him  many  years.  Of 
his  six  daughters,  four  have  married  clergymen :  namely,  the  Rev.  John  Holroyd,  the  Rev.  Peter 
Ludlow,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Benedict,  and  the  Rev.  Dr.  Jackson.  Dr.  Gano  was  an  honored  and  useful 
member  of  the  Masonic  fraternity,  having  been  initiated  in  Mount  Vernon  Lodge,  Providence,  on 
the  10th  of  July,  1801.  Twenty-five  years  afterwards  (Jan.  5, 182C),  he,  in  company  with  the  late 
Right  Rev.  Bishop  Griswold,  took  the  Knight  Templar's  degree  in  the  Providence  Encampment. 


1784-1785.  AND    MANNING.  415 

Stephen  Hopkins,  Esq.,  LL.  D.,  for  many  years  Governor  of  the  Colony,  and  one  of  those 
distinguished  worthies  who  composed  the  First  Congress.  He  was  one  of  the  greatest 
men  our  country  has  reared,  At  the  first  meeting  of  the  Corporation  he  was  chosen 
Chancellor,  and  continued  in  the  office  till  his  death.  In  him  the  College  has  lost  a 
most  valuable  member  and  officer,  and  I  myself  a  particular  friend.  Mr.  Van  Horn  has 
obtained  something  for  the  College  by  his  solicitations  in  Pennsylvania  and  New 
Jersey,  in  which  business  he  is  still  employed.  I  carried  in  May  last  an  application  to 
Congress,  by  a  memorial,  etc.,  for  compensation  for  the  rents  and  damages  done  the 
College  by  the  troops  during  the  war,  but  as  yet  got  nothing  done.  The  papers  were 
read  and  a  committee  appointed  while  I  was  there,  before  whom  we  had  a  hearing,  and 
their  promise  of  a  speedy  report ;  but  I  fear  little  is  to  be  expected  from  that  quarter. 

In  the  new  settlement  of  Kentucky,  five  hundred  miles  down  the  Ohio  below  Fort 
Pitt,  I  am  credibly  informed  that  there  are  upwards  of  thirty  thousand  inhabitants, 
amongst  whom  are  seven  Baptist  churches  and  eight  ministers  ;  that  the  people  incline 
much  to  be  of  our  denomination ;  that  the  ministers  are  not  only  very  illiterate,  but  that 
there  is  not  a  person  of  our  persuasion  capable  of  teaching  even  the  languages  amongst 
them ;  and  that  they  have  a  desire  to  enjoy  the  means  of  education,  more  especially  as 
the  Presbyterians,  though  greatly  inferior  in  numbers,  and  later  on  the  ground,  appear 
to  be  manoeuvering  to  avail  themselves  of  advantages  from  being  first  in  promoting 
literature  in  that  quarter.  I  conjectured  this  from  reading  a  pamphlet,  written  by  one  of 
that  society,  giving  an  account  of  the  first  settlement  of  that  country.  Accordingly  I 
wrote  my  thoughts  on  the  subject  to  our  Western  ministers,  withal  requesting  them  to 
possess  themselves  of  the  best  information  they  could  get  before  the  next  Association  at 
"Philadelphia  to  be  held  in  October,  that  something  might  be  done  to  encourage  them. 
Since  then  I  am  informed  that  they  propose  establishing  an  association  there  this  year. 
With  a  view  to  assist  them,  I  have  proposed  the  raising  of  a  small  library,  of  such  books 
as  may  be  more  immediately  serviceable  to  the  ministers,  and  those  who  are  candidates 
for  the  ministry,  and  am  using  my  endeavors  to  procure  what  books  I  can  for  that  pur- 
pose in  America.  But  as  I  expect  the  contributions  will  be  small,  I  greatly  wish  for  the 
assistance  of  our  English  friends.  The  proposal  is  to  forward  the  books  to  the  Rev. 
Thomas  Ustick,  Baptist  minister  in  Philadelphia,  to  be  forwarded  by  the  first  good 
opportunity;  that  a  book  shall  be  kept  in  which  the  names  of  the  contributors  shall  be 
enrolled,  with  an  account  of  their  donations,  that  posterity  may  know  what  exertions 
were  made,  and  by  whom,  to  propagate  knowledge  and  religion  in  that  wilderness.  I 
mean  to  have  this  library  under  such  regulations. as  that  it  may  form  the  basis  of  a  liter- 
ary institution  there.  Those  of  our  ministers  who  are  able,  by  contributing  their 
works,  would  greatly  assist  in  laying  this  foundation ;  and  I  doubt  not  that  posterity 
will  rise  up  and  call  them  blessed.  If  you  think  well  of  this  proposal,  I  doubt  not  but 
you  will  be  willing  to  lend  your  influence  to  carry  it  into  effect.    I  mean  not  only  to 


416  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  XL 

propose,  but,  according  to  my  ability,  assist  in  tbis  matter ;  and  also  to  promote,  as  far 
as  possible,  an  academy  amongst  them,  in  which  I  have  some  prospect  of  succeeding.  As 
I  shall  not  write  on  this  subject  to  any  but  Mr.  Evans  and  yourself,  I  would  thank  you  to 
mention  it  where  and  to  whom  you  think  proper.  Those  Bibles  and  religious  books 
printed  by  societies  to  be  distributed  among  the  poor,  would  be  well  bestowed  there  at 
present.  I  shall  be  happy  on  all  occasions  and  by  every  opportunity  to  receive  a  line 
from  Mr.  Rippon.    With  sentiments  of  esteem, 

I  am  yours,  in  Jesus, 

James  Manning. 

Dr.  Manning's  brief  eulogium  upon  his  "particular  friend,"  Gover- 
nor Hopkins,  the  first  Chancellor  of  the  College  was  well  deserved. 
This  great  and  good  man  closed  his  long,  honorable,  and  useful  life  on 
the  13th  of  July,  1785,  in  the  seventy-ninth  year  of  his  age.  "  From  the 
vigor  of  his  understanding,  and  the  intuitive  energy  of  his  mind,  he  had 
established,"  says  his  biographer,  "  a  character  not  only  prominent  in 
the  annals  of  his  country,  but  in  the  walks  of  literature.  Possessing  a 
commanding  genius,  his  constant  and  assiduous  application  in  the  pur- 
suit of  knowledge  eminently  distinguished  him  in  the  first  class  of  liter- 
ati. A  leading  and  active  promoter  of  literary  and  scientific  intelli- 
gence, he  attached  himself  in  early  youth  to  the  study  of  books  and 
men,  and  continued  to  be  a  constant  and  improving  reader,  a  close  and 
careful  observer,  until  the  period  of  his  death.  Holding  all  abridgments 
and  abridgers  in  very  low  estimation,  it  is  cited,  in  exemplification  of 
his  habitual  deep  research,  and  the  in de fatigability  with  which  he  pene- 
trated the  recesses,  instead  of  skimming  the  surface  of  things,  that 
instead  of  depending  upon  summaries  and  concentrated  authorities,  he 
perseveringly  pursued  the  whole  of  the  great  collection  of  ancient  and 
modern  history,  compiled  about  half  a  century  ago,  by  some  distinguished 
scholars  in  Europe ;  and  that  he  also  read  through  all  of  Thurloe's  and 
other  ponderous  collections  of  state  papers."  Governor  Hopkins  pro- 
fessed the  principles  of  the  society  of  Friends,  at  whose  places  of  worship 
he  was  a  regular  attendant.  He  was  a  firm  believer  in  the  Christian 
religion,  but  not  bigoted  in  his  belief,  treating  all  societies  of  religious 


1784-1785.  AND    MANNING.  417 

people  with  respect.     As  we  have  before  stated,  he  was  a  warm  friend  of 
the  College,  and  labored  zealously  to  promote  its  interests.1 

The  following  brief  letter  from  the  Rev.  Dr.  Caleb  Evans  conveys  the 
pleasing  intelligence  that  the  books,  to  which  allusion  has  already  been 
made,  had  been  voted  to  the  College  by  the  Bristol  Education  Society :  — 

Bristol,  Sept.  5, 1785. 
Dear  Sir  : 

I  take  this  opportunity,  by  my  worthy  young  friend  Mr.  Waldo,  oi  informing  you  that 

at  our  late  annual  meeting  of  the  Education  Society  here,  Aug.  24, 1  obtained  a  vote  in 

avor  of  your  College,  respecting  the  many  valuable  books  we  have  to  dispose  of,  and  am 

empowered  to  send  such  as  I  may  approve  of.    I  shall  take  an  early  opportunity  of 

doing  this,  and  when  received  shall  hope  for  the  favor  of  a  line  from  you. 

I  have  also  to  request  the  favor  of  a  diploma  of  A.  M.  for  my  worthy  colleague,  the 
Rev.  James  Newton,  a  gentleman  whose  sound  learning  and  amiable  character  will  do 
more  honor  to  the  title  than  the  title  will  do  to  him.  He  is  totally  ignorant  of  this 
application,  nor  should  I  have  made  it  but  that  it  hurt  me  to  think  so  worthy  a  man 
should  appear  to  be  neglected,  whilst  Mr.  Hall  and  myself,  who  are  connected  with  him 
in  the  academy,  and  esteem  it  sufficient  honor  to  be  his  equals,  are  each  of  us  graduated. 
And  by  a  late  regulation  our  names  will  appear  very  conspicuously  in  our  Museum. 

I  write  this  in  haste,  and  remain,  with  every  wish  friendship  can  dictate  for  the 
happiness  of  you  and  all  your  extensive  connections,  dear  sir,  your  affectionate 

Friend  and  brother, 

Caleb  Evans. 

This  donation  —  consisting  of  Walton's  Biblia  Sacra  Polyglotta  with 
Castell's  Lexicon,  in  8  vols,  folio ;  Bayle's  Dictionary,  5  vols,  folio  ; 


1  President  Manning  furnished  for  the  Providence  Gazette  for  July  16th,  three  days  after  Gover- 
nor Hopkins's  decease,  a  most  interesting  and  appreciative  sketch  of  his  "particular  friend." 
He  attributes  to  him  "  a  perfect  acquaintance  with  the  history  of  mankind,  the  politics  of  the 
civilized  world,  the  principles  and  systems  of  laws,  and  the  profound  art  of  governing  the  hearts, 
as  well  as  the  persons  of  men."  He  describes  him  as  "  a  father  of  the  people,  and  the  sacred 
guardian  of  their  rights,  liberties,  and  privileges."  The  account  of  his  funeral  mentions  "  a  pro- 
digious concourse  of  respectable  citizens."  The  first  extended  account  of  Hopkins  appeared  in 
Sanderson's  "  Biography  of  the  Signers  to  the  Declaration  of  Independence."  This  account  is 
based  mainly  on  materials  furnished  by  Moses  Brown.  Innumerable  biographies  have  since 
appeared  in  magazines,  encyclopaedias,  and  dictionaries.  The  most  recent  and  the  most  com- 
plete and  exhaustive  biography  is  entitled,  "  Stephen  Hopkins,  a  Rhode  Island  Statesman."  By 
William  E.  Foster.    Two  parts  in  1  vol.,  small  4to.    Providence,  1884. 

53 


418  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  XI. 

Chambers's  Cyclopaedia,  2  vols,  folio ;  several  Fathers  of  the  church,  and 
standard  works  in  science,  history,  and  literature  —  was  received  early 
the  following  year.  Such  evidences  of  kind  feeling  on  the  part  of  those 
with  whom  this  country  had  so  recently  been  at  war,  must  have  been 
highly  gratifying  at  the  time,  as  they  most  certainly  are  even  at  the 
present  day.  This  society  was  founded  in  the  year  1780,  in  aid  of  the 
Baptist  Academy  at  Bristol,  "  to  the  end  that  dissenting  congregations, 
especially  of  the  Baptist  denomination,  in  any  part  of  the  British  domin- 
ions, may  be  more  effectually  supplied  with  a  succession  of  able  and 
evangelical  ministers."  The  society  has  been  eminently  useful.  It  is 
now  in  the  possession  of  a  very  valuable  library,  containing  the  collec- 
tion of  books,  paintings,  etc.,  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Andrew  Gifford,  for  many 
years  sub-librarian  of  the  British  Museum,  and  the  library  of  Thomas 
Llewelyn,  LL.  D. 

Providence,  Sept.  9, 1785. 
To  the  Honorable  David  Howell, 

Member  of  Congress  In  New  York: 

Sir  :  —  At  the  annual  meeting  of  the  Corporation  yesterday,  we  were  appointed  a 
committee  to  address  you,  in  their  name,  on  the  subject  of  their  petition  to  Congress  for 
an  allowance  for  rents,  and  for  damages  done  the  Edifice  while  occupied  by  the  public, 
which  is  so  justly  due  to  them ;  and  to  request  you  to  exert  yourself  to  bring  that  busi- 
ness to  an  issue  as  speedily  and  favorably  as  possible  before  you  leave  Congress ;  more 
especially  as  they  expect  to  have  no  memher  to  succeed  you  who  will  have  it  in  his 
power  or  in  his  inclination  to  serve  the  interests  of  the  College  equal  to  its  Secre- 
tary. 

It  is  imagined  that  your  intimacy  and  interest  with  the  committee  appointed  to  report 
on  our  petition,  will  enable  you,  before  the  report  is  made,  to  discover  what  will  be  the 
tenor  of  it.  Of  this  advantage  we  wish  you  to  avail  yourself;  and  should  it  wear  an 
unfavorable  aspect,  prevent  its  being  made.  Such  a  report  might  preclude  us  from  ever 
obtaining  any  allowance  from  our  own  Legislature ;  but  if  the  petition  is  either  pend- 
ing before  Congress,  or  the  prayer  of  it  rejected  by  them,  our  prospects  of  assistance  and 
relief  from  this  quarter  will  be  ve^y  unpromising,  however  they  might  prove  other- 
wise. 

You  may  rely  that  this  is,  by  your  best  friends  here,  considered  as  a  matter  of  no 
small  importance ;  and  they  believe  that  your  interest  in  Congress  can  even  obtain  the 
prayer  of  our  petition,  if  it  is  in  any  wise  practicable;  and  they  also  think  that  it  will 


1784-1785.  AND    MANNING.  419 

be  no  inconsiderable  accession  totbat  rich  harvest  of  honor  which,  as  a  delegate  of  this 
State,  you  have  already  reaped.    "With  sentiments  of  esteem,  we  subscribe  ourselves, 
Your  friends  and  fellow-citizens, 

James  Manning,    ) 

John  Brown,         r  Committee. 

Enos  Hitchcock,  ) 

On  Saturday,  December  3,  of  this  year,  the  Hon.  Joseph  Brown, 
LL.  D.,  of  whose  sickness  Manning  in  his  correspondence  makes  men- 
tion, died  at  his  house,  in  the  fifty-second  year  of  his  age.  "His 
funeral,"  says  his  obituary,  "was  attended  by  a  numerous  train  of 
mourning  relatives,  and  the  most  respectable  inhabitants  of  the  town, 
and  a  discourse  suitable  to  the  occasion  was  delivered  by  Dr.  Manning. 
.  .  .  The  Faculty  and  students  joined  the  procession  as  mourners, 
and  felt  the  loss  of  a  Maecenas."  His  character  and  life  we  have 
already  given  in  our  sketches  of  the  Brown  family.  (Manning  and 
Brown  University,  pp.  162-6.) 

We  close  this  chapter  with  a  correspondence  between  Manning  and 
John  Gill,  a  goldsmith  of  London.  It  relates  principally  to  the  publi- 
cations of  the  Rev.  Dr.  John  Gill,1  and  will  on  this  account  be  found 
interesting.  The  last  letter  contains  a  pleasant  bibliographical  "mor- 
ceau,"  relating  to  Backus's  Ecclesiastical  History. 


i  This  distinguished  Baptist  divine  died  at  his  house  at  Camberwell,  Oct.  14, 1771,  in  the  seventy- 
fifth  year  of  his  age.  He  was  pastor  of  the  Baptist  church  and  congregation  at  Horselydown, 
Southwark,  near  London,  for  fifty-one  years.  The  following  is  a  list  of  his  published  writings,  all 
of  which  are  to  be  found  in  the  Library  of  the  University,  having  been  bequeathed  to  the  College  by 
the  author  (see  Chap.  IV.  p.  190):  (1.)  Ancient  Mode  of  Baptizing  by  Immersion  maintained.  8vo. 
London,  1726.  (2.)  Defense  of  Ancient  Mode  of  Baptizing  by  Immersion.  8vo.  London,  1727.  (3.) 
Exposition  of  Solomon's  Song.  Folio.  London,  1728.  A  fourth  edition  of  this  work  was  published 
in  1805,  in  two  octavo  volumes.  (4.)  Prophecies  respecting  the  Messiah  fulfilled  in  Jesus.  8vo. 
London,  1728.  (5.)  The  Cause  of  God  and  Truth  (in  answer  to  Dr.  Whitby  on  the  Five  Points).  4 
vols.  8vo.  London,  1735-8.  A  fifth  edition  was  published  in  1838,  in  one  octavo  volume.  (6). 
Exposition  of  the  New  Testament.  3  vols.,  folio.  London,  1746-8.  (7.)  Exposition  of  the  Old  Tes- 
tament. 6  vols.,  folio.  London,  1748-63.  A  new  edition  of  both  Testaments,  with  a  memoir  by 
Dr.  Rippon,  and  a  portrait,  was  published  in  1816,  in  nine  volumes  quarto.  Vol.  I.  of  another  edi- 
tion was  published  in  1852,  in  royal  octavo,  and  the  Old  Testament  was  published  by  Collingridge, 
of  London,  in  1854,  in  six  royal  octavo  volumes.  (8.)  Anti-Pedo-baptism.  8vo.  London,  1753.  (9.) 
The  Argument  from  Apostolical  Tradition  in  favor  of  Infant-Baptism  considered.  The  third  edi- 
tion of  this  was  published  in  1765,  in  octavo.  (10.)  Dissertation  on  the  Antiquity  of  the  Hebrew 
Language,  Letters,  etc.  8vo.  London,  1767.  (11.)  A  Body  of  Doctrinal  and  Practical  Divinity. 
3  vols.  4to.  London,  1769-70.  This  has  gone  through  several  editions,  the  latest  of  which  was  pub- 
lished in  1839,  in  two  volumes  octavo.    (12.)  Sermons  and  Tracts,  with  memoirs  of  the  author. 


420  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  XI. 

To  President  Manning. 

London,  March  13, 1784. 
Reverend  Sir: 

I  take  the  liberty  to  inform  you  of  the  death  of  Mr.  George  Keith,1  bookseller  in 
London.  He  died  Dec.  4,  1782,  and  left  me  his  sole  executor.  I  find  by  his  books  that 
you  stand  indebted  to  his  estate  £2  9s.  9d.,  which  I  doubt  not  you  will  honorably  dis- 
charge. At  the  same  time,  I  beg  leave  to  acquaint  you  that  I  have  several  sets  of  Dr. 
Gill's  New  Testament,  five  volumes  quarto,  at  £3  15s.  each  set,  in  boards.  According 
to  the  proposals  at  first  delivered  out,  subscribers  for  six  sets  to  have  a  seventh,  I  am 
willing  to  dispose  of  them  on  these  terms,  or,  if  a  less  number  is  wanted,  will  allow 
twenty  per  cent,  on  delivery,  payable  by  a  merchant  or  trader  in  London.  There  is  also 
the  Old  Testament  in  quarto,  begun  by  Mr.  Keith,  but  I  cannot  get  any  bookseller  in 
London  to  complete  it.  It  begins  with  Genesis  and  ends  with  the  132d  Psalm,  in  six 
volumes.  These  I  have  to  dispose  of  at  £1  16s.  The  subscription  price  was  £4  10s.,  or 
15s.  each  volume.  Also  some  few  sets  of  the  Doctor's  tracts,  collected  together  and 
printed  in  three  volumes  quarto,  with  memoirs  of  his  life,  at  £1  16s.,  or  12s.  each  vol- 
ume. Also  his  Cause  of  God  and  Truth,  and  his  Exposition  of  Solomon's  Song,  at  12s. 
each  volume,  all  printed  on  the  same  size  and  paper  as  the  New  Testament.  As  I  wish 
to  promote  the  sale  of  the  Doctor's  works  in  America,  on  that  account  I  have  charged 
them  at  a  low  price,  when  the  discount  proposed  is  considered.  A  line  directed  for  me 
to  be  left  at  Mr.  Ash's,  bookseller,  No.  15  Little  Tower  Street,  will  be  conveyed  to  me. 
I  am,  reverend  sir,  with  all  due  respect, 

Your  humble  servant. 

John  Gill. 

Manning's  Reply. 

Providence,  July  9, 1784. 
Sir  :  —  Yours  of  March  13  reached  me  the  last  month.  I  had  before  heard  of  the 
death  of  Mr.  George  Keith,  and  sympathize  with  you  and  the  family  in  the  loss.  I  had 
no  knowledge  of  a  balance  due  to  him  till  I  received  your  letter,  as  I  had  many  years 
ago  given  orders  to  a  friend  of  mine,  whom  I  have  not  since  seen,  to  pay  the  balance,  if 
any  remained  due.    By  this  conveyance  goes  a  letter  from  Mr.  Backus  to  Mr.  Henry 


2  vols.  4to.  London,  1773.  A  new  edition  of  Gill's  Sermons,  in  three  volumes  octavo,  has  appeared. 
In  addition  to  the  list  here  given,  Dr.  Gill  published  many  occasional  sermons  and  tracts  on  Bap- 
tism, most  of  which  are  in  the  College  Library. 

"  If  any  man,"  says  the  Rev.  Augustus  Toplady,  of  the  Episcopal  Church,  "  can  be  supposed  to 
have  trod  the  whole  circle  of  human  learning,  it  was  Dr.  Gill.  While  true  religion  and  sound  learn- 
ing have  a  single  friend  in  the  British  empire,  the^works  and  name  of  Dr.  Gill  will  be  precious  and 
revered.  .  .  .  With  a  solidity  of  judgment  and  with  an  acuteness  of  discernment  peculiar  to 
few,  he  exhausted,  as  it  were,  the  very  soul  and  substance  of  most  arguments  he  undertook." 

1  Mr.  Keith  was  a  brother-in-law  of  the  writer,  having  married  his  sister  Mary,  daughter  of  the 
Rev.  Dr.  Gill. 


1784-1785.  AND   MANNING.  421 

Kane,  executor  to  Mr.  Wallin,  to  pay  you  the  sum  of  £2  9s.  9d.  on  my  account,  as  he  had 
money  in  Mr.  Wallin's  hands.  If  you  will  please  call  on  him  he  will  doubtless  dis- 
charge the  debt.  Of  this  please  to  advise  me  by  the  first  opportunity.  I  shall  be 
extremely  sorry  if  the  edition  of  Dr.  Gill's  Bible  in  quarto  cannot  be  completed,  as  I 
had  sold  my  former  set,  in  full  confidence  that  I  should  soon  be  able  to  replace  mine 
from  this  edition.  Others  here  wish  to  purchase,  but  they  also  wish  to  have  the  work 
complete.  They  especially  wish  for  his  Exposition  of  the  Prophets.  Would  it  not  be 
better  for  your  family  to  complete  the  work,  than  to  lose  in  a  great  measure  the  sale  of 
what  is  already  done,  and  deprive  the  world  of  such  a  valuable  treasure?  I  have  on 
hand  some  of  all  the  rest  of  his  works  you  mention;  besides,  at  present  it  is  extremely 
difficult  to  make  remittances  to  England,  as  the  mercantile  affairs  of  the  country  have 
been  so  long  and  so  greatly  deranged ;  to  which  I  may  add  the  great  inattention,  in  gen- 
eral, to  the  reading  of  books  on  religious  subjects,  —  the  natural  consequence,  perhaps, 
of  such  a  kind  of  war  as  that  in  which  we  have  been  involved.  This,  it  is  to  be  hoped, 
will  soon  alter  for  the  better,  when  I  shall  watch  every  opportunity  of  making  Dr.  Gill's 
works  as  much  known  as  possible.  This  I  have  hitherto  ever  had  in  view,  and  it  was 
no  inconsiderable  motive  in  parting  with  his  Exposition,  above  mentioned.  I  was 
lately  desired  to  inquire  whether  those  editions  complete  could  be  obtained  in  Eng- 
land, by  a  gentleman  who  wishes  to  purchase  them.  The  state  of  religion  amongst  our 
denomination  in  America  appears  rather  on  the  gaining  hand,  as  there  are  revivals  in 
many  of  the  churches.  The  College,  too,  although  greatly  injured  by  the  war,  promises 
soon  to  regain  its  former  state.  The  government  of  it,  through  the  smallness  of  its 
funds  and  the  great  repairs  necessary,  find  themselves  amazingly  embarrassed,  and 
consequently  wish  for  every  assistance  from  the  friends  of  the  Institution,  from  every 

quarter.    I  am,  sir, 

Your  friend  and  servant, 

James  Manning. 

To  President  Manning. 

London,  Oct.  14, 1784. 
Sir:  — I  received  yours  in  the  month  of  August  last.  Have  applied  to  Mr.  Kane, 
Mr.  Wallin's  executor,  who  informs  me  that  he  has  no  money  in  hand  for  Mr.  Backus. 
Mr.  Backus  sent  seventy  copies  of  his  History  of  the  Baptists,  which  never  came  to  the 
late  Mr.  Wallin.  Mr.  Kane  intends  to  acquaint  Mr.  Backus  of  his  disappointment.  I 
am  much  obliged  to  you,  sir,  for  the  great  regard  and  kind  intentions  expressed  in  your 
letter  of  promoting  the  sale  of  Dr.  Gill's  works  among  your  friends.  I  have  now  the 
pleasure  to  inform  you  that  the  quarto  edition  of  the  Old  Testament  will  be  completed. 
It  is  now  in  the  press,  and  will  be  finished  with  all  convenient  speed.  What  was  con- 
tained in  my  former  letter  is  now  set  aside,  not  having  any  of  the  Old  Testament  to  sell 
at  the  price  therein  mentioned.    What  I  have  will  now  be  wanted  to  complete  sets.    I 


422  BROWN  UNIVERSITY  Chap.  XL 

can  supply  you  with  a  set  of  the  folio  edition  at  ten  guineas,  and  also  a  set  of  the 
Prophets  at  two  guineas.  I  shall  be  glad  to  hear  that  religion  is  in  a  nourishing  state 
among  you,  that  the  churches  of  Christ  are  increasing,  and  that  you,  sir,  may  again  see 
that  Seminary  of  learning  over  which  you  have  the  honor  to  preside  retrieve  its  former 
state,  and  be  attended  with  all  the  success  and  usefulness  desirable.  I  am,  sir,  with 
great  esteem, 

Your  obliged,  humble  servant, 

John  Gill. 

Manning's  Reply. 

Providence,  July  24, 1785. 
Dear  Sir: 

Yours  of  Oct.  14, 1784,  came  to  hand  in  May,  since  which  I  have  had  no  opportunity 
of  sending  you  an  answer.  Soon  after  the  reception  of  it  I  saw  Mr.  Backus,  who  had 
received  the  information  you  mention  respecting  his  books,  but  informed  me  that  he 
expected  still  to  obtain  them,  by  getting  information  of  the  captain  who  carried  them ; 
but  should  he  be  disappointed  in  his  expectations,  he  had  sent  a  considerable  number 
of  the  second  volume  of  his  History,  from  the  net  proceeds  of  which  he  had  ordered 
you  paid,  so  that  I  expect,  by  or  before  the  arrival  of  this,  your  money  will  be  ready 
for  you.  He  engaged  to  write  you  that  you  might  know  on  whom  to  call.  I  am  sorry 
for  the  disappointment,  but  hope  your  money  is  safe.  I  am  rejoiced  to  hear  that  the 
Doctor's  Old  Testament  is  to  be  completed,  and  you  may  be  assured  that  what  little 
influence  I  possess  shall  be  employed  in  the  sale  of  his  works.  But  such  at  present  is 
the  scarcity  of  money,  and  difficulty  of  making  remittances  to  Great  Britain,  by  the 
high  price  of  bills,  that  business  is  almost  entirely  stagnated.  We  hope,  however,  for 
better  times.  I  thank  you  for  your  kind  expressions  of  regard  for  the  College  with 
which  I  am  connected.  Great  indeed  have  been  the  damages  which  it  sustained  by 
the  war,  for  which  hitherto  we  have  received  no  compensation ;  nor  are  our  prospects 
of  it  in  the  future  very  flattering.  The  Institution,  under  all  its  disadvantages,  begins 
to  flourish,  and  the  number  of  students  increases  as  fast  as  might  be  reasonably 
expected.  Religion,  too,  begins  amongst  us  to  hold  up  its  head.  In  several  parts  there 
are  great  revivals,  some  account  of  which  I  have  mentioned  to  Mr.  Rippon  in  a  letter  of 
this  date.  Should  my  expectations  of  discharging  that  balance,  through  Mr.  Backus, 
be  again  disappointed,  upon  advice  from  you  I  will  take  measures  which  will  prove 
effectual  to  accomplish  it.    With  sentiments  of  esteem,  I  am,  sir, 

Your  humble  servant, 

James  Manning. 


1784-1785.  AND   MANNING.  423 

To  President  Manning. 

London,  March  28, 1786. 
Reverend  Sir: 

A  letter  of  yours,  dated  July  24, 1785,  was  not  received  by  me  until  about  the  middle 
of  December.  I  should  be  glad  when  favored  with  another  letter  from  you,  to  be 
informed  by  whom  it  was  conveyed  to  me,  as  no  name  was  mentioned  to  whom  I  might 
apply  for  the  small  sum  you  expected  to  be  paid  me  by  some  person  in  London.  I  am 
surprised  to  find  Mr.  Backus  has  not  heard  what  became  of  the  first  volume  of  his 
History  of  the  Baptists.  Last  summer  a  Mr.  Thomas  saw  a  sheet  of  his  History  brought 
into  a  house  where  he  was,  wrapped  around  a  pound  of  cheese  or  butter.  Mr.  Thomas 
went  immediately  and  purchased  all  the  paper  relating  to  that  History  the  cheese- 
monger had;  since  which  I  am  informed  he  has  received  the  second  volume,  and  now 
makes  complete  sets.  Whether  this  is  done  for  his  own  emolument,  or  whether  he 
intends  it  for  Mr.  Backus's  advantage,  I  cannot  tell.  Honor  and  justice  seem  to  decide 
it  in  favor  of  Mr.  Backus.  But  as  I  have  no  acquaintance  with  Mr,  Thomas,  I  can  say 
no  further  about  it. 

I  am  sorry  to  inform  you  that  the  printer  who  had  engaged  to  finish  the  Exposition 
has  failed  and  left  London.  There  is  now  no  hope  of  its  being  completed.  The  six 
volumes  of  the  Old  Testament,  reaching  as  far  as  the  132d  Psalm,  may  now  be  had  at 
£1 16s.,  which  I  think  was  mentioned  to  you  in  a  former  letter.  If  your  friends  choose 
to  have  any  of  them  sent,  shall  allow  you  twenty  per  cent,  for  your  trouble.  I  remain, 
sir,  with  all  due  respect, 

Your  humble  servant, 

John  Gill. 

On  the  back  of  this  letter  Mr.  Manning  has  written  "answered." 
Of  the  reply,  however,  no  copy  has  come  to  our  knowledge. 


CHAPTER    XII. 


1786-1788. 

Manning  as  a  patriot  statesman  —  Appointed  a  member  of  Congress  —  Account  of  this 
event,  by  Hon.  Asher  Robbins  —  Rev.  Dr.  Perez  Fobes  appointed  to  take  charge  of 
the  College  in  Manning's  absence  —  Letter  to  his  brother,  Jeremiah  Manning  —  Let- 
ter to  Rev.  Dr.  Rippon,  giving  his  reasons  for  entering  upon  political  life  — Interests 
of  the  College  paramount  to  all  others  —  Manning's  description  of  a  minister  such  as 
he  might  wish  to  succeed  him  in  the  pastorate  of  the  Baptist  church  —  Letter  from 
Nicholas  Brown  to  Rev.  Dr.  Smith,  respecting  Manning  and  a  proposed  vacancy  in  the 
pastorate  of  the  church  —  Letter  to  Rev.  Dr.  Evans  — Letter  to  Rev.  Abraham  Booth 
—  Rev.  Dr.  William  Gordon,  of  London,  author  of  a  history  of  the  American  war  — 
Letter  to  him  —  Letter  to  Rev.  Dr.  Smith,  giving  an  account  of  his  position  as  a 
member  of  Congress  —  Letter  from  Dr.  Drowne  to  Manning  in  Congress  —  Letter 
to  Governor  Collins  —  Letter  to  his  colleague,  Gen.  Nathan  Miller,  giving  an  account 
of  his  own  embarrassed  condition  from  the  want  of  funds,  and  urging  him  to  take 
his  seat  as  a  delegate — Second  letter  to  Mr.  Miller — Letter  to  Manning  from  Dr. 
Gordon  —  Public  exercises  of  Commencement  resumed  —  Sketch  of  Hon.  Nicholas 
Brown  —  Extract  from  a  letter  illustrating  the  difficulties  against  which  the  College 
at  this  time  had  to  contend — Letter  to  Rev.  Dr.  Smith  —  Severe  reflections  on  the 
General  Assembly  of  Rhode  Island  —  Trying  period  in  Manning's  life  —  Commence- 
ment of  1787  —  Sketch  of  Hon.  Samuel  Eddy  —  Biographical  sketch  of  Rev.  Dr.  Jona- 
than Maxcy —  Confederation  —  Federalists  and  Anti-Federalists  —  Manning's  influ- 
ence in  favor  of  the  "  New  Constitution" — Attends  the  Convention  in  Massachusetts 
for  the  adoption  of  the  Constitution  —  Anecdote  respecting  him  —  Letter  to  Rev. 
Dr.  Smith  alluding  to  his  attendance  upon  the  debates  of  the  Convention — Bitter 
hostility  of  the  Anti-Federalists  to  the  new  Constitution  —  Almost  a  civil  conflict 
on  the  occasion  of  a  Fourth  of  July  celebration  in  Providence  —  Letter  from  Rev. 
Dr.  Rippon —  Letter  to  Rev.  Thomas  Ustick  —  Letter  to  Rev.  Dr.  Smith  —  Biographi- 
cal sketch  of  Rev.  Dr.  Asa  Messer —  Commencement  of  1788  —  Sketch  of  Hon.  James 
Burrill  —  Letter  from  Rev.  Morgan  Edwards  — Letter  from  Rev.  Dr.  Evans  —  Letter 
to  Rev.  Dr.  Smith  —  Early  schools  of  Providence  —  Manning's  efforts  in  behalf  of 
popular  education. 

Dr.  Manning  is  now  to  be  exhibited  in  a  new  character  and  in  new 
relations.  Hitherto,  says  Prof.  Goddard,  we  have  seen  him  ministering 
at  the  altar,  or  dispensing  the  oracles  of  wisdom  amid  the  shades  of  the 
academy.     "We  are  now  to  note  his  career  as  a  patriot  statesman. 

The  articles  of  confederation  adopted  by  the  United  States  in  1781, 
proved,  as  is  well  known,  utterly  inadequate  to  the  purposes  of  govern- 


1786-1788.  BROWN    UNIVERSITY.  425 

ment.  Commercial  embarrassments  multiplied  ;  the  public  credit  was 
impaired ;  and  the  great  interests  of  the  nation,  nay  even  the  whole 
political  fabric,  was  threatened  with  destruction.  At  this  crisis  of 
depression  and  alarm,  Dr.  Manning  was,  by  a  unanimous  resolution  of 
the  General  Assembly,  appointed,  at  its  March  session  in  1786,  to  rep- 
resent Rhode  Island  in  the  Congress  of  the  Confederation.  The  story  of 
this  interesting  event  in  his  life  is  thus  told  by  the  Hon.  Asher  Robbins, 
in  a  letter  to  Prof.  Goddard,  which  we  find  in  his  memoir  of  Manning. 

Though  he  had  other  merits  and  ample  for  this  appointment  of  delegate,  I  have  no 
douht  the  dignity  and  grace  for  which  he  was  so  remarkahle  smoothed  the  way  to  it.  It 
took  place  in  this  wise :  There  was  a  vacancy  in  the  delegation,  and  the  General  Assem- 
bly, who  were  to  fill  it,  were  sitting  in  Providence.  No  one  in  particular  had  been  pro- 
posed or  talked  of.  One  afternoon  Dr.  Manning  went  to  the  State  House,  to  look  in 
upon  the  Assembly  and  see  what  was  doing.  His  motive  was  curiosity  merely.  On  his 
appearance  there,  he  was  introduced  on  the  floor,  and  accommodated  with  a  seat. 
Shortly  after,  Commodore  Hopkins,  who  was  then  a  member,  rose  and  nominated 
President  Manning  as  a  delegate  to  Congress,  and  thereupon  he  was  appointed,  and, 
according  to  my  recollection,  unanimously.  I  recollect  to  have  heard  Commodore  Hop- 
kins say  (it  was  at  the  house  of  his  brother,  Governor  Hopkins,  where  I  shortly  after 
met  with  him)  that  the  idea  never  entered  his  head  till  he  saw  the  President  enter  and 
take  his  seat  on  the  floor  of  the  Assembly ;  and  the  thought  immediately  struck  him  that 
he  would  make  a  very  fit  member  for  that  august  body,  the  Continental  Congress. 

Congress  under  the  old  confederation  sat,  as  you  know,  in  conclave ;  no  report  of 
their  debates  was  published.  How  far  Mr.  Manning  mingled  in  them,  therefore,  I  can- 
not say.  I  recollect  his  speaking  of  one  in  which  he  participated  (the  subject  I  have 
forgotten),  on  account  of  a  personal  controversy  to  which  it  gave  rise  between  him  and 
a  fiery  young  man,  a  delegate  from  Georgia  by  the  name,  as  I  think,  of  Houston.  This 
young  man  in  his  speech  had  reflected  upon  New  England  and  her  people.  Mr. 
Manning  repelled  the  attack,  and  by  way  of  offset,  drew  a  picture  of  Georgia  and  her 
people.  This  so  nettled  the  young  man  that  in  his  passion  he  threatened  personal  vio- 
lence. The  next  day  he  appeared  in  Congress  with  a  sword  by  his  side.  This  produced, 
at  once,  a  sensation  in  that  body,  the  symptoms  of  which  were  so  alarming  that  he 
thought  proper  to  withdraw,  take  off  his  sword,  and  send  it  home  by  his  servant.  In 
the  course  of  the  day  he  took  an  opportunity  to  meet  with  Mr.  Manning,  and  to  make 
him  an  apology. 

He  must  have  given  himself  much  to  business  then,  as  he  seemed  to  be  master  of  all 
54 


426  BROWN    UNIVERSITY  Chap.  XII. 

the  important  questions  which  had  been  debated,  and  could  give  the  arguments,  pro  and 
con,  offered  by  the  different  speakers. 

The  famous  Dr.  Johnson,  of  Connecticut,  was  a  member  at  the  same  time,  with 
whom  Mr.  Manning  became  intimate,  and  of  whom  he  always  spoke  with  admiration. 
The  Doctor  once  paid  him  the  compliment  of  holding  the  pen  of  a  ready  writer,  which 
Mr.  Manning  very  highly  valued  as  coming  from  such  a  man.  It  was  upon  an  occa- 
sion of  drawing  up  a  report  for  a  committee,  of  which  both  were  members,  and  which 
report  the  Doctor  professed  to  be  much  pleased  with. 

Dr.  Manning  at  first  pleaded  his  connection  with  the  College  as  a 
sufficient  reason  for  declining  his  appointment ;  but  many  of  the  Cor- 
poration were  gentlemen  of  high  political  standing,  who,  regarding  the 
interests  of  the  Institution  as  involved  in  the  character  and  reputation 
of  the  State  and  the  course  of  public  measures,  advised  him  to  take  his 
seat,  and  designate  a  suitable  person  to  preside  in  his  absence.  Accord- 
ingly, at  a  special  meeting  of  the  Trustees  and  Fellows  held  at  his 
house,  March  13,  his  request  for  absence  was  granted,  and  the  Rev. 
Perez  Fobes,  LL.  D.,  pastor  of  the  Congregational  church  and  society 
in  Raynham,  Mass.,  was  appointed  to  take  charge  of  the  Institution 
from  June  1  to  September  1,  as  Vice-President.  Mr.  Fobes  was  a 
graduate  of  Harvard  College,  in  the  class  of  1762.  He  accepted  the 
appointment,  and  discharged  the  duties  of  the  place  with  fidelity  and 
good  success.  Shortly  afterwards,  it  may  be  added,  he  was  appointed 
Professor  of  Natural  Philosophy,  which  position  he  occupied  twelve 
years,  coming  in  from  Raynham  once  or  twice  a  week,  during  portions 
of  the  year,  to  deliver  lectures.  In  1795  he  was  elected  one  of  the 
Fellows  of  the  College. 

The  following  letter  to  his  brother,  Jeremiah  Manning,  Esq.,  in 
Bonham  Town,  may  be  introduced  here :  — 

Providence,  April  19,  1786. 
Dear  Brother: 

This  will  probably  be  handed  you  by  cousin  Robert  Randolph,  who  sails  this  morn- 
ing for  New  York.  Your  son's  letters  and  his  information,  wil^render  unnecessary  any 
particulars  respecting  family  matters,  or  indeed  any  other  information.  You  probably 
may  think  strange  of  my  appointment  to,  or  at  least  my  acceptance  of,  a  seat  in  Con- 


1786-1788.  AND    MANNING.  427 

gress.  Probably  I  can  satisfy  you  on  this  head,  when  I  have  time  and  opportunity  to 
come  to  an  explanation  on  this  subject,  which  may  soon  offer,  as  I  have  contemplated  a 
visit  to  New  York  before  long.  Suffice  it  to  tell  you  I  mean  not  to  assume,  for  any 
length  of  time,  the  political  character.  Though  the  unanimous  suffrage  of  the  Legis- 
lature called  me  to  this  office,  it  was  a  matter  to  me  most  unexpected,  as  it  had  been  by 
me  or  my  friends  totally  unsolicited.  One  of  the  first  characters  in  the  Government 
strongly  solicited  me  to  accept  the  appointment  when  made  ;  yet  my  first  determina- 
tion was  to  decline  it.  After  reflections  reconciled  me  so  far  to  it  as  to  conclude  to 
accept  it  till  next  November,  but  no  longer.  Accordingly  I  have  utterly  interdicted 
the  mention  of  my  name  at  the  ensuing  election.  The  College  and  congregation  are,  I 
hope,  in  the  interim  well  provided  for.  Your  son  has  concluded  not  to  return  to  Jersey 
this  vacation,  as  he  wishes  to  pursue  his  studies  with  attention,  and  prepare  the  Salu- 
tatory Oration  for  Commencement,  to  which  he  is  appointed.  This  is  the  same  which 
was  assigned  his  uncle  in  1762  at  Princeton. 

My  nephew,  I  suppose,  has  informed  you  what  articles,  if  they  can  be  procured 
more  easily  than  money,  will  suit  for  remittance,  especially  what  kind  of  family  sup- 
plies will  be  most  wanted.  I  expect  to  be  in  great  want  of  cash  in  New  York,  as  I  fear 
Government  has  an  empty  chest ;  hence  I  shall  be  able  to  advance  but  little  towards 
my  expenses  at  my  first  going.  This  will  necessitate  me  to  call  on  those  upon  whom  I 
have  demands  to  furnish  the  needful. 

With  every  wish  for  yours,  and  your  family's  temporal  and  spiritual  welfare  which 
fraternal  affection  can  dictate, 

I  am,  dear  sir,  your  unworthy  brother, 

James  Manning. 

The  following  letter  to  his  friend  the  Rev.  Dr.  John  Rippon,  gives 
the  reasons  more  especially  which  induced  Dr.  Manning  to  accept  this 
appointment,  and  also  his  views  in  regard  to  entering  the  political  arena. 
The  interests  of  the  College,  it  will  be  observed,  in  this  as  in  other 
matters,  were  uppermost  in  his  mind  :  — 

Providence,  April  7,  1786. 
My  Dear  Friend: 

Yours  of  June  23, 1785,  came  to  hand  too  late  to  comply  with  your  request  relative  to 
Mr.  Dunscombe,  as  it  did  not  reach  me  till  November.  He  is  on  my  list  for  the  honors 
of  the  College  next  Commencement. 

Of  Mr.  Booth's  merit  I  am  fully  conscious  ;  but  what  apology  shall  I  make  to  him  for 
not  informing  him  that  the  degree  of  Master  in  the  Arts  was  conferred  on  him  before  the 


428  BROWN    UNIVERSITY  Chap.  XII. 

late  war,  and  that  he  stands  on  our  printed  catalogue  graduated  in  1774?  Some  difficul- 
ties respecting  making  out  diplomas  for  iim  and  a  number  of  gentlemen  in  England 
delayed  it  till  the  late  confusion  commenced,  which  totally  deranged  the  affairs  of  the 
College,  and  effaced  the  memory  of  it  till  of  late,  especially  as  our  Secretary  had 
omitted  entering  the  graduations  on  the  records.  This  but  lately  came  to  my  knowl- 
edge. The  multiplicity  of  cares  which  divide  my  attention  and  engross  all  my  time, 
together  with  the  above,  is  the  best  excuse  I  can  make.  By  Dr.  Gordon  I  now  send  him 
this  feather,  as  a  token  of  our  respect  for  his  great  merit.  This,  with  a  letter  to  him, 
and  letters  and  diplomas  to  several  other  gentlemen  graduated  before  the  war,  I  take 
the  liberty  to  enclose  to  you,  and  beg  of  you  to  forward  them  the  first  good  conveyance. 
During  the  late  war  we  have  been  so  tremblingly  alive,  that  we  have  lately  started  up 
as  from  a  dream.  Of  this  at  least  they  may  be  assured,  that  they  were  not  treated 
designedly  with  neglect. 

Pray,  don't  be  alarmed  should  you  hear  that  I  am  in  Congress.  The  motive  of  my 
accepting  this  most  unexpected,  unsolicited,  but  unanimous  appointment  of  the  State  to 
that  office,  was  the  recovery  of  a  considerable  sum  due  to  the  College,  for  the  use  taken 
of  the  Edifice,  and  the  damage  done  to  it  by  the  public  in  the  late  war.  It  was  thought 
by  those  most  acquainted  with  the  state  of  our  application  to  that  honorable  body,  that 
my  presence  would  facilitate  that  grant ;  more  especially  as  none  of  the  persons  likely 
to  be  elected  would  greatly  interest  themselves  in  that  business.  My  appointment  is 
only  from  our  late  session  till  next  November,  when  I  mean  to  relinquish  the  office,  as 
in  general  I  always  considered  politics  out  of  my  province.  Accordingly  I  have  inter- 
dicted my  name  being  mentioned  in  the  next  nominating.  Both  the  College  and  the 
congregation  are,  I  hope,  well  provided  for  during  my  absence.  The  latter  are  now 
looking  out  for  a  minister.  I  ever  declined  the  pastoral  care  of  the  church  as  quite 
incompatible  with  my  engagements  to  the  College,  though  I  have  preached,  adminis- 
tered ordinances,  visited  the  sick,  attended  funerals,  etc.,  for  the  last  fifteen  years, 
without  assistance.  Convinced  that  I  cannot  hold  that  place  with  advantage  to  them 
and  hold  the  Presidency  of  the  College,  I  have  strongly  recommended  to  them  to  obtain 
if  possible  a  minister,  and  they  are  now  looking  out  for  one.  But  there  is  little  prob- 
ability of  their  finding  the  man  soon  on  this  continent.  A  man  of  letters,  politeness, 
strict  piety,  and  orthodoxy,  of  popular  talents,  possessed  of  a  good  share  of  human 
prudence,  and  no  bigot,  —  in  a  word,  a  truly  Christian  orator  is  the  man  they  want. 
Should  any  of  our  English  brethren  of  this  description  incline  to  visit  America,  I  wish 
him  to  take  Providence  in  his  way.  And  should  he  like  the  people,  and  the  people  him, 
I  believe  our  congregation  would  afford  him  an  honorable  support,  as  it  is  large  and 
composed  of  some  of  the  most  wealthy  men  and  first  characters  in  the  State.  Pray, 
have  you  no  Mr.  Rippons,  Booths,  Evanses,  etc.,  to  spare  from  your  side  of  the  water? 
I  should  for  one  be  very  happy  to  see  them  on  our  American  shores. 


1786-1788.  AND   MANNING.  429 

The  number  of  students  in  College  is  about  fifty,  and  our  prospects  would  be  flatter- 
ing were  it  not  for  the  scarcity  of  money  in  this  country,  which  embarrasses  all  kinds 
of  business.  A  fund  to  educate  pious  youth  of  our  denomination  is  what  I  have  long 
wished  for,  but  have  not  yet  been  able  to  accomplish.  Several  hopeful  youth  for  want 
of  this  are  denied  an  education,  who  promised  fair  to  have  been  ornaments  to  the  min- 
istry. The  state  of  religion,  except  in  Boston,  Newport,  and  in  Vermont,  is  not  very 
flourishing.    With  sentiments  of  esteem,  I  am,  sir, 

Your  assured  friend  and  humble  servant, 

James  Manning. 

P.  S.  —  Some  drops  of  mercy  have,  I  trust,  fallen  upon  Providence.  Our  common 
friend,  Dr.  Drowne,  requested  me  to  mention  to  you  that  the  gentlemen  who  appraised 
the  loss  he  sustained  by  the  bad  package  of  the  medicines  he  received  from  Mr.  Pine, 
are  noted  apothecaries,  and  men  to  be  trusted.  Such,  indeed,  I  esteem  them ;  and  have 
every  reason  to  think  the  Doctor  took  the  utmost  pains  to  render  the  loss  as  small  as 
possible.    In  justice  I  think  myself  bound  to  say  this. 

The  letter  herewith  enclosed  from  Mr.  Nathaniel  Dummer  is  from  one  of  my  partic- 
ular friends.  His  wife  is  a  member  of  our  church,  and  truly  an  excellent  woman.  He 
applied  to  me  to  get  the  information  through  some  of  my  friends  in  England.  He 
feared  to  intrust  it  to  a  person  in  whom  I  could  not  place  the  highest  confidence,  as  he 
feared  he  might  not  get  the  best  information.  If  it  would  be  compatible  with  your 
business  to  procure  the  information  requested,  soon,  and  transmit  to  me  directed  to 
New  York,  and  inform  me  what  the  expense  is,  I  will  engage  to  see  you  paid  the 
expense  and  trouble  which  it  may  cost  you,  over  and  above  thanking  you  for  your  kind- 
ness. As  the  information  of  Governor  Dummer  is  thought  worthy  to  be  relied  on 
since  he  came  to  America  after  he  was  grown  up,  it  is  thought  highly  probable  that  my 
friend  is  the  next  heir  to  the  estate.  Should  the  information  coincide  with  his  wishes, 
he  means  immediately  to  embark  for  England  to  attend  to  the  business.  Pray,  let  me 
hear  by  every  good  opportunity  of  your  welfare.  With  every  wish  which  the  sincerest 
friendship  can  dictate  for  your  temporal  and  eternal  felicity,  I  subscribe  myself, 
Your  very  unworthy  fellow-servant  in  the  gospel  of  Christ, 

James  Manning. 

"  A  man  of  letters,  politeness,  strict  piety,  and  orthodoxy,  of  popular 
talents,  possessed  of  a  good  share  of  human  prudence,  and  no  bigot ; 
in  a  word,  a  truly  Christian  orator," — such  is  Dr.  Manning's  brief  and 
expressive  description  of  a  minister  to  succeed  in  the  pastorate  of  the 


430  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  XII. 

Baptist  church  at  Providence.     How  unconsciously  has  he  here  pre- 
sented his  own  character  as  a  preacher  and  pastor ! 

In  reference  to  Manning's  appointment  to  Congress  and  the  conse- 
quent vacancy  in  the  church,  Mr.  Nicholas  Brown  thus  writes  to  the 
Rev.  Hezekiah  Smith,  under  date  of  April  2,  1786  :  — 

You  will  perhaps  think  it  strange  to  hear  of  Mr.  Manning's  going  to  Congress,  but  I 
reserve  giving  a  full  account  of  this  matter,  hoping  this  may  have  some  influence  in 
inducing  you  to  come  at  the  time  proposed,  when  you  will  hear  all.  I  will  only  say 
here,  that  as  the  College  increases,  Mr.  Manning  urges,  and  with  reason,  that  he  cannot 
possibly  attend  to  the  duties  of  both  President  and  pastor,  and  that  the  church  has 
suffered  for  the  want  of  time  on  his  part  to  visit,  etc.  He  has  therefore  recommended 
to  the  church  and  society  to  look  up  a  suitable  person  as  his  successor,  and  as  the  College 
funds  are  not  of  themselves,  in  their  present  state,  sufficient  for  his  support,  he  goes  to 
Congress  to  get  what  is  due  for  rents,  damages,  etc.,  during  the  war The  commit- 
tee before  mentioned  are  not  only  to  obtain  supplies  in  his  absence,  but  to  look  up  a  suit- 
able person  to  take  charge  of  the  church  as  a  pastor.  You  know  he  must  be  a  man  of 
learning,  and  prudently  popular.  The  society  will  engage  such  an  one  a  genteel  living, 
etc.  Your  advice,  my  dearfriend,  if  nothing  more,  is  absolutely  necessary  at  this  junc- 
ture. No  one,  let  me  add,  will  be  more  acceptable,  on  all  accounts,  than  yourself,  as  a 
candidate  for  this  important  place. 

The  following  letter  to  the  Rev.  Dr.  Caleb  Evans  is  very  similar  to 
the  one  to  Dr.  Rippon,  and  bears  the  same  date.  We  give  it,  however, 
as  a  part  of  Manning's  correspondence,  omitting  a  portion  to  avoid 
needless  repetition. 

Providence,  April  7, 1786. 
Dear  Sir  : 

Some  time  in  November  last  I  received  your  most  acceptable  favor  of  Sept.  5th,  for- 
warded by  Mr.  Waldo.  I  am  happy  to  hear  that  your  Education  Society,  at  their  meet- 
ing in  August  last,  empowered  you  to  send  such  valuable  books  as  they  have  to  dispose 
of  to  our  College.  As  you  intended  sending  them  by  an  early  opportunity,  and  as  I 
have  heard  nothing  on  the  subject  since,  I  fear  they  may  have  fallen  into  bad  hands,  or 
have  been  lost  at  sea.  This  induces  me  to  write  now  that  you  may  know  they  have  not 
arrived. 

If  spared  to  see  another  annual  meeting  of  the  Corporation,  at  which  only  we  have 
ever  conferred  degrees,  we  shall  remember  your  worthy  colleague,  the  Rev.  James 
Newton,  and  confer  on  him  the  degree  of  Master  in  the  Arts,    Your  recommendation 


1786-1788.  AND   MANNING.  431 

of  any  gentleman  for  the  honors  of  the  College  will  always  meet  with  particular 
attention. 

The  College  consists  of  upwards  of  fifty  members,  and  would  nourish  greatly  were 
it  not  for  the  scarcity  of  money  in  this  country,  which  exceeds  description.  This  scar- 
city peculiarly  affects  us.  The  appropriation  of  the  Edifice  to  public  uses  during  the  war 
was  productive  of  great  damage  to  it,  for  reparation  of  which,  as  well  as  for  the  rents, 
the  Corporation  sent  me  last  year  to  Congress,  with  the  state  of  our  accounts  and 
claims  and  sufficient  vouchers.  We  obtained  a  hearing  before  a  committee  appointed  to 
report  on  the  subject  of  the  petition,  and  obtained  a  favorable  report,  but  lost  it  before 
Congress  when  the  report  was  acted  upon.  Our  late  Professor  Howell  was  then  a  mem- 
ber, and  had  great  influence ;  but  as  he  had  effectually  opposed  some  continental  meas- 
ures, he  thinks  the  question  was  lost  by  that  means,  together  with  the  small  nnmber  of 
the  states  represented  on  the  floor.  By  the  articles  of  the  confederation,  he  is  not  again 
eligible  for  three  years ;  nor  could  we  find  any  man,  probably,  to  be  chosen,  who  would 
deeply  interest  himself  for  the  College.  This  induced  me,  at  his  earnest  importunity, 
together  with  his  giving  the  greatest  encouragement  that  a  grant  might  be  obtained,  to 
accept  the  unanimous  appointment  of  our  Legislature,  at  their  late  session,  as  their  first 
delegate  in  Congress  till  next  November, —  an  appointment  to  me  most  unexpected,  as  I 
had  considered  politics  out  of  my  province,  and  on  that  account  had  declined  a  former 
nomination  to  that  office.  The  interests  of  the  College  lay  near  my  heart,  and  the  neces- 
sities of  it  call  aloud  for  the  exertions  of  all  its  friends.  I  thought  proper  to  give  you 
these  hints,  lest  upon  hearing  of  my  being  in  Congress  you  might  think  I  meant  to 
assume  the  political  character ;  than  which,  in  general,  nothing  is  more  remote  from  my 
intentions,  notwithstanding  the  great  importunity  of  many  of  the  Legislature  for  me  to 
continue  in  the  office.  I  hope  the  College  and  congregation  will  be  well  provided  for 
during  my  absence,  and  I  do  not  doubt  it  from  the  arrangements  made. 

The  state  of  religion  in  this  country  at  present  is  low ;  yet  our  churches  in  Boston 

and  Newport  the  last  winter  and  this  spring  are  mercifully  visited,  and  some  drops  of 

mercy  have,  I  trust,  fallen  upon  Providence.    With  every  wish  for  your  happiness,  I 

remain,  dear  sir, 

Yours,  etc., 

Jambs  Manning. 

To  the  Rev.  Abraham  Booth. 

Providence,  Rhode  Island,  April  7, 1786. 
Reverend  and  Dear  Sir  : 

Your  most  acceptable  favor  of  the  25th  of  March,  1785,  never  reached  me  until  Sep- 
tember last.    I  heartily  thank  you  for  your  translation  of  Dr.  Abadie.    I  esteem  it  a 


432  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  XII. 

masterly  performance,  and  wish  it  to  have  a  general  spread  through  this  country, 
which,  in  imitation  of  the  old  country,  is  rejecting  the  ancient  gospel.  Dr.  Chauncey's 
hook  in  favor  of  universal  salvation,  printed  in  London,  has  made  many  proselytes 
amongst  the  New  England  Congregationalists.  Mere  nominal  Christian  ministers  now 
"begin  to  show  on  whose  side  they  are.  I  am  convinced,  however,  that  these  trying 
times  are  necessary,  and  will  eventually  subserve  the  interests  of  the  Redeemer. 
False  friends  are  more  dangerous  to  religion  than  avowed  enemies. 

After  a  cursory  reading  of  your  "Pedobaptism  Examined"  last  spring,  I  loaned  it 
to  my  Brother  Gano  at  New  York,  who  at  that  time  had  great  need  of  it,  and  I  have 
never  been  able  to  get  it  since.  I  read  it  with  great  pleasure,  and  shall  be  happy  to  see 
a  second  edition,  without  any  corrections  except  such  as  the  judicious  author  may  see 
fit  to  make.  It  is  out  of  my  power  to  comply  with  your  request  to  criticise  it.  Some 
hints  when  at  New  York  led  me  to  suspect  on  whom  you  animadverted  in  the  note  you 
mention.  It  grieves  me  that  such  fine  abilities  should  be  prostituted  in  the  support  of 
error.  Hope  he  may  return  to  a  better  way  of  thinking.  You  need  not  fear  any  dis- 
coveries to  your  disadvantage. 

I  thank  you  for  your  attention  to  my  friend  Dr.  Drowne.  Having  gained  his  object 
in  France,  he  returned  last  summer,  and  is  now  well,  and  retains  a  high  sense  of  the 
favors  received  in  your  family. 

I  hope  the  amiable  and  worthy  Dr.  Stennett  is  recovered,  and  will  yet  be  spared  to 
do  much  service  to  the  cause  of  the  Redeemer,  in  addition  to  the  important  service  he 
has  already  rendered.  I  rejoice  to  hear  that  his  son  is  such  a  worthy  character.  I  wish 
he  may  fill  his  honored  father's  place,  when  he,  having  served  his  generation  according 
to  the  will  of  God,  shall  sleep  with  his  fathers. 

It  is  pleasing  to  hear  that  the  cause  of  God  gains  ground  in  England,  and  especially 
in  our  denomination.  Sorry  am  I  to  hear  of  the  dissolution  of  two  Baptist  churches  in 
London.  Dr.  Gibbons  was  an  intimate  acquaintance  of  my  old  President  Davies,  and 
through  that  channel  I  became  acquainted  with  his  character.  I  esteemed  him  a 
worthy,  good  man.  Some  more  of  Mr.  Backus's  first  volume,  he  tells  me,  are  found  in 
London. 

Your  letter,  accompanying  a  copy  of  Dr.  Abadie,  I  forwarded  immediately  to  Mr. 
Stillman,  who  received  it. 

Our  Baptist  churches  in  Boston  and  Newport  have  had  through  the  winter,  and  still 
have,  a  gracious  visit.  Considerable  additions  have  been  made  to  them,  and  the  good 
work  continues.  I  have  also  good  tidings  of  the  same  kind  from  Virginia.  Some 
scattering  drops  I  hope  have  fallen  upon  Providence,  but  the  number  of  late  conver- 
sions is  but  small. 

What  apology  shall  I  make  for  not  advising  you  that  the  College  conferred  on  you 
the  degree  of  Master  in  the  Arts  in  1774?    Directly  after  Commencement  I  was  called 


1786-1788.  AND    MANNING.  433 

away  to  the  Southern  states,  and  on  my  return  the  Lord  was  pleased  to  pour  out  his 
Spirit  on  the  people  of  my  charge  in  a  glorious  manner,  which  engaged  both  my  time 
and  my  attention  till  that  fatal  19th  of  April  following,  when  hostilities  commenced  at 
Lexington,  which  cut  off  all  intercourse  between  the  two  countries,  and  so  deranged 
the  affairs  of  the  College  that  it  is  but  lately  that  I  recollected  that  diplomas  had  never 
been  sent  to  you  and  several  other  gentlemen  graduated  upon  the  recommendation  of 
Mr.  Riley,  of  Northampton.  If  these  excuses,  with  more  somewhat  similar,  are  not 
sufficient,  and  I  seem  really  to  doubt  myself,  I  must  take  the  blame  of  neglect  on 
myself,  and  make  the  best  apology  I  can  by  complying  with  my  duty  at  this  late  hour. 
As  a  testimony  of  our  respect  for  your  merit,  be  pleased  to  accept  the  diploma  which 
accompanies  this ;  and  if  you  can,  excuse  the  omission  of  giving  you  timely  advice. 
To  one  not  a  resident  in  America  it  is  hard  to  conceive  into  what  confusion  the  war 
threw  us,  from  which  it  will  not  be  easy  to  recover  soon.  The  College,  however,  is  in  a 
more  prosperous  state  than  ever,  and  promises  fair  to  hold  a  rank  amongst  literary 
institutions  in  this  new  world ;  but  the  scarcity  of  cash  greatly  embarrasses  the  College 
at  present,  as  it  is  extremely  difficult  for  people  of  property  to  raise  money  to  educate 
their  children. 

I  shall  be  glad  to  have  a  letter  from  Mr.  Booth  by  every  opportunity. 

With  every  wish  for  your  temporal  and  eternal  felicity  which  the  sincerest  friend- 
ship can  dictate,  I  remain,  dear  sir, 

Yours,  in  Christ, 

James  Manning. 

The  following  letter  is  addressed  to  the  Rev.  Dr.  William  Gordon, 
who,  it  will  be  remembered,  came  from  England  in  1770,  with  a  letter 
of  introduction  to  Manning  from  the  Rev.  Dr.  Stennett.  He  settled  in 
Massachusetts,  and  was  ordained  pastor  of  a  Congregational  church  in 
Jamaica  Plain,  Roxbury,  on  the  6th  of  July,  1772.  When  the  Revo- 
lution commenced,  he  took  a  very  active  part  against  his  native  country, 
and  was  appointed  chaplain  to  the  Provincial  Congress.  He  preached 
a  Thanksgiving  discourse,  Dec.  15,  1774,  which  is  published  in  Thorn- 
ton's "Pulpit  of  the  American  Revolution."  In  1786  he  returned  to 
England,  and  two  years  afterwards  published,  in  four  octavo  volumes, 
"  The  History  of  the  Rise,  Progress,  and  Establishment  of  the  Inde- 
pendence of  the  United  States  of  America, "  —  a  candid  and  impartial 
work,  says  Alibone,  of  which  there  have  been  several  editions.  He 
died  at  Ipswich,  Oct.  19,1807,  aged  seventy-seven.     Manning,  it  seems, 

55 


434  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  XII. 

cultivated  an  intimacy  with  him.  In  this  letter  he  speaks  of  a  dona- 
tion of  books  which  Gordon  made  to  the  College  Library.  Among 
them  we  notice  Caryl's  Exposition,  with  Practical  Observations  upon 
the  book  of  Job,  —  a  work  in  two  huge  folios,  published  in  London,  in 
1676,  of  which  Charles  Lamb  playfully  says,  "What  any  man  can 
write,  surely  I  may  read." 

Providence,  April  13,  1786. 
Reverend  and  Dear  Sir: 

Yours  of  the  21st  and  27th  ult.  were  long  in  coming  to  hand,  and  the  reasons  of  my 
delaying  to  answer  them  were  that  I  mistook  one  week  in  the  time  set  for  your  sailing, 
and  my  having  a  number  of  letters  to  write  and  several  diplomas  to  get  ready  to  send 
to  some  gentlemen  in  England.  All  these  I  have  enclosed  to  Rev.  John  Rippon,  suc- 
cessor to  Dr.  Gill,  who  will  take  care  to  forward  them  as  directed.  I  must  beg  the 
favor  of  you  to  see  Mr.  Rippon,  and  deliver  them  with  your  own  hand. 

It  was  my  intention  to  have  seen  you  myself  and  brought  Mrs.  Manning  down,  who 
was  exceedingly  desirous  of  it,  that  we  might  have  had  the  opportunity  of  a  parting 
kiss ;  but,  unfortunately,  my  horse  is  disordered,  and  unable  to  perform  the  journey. 
Though  denied  the  pleasure  of  one  more  interview  with  you  here,  I  trust  the  grace  and 
mercy  of  God  will  favor  us  with  one  infinitely  more  agreeable  in  a  better  world.  You 
have  my  unworthy  prayers  for  your  own  and  your  family's  safety  while  on  the  ocean, 
and  my  sincere  desires  for  your  and  their  prosperity  in  your  native  country,  from 
whence  I  shall  ever  rejoice  to  receive  letters  from  you,  and  return  the  favor.  I  have 
been  informed  that  you  have  been  greatly  abused  in  the  Boston  newspapers.  You 
know  that  is  a  talent  our  neighbors  there  possess.  They  are  ingenious  to  provoke.  I 
am  sorry  your  success  in  subscriptions  is  small  here ;  but  such  is  the  scarcity  of  money 
that  many  who  wished  to  be  possessors,  and  amongst  the  rest  your  humble  servant, 
were  necessitated  to  forego  it.  But  I  hope  to  see  better  times.  Shall  be  proud  to  place 
Dr.  Gordon's  History  of  the  American  "War  in  the  College  Library  at  Providence,  as  a 
token  of  his  remembrance  and  friendship  for  that  Institution. 

Don't  imagine  that  I  mean  to  exchange  the  sacred  for  the  political  character,  because 
until  the  next  November  I  have  accepted  an  appointment  of  the  State  to  a  seat  in  Con- 
gress. It  is  purely  with  a  view  to  obtain,  if  possible,  a  grant  to  compensate  the  rents 
and  damages  for  the  use  of  the  Edifice  by  the  public  during  the  war.1  However 
strongly  solicited,  I  have  not  the  least  idea  of  suffering  my  name  to  be  used  in  a  sub- 


1  Dr.  Manning  did  not  succeed  In  his  endeavors.  Fourteen  years  afterwards  (April  16,  1800), 
through  the  exertions  mainly  of  Mr.  John  Brown,  Congress  voted  compensation,  as  we  have  stated 
in  a  previous  chapter. 


1786-1788.  AND    MANNING.  435 

sequent  election.  More  than  a  thousand  pounds  is  our  just  due  from  the  public.  "With 
our  small  funds  this  is  too  much  to  lose.  I  wish  with  all  my  heart  you  may  succeed  to 
your  wishes  in  returning  to  your  native  country.  Mrs.  Manning  joins  in  her  best 
regards  to  you  and  Mrs.  Gordon.  We  wish  you  every  facility  which  the  sincerest 
friendship  can  dictate,  both  in  time  and  eternity. 

I  rest,  yours,  etc.,  in  gospel  bonds, 

James  Manning. 

p.  g,  —  By  Mr.  Brown,  the  wagoner,  we  received  the  box  of  books  in  good  order,  and 

I  beg  leave  in  the  name  and  in  behalf  of  the  Corporation  to  present  you  the  hearty 

thanks  of  the  College  for  the  donation.    They  are  delivered  to  the  Librarian,  and 

ordered  to  be  set  up  and  your  name  to  be  enrolled  amongst  the  benefactors  of  Rhode 

Island  College. 

James  Manning,  President. 

To  the  Rev.  Dr.  Hezekiah  Smith. 

New  York,  17th  May,  1786. 
Dear  Sir: 

Yours  of  the  27th  ult.  came  safe  to  hand,  for  which  I  thank  you,  and  should  have 
answered  it  before  had  not  my  hands  been  full.  Mrs.  Manning  informed  me  of  the 
application  to  you  to  be  my  successor  in  the  meeting  at  Providence.  I  should  be  happy 
in  your  society,  and  should  Providence  order  your  lot  there,  I  shall  while  there  con- 
tribute my  best  endeavors  to  render  your  life  happy,  and  useful  to  the  people ;  but  I 
think  it  best  to  interfere  as  little  as  may  be  with  their  determinations  in  settling  a 
minister,  as  I'conceive  it  might  lessen  my  influence  in  his  favor,  after  his  settlement, 
should  they  have  it  in  their  power  to  say,  when  his  support  might  be  felt,  that  I  was 
any  means  of  it.  Not  that  I  hereby  mean  to  excuse  myself  from  doing  my  personal 
duty  in  that  case,  which  I  hope  would  be  a  pleasure.  Should  you  accept  of  their  invi- 
tation, your  piety,  I  trust,  would  more  than  compensate  the  defect  of  politeness,  — a 
high  degree  of  which  I  cannot  deem  primarily  essential  in  a  gospel  preacher,  any  more 
than  distinguished  rusticity.  Habits  of  easiness  in  access,  and  gentle,  unaffected  man- 
ners, are  most  pleasing  in  that  character. 

I  hope  you  may  have  the  pleasure  to  find  that  your  labors  at  Providence  are  fol- 
lowed with  a  blessing.  The  Lord  is  doing  wonders  in  this  city  and  its  vicinity,  but 
especially  in  the  Jerseys,  at  the  Plains,  Mountains,  Piscataway,  and  Cranberry.  I 
attend  the  June  meeting.  Mr.  Runyan,  on  Saturday,  baptized  twelve  ;  the  Sabbatarian 
minister  three.  Great  power  appeared  to  attend  the  preaching.  Multitudes  appeared 
deeply  affected,  and  during  the  meeting  several  professed  to  be  brought  into  gospel 
liberty.    Such  a  meeting  I  believe  was  never  seen  at  Piscataway  before.    I  am  told  the 


436  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  XII. 

Thursday  following  twelve  were  baptized  at  Quibbletown,  and  Lord's  Day  thirteen  at 
the  Plains.  There  appears  a  considerable  turn  in  the  minds  of  the  people  throughout 
that  quarter.  Mr.  "Wilson  flames  out  and  is  remarkably  blessed,  and  goes  on  preach- 
ing, exhorting,  and  baptizing  from  place  to  place  with  surprising  success.  The  Lord 
indeed  is  doing  great  things  in  the  land. 

Of  your  mother  I  can  give  no  information,  but  presume  she  is  living,  otherwise  Mr. 
Guthrie,  or  your  brother  Jeremiah,  would  have  told  me  of  her  death.  My  situation 
here  is  indeed  very  awkward,  without  a  colleague,  without  money,  and  in  doubt  what 
to  resolve  on.  Our  public  affairs  wear  a  cloudy  aspect.  I  hope  it  is  that  the  interposi- 
tion of  Heaven  may  be  seen  in  extricating  vis  from  difficulty.  His  former  unmerited 
favor  to  this  guilty  land  encourages  me  to  hope  for  it  though  it  should  almost  be 
against  hope. 

The  savages  have  begun  their  barbarous  depredations  on  our  western  frontiers,  but 
probably  not  without  provocation  from  some  of  that  lawless  banditti  which  forms  the 
van  of  those  settlements.  It  is  expected  that,  on  investigation,  this  will  be  found  true. 
Many  of  the  innocent  must  doubtless  be  involved  in  ruin  in  consequence  of  it.  The 
wretched,  deranged  finances  of  the  Federal  Government,  will  allow  us,  if  disposed,  to 
afford  these  people  but  feeble  aid. 

I  am  treated  with  respect  by  Congress  and  the  heads  of  departments.  The  present 
Congress  possess  great  integrity,  and  a  good  share  of  abilities ;  but  for  want  of  more 
states  on  the  floor  the  public  and  important  business  is  from  day  to  day  neglected.  We 
are,  however,  in  daily  expectation  of  a  fuller  delegation.  If  personal  matters  could  be 
so  adjusted  that  I  were  not  disquieted,  I  should  be  very  happy  in  my  situation  here  ; 
for  I  commonly  preach  once  or  twice  on  Lord's  Days,  either  in  town,  on  Long  or  Staten 
Island,  or  in  the  Jerseys. 

Please  to  present  my  best  respects  to  Mrs.  Smith  and  friends,  and  believe  me  to  be 

Your  old,  unvarying  friend, 

James  Manning. 

The  following  letter  from  Dr.  Drowne  directed  to  the  Hon.  James 
Manning,  D.  D.,  member  of  Congress,  New  York,  happily  illustrates 
the  politics  of  the  times :  — 

Providence,  June  23, 1786. 
Dear  Sir: 

I  have  the  pleasure  to  inform  you  of  the  general  health  of  your  friends  here,  though 
the  body  politic  labors  under  a  threatening  malady,  the  furor  pecuniae  nothae.  The 
monstrous  production  has  at  length  come  to  light,  and  we  heartily  wish  it  may  come 
speedily  to  that  other  light  spoken  of  by  Longinus.    This  mock  money  is  forced  on 


J786-1788.  AND    MANNING.  437 

some,  taken  by  a  few  others ;  but  more  generally  refused  in  this  town  and  Newport. 
Next  week  its  fate  will  in  some  measure  be  decided.  Should  the  General  Assembly 
order  a  tax  of  about  thirty  thousand  pounds,  its  circulation  may  be  preserved  awhile, 
otherwise  it  will  inevitably  perish.  I  am  sorry  your  residence  in  New  York  should  be 
rendered  any  way  disagreeable  to  you,  as  I  fear  it  must  from  your  colleague's  with- 
holding himself,  and  also  from  disappointment  with  respect  to  pecuniary  supplies. 
But  these  are  only  a  small  part  of  the  ills  the  statesman  has  to  cope  with.  Thorny  is 
the  political  path,  and  I  am  almost  of  the  opinion  of  a  celebrated  Frenchman,  that  the 
man  who  devotes  himself  to  politics,  from  the  vexations  he  must  necessarily  encounter, 
does  not  actually  live  as  long  as  he  whose  mind  is  employed  in  contemplating  the 
beauties  of  nature,  or  admiring  the  excellent  productions  of  the  fine  arts. 

Wishing  to  make  some  of  your  uncongressional  hours  agreeable,  I  would  bring  you 
acquainted  with  M.  Otto,  Chargd  des  Affaires  from  the  Court  of  Versailles.  From  the 
intimacy  which  subsisted  between  us  on  board  the  French  Packet,  I  found  him  a  man 
of  good  heart,  of  extensive  knowledge,  of  obliging  manners,  and  therefore  a  worthy 
companion.  If  you  have  already  been  introduced  to  M.  Otto,  yet  I  could  wish  a  safe 
conveyance  of  the  inclosed  letter  to  him,  as  it  contains  a  request,  which,  I  expect,  will 
draw  a  line  from  him.  I  must  not  forget  to  mention  that  I  am  blessed  with  another 
daughter.    That  you  may  be  favored  with  health  and  success  is  the  sincere  wish  of  your 

Friend  and  humble  servant, 

Solomon  Drowne. 

The  following  letter  which  we  find  in  Staples's  "  Rhode  Island  in 
the  Continental  Congress,"  presents  a  striking  view  of  the  difficulties 
of  President  Manning's  position,  and  of  the  crisis  in  national  affairs, 
which  resulted  in  the  National  Convention  of  1787,  and  the  formation 
of  the  Federal  Constitution :  — 

To  Governor  Collins. 

New  York,  May  26,  1786. 

Sir:  —  Agreeably  to  the  directions  of  the  General  Assembly,  at  their  session  in 
Greenwich,  I  proceeded  to  New  York  and  took  my  seat  in  Congress,  as  a  delegate,  the 
2d  of  this  month,  in  full  expectation  that  General  Miller  would  follow  me  in  a  few 
days,  with  the  necessary  supply  of  money  to  support  us.  But,  to  my  surprise,  I  have 
not  heard  from  the  General  since  my  departure  from  Rhode  Island.  Destitute  of  money 
to  defray  my  necessary  expenses,  and  at  a  loss  to  conjecture  the  reasons  of  the  Gen- 
eral's delay,  you  must  naturally  conclude  that  my  situation  is  far  from  being  agreeable. 

I  wish  to  be  informed  whether  the  State  means  to  support  a  representative  in  Con- 


438  BROWN    UNIVERSITY  Chap.  XII. 

gress  or  not,  that  I  may  act  accordingly.  My  private  purse  will  not  support  me  here, 
and  you,  sir,  know  the  expense  attending  this  character  too  well  to  be  informed  that 
money  in  hand  is  necessary  for  the  support  of  our  delegation.  Congress  is  highly 
displeased  with  the  conduct  of  Rhode  Island,  in  not  sending  forward  her  delegates.  I 
have  made  the  best  apology  I  could  for  this  neglect,  but  am  obliged  now  to  be  silent,, 
as  I  have  no  advice  on  the  subject. 

I  think  it  my  duty  to  inform  you  that  this  honorable  Body  is  not  a  little  alarmed  at 
the  present  crisis ;  with  an  empty  treasury,  while  pressed  on  all  sides  for  money ;  the 
requisitions  not  complied  with  in  many  of  the  states ;  the  collection  of  taxes  post- 
poned; our  trade  embarrassed  and  almost  prostrate;  and  the  Barbary  powers  fitting 
out  more  formidable  armaments  than  ever  sailed  out  of  the  Straits.  Great  Britain, 
too,  through  our  Minister,  has  absolutely  refused  the  surrender  of  the  western  ports, 
until  the  United  States  comply,  on  their  part,  with  the  fourth  article  of  the  treaty, 
which  provides  that  British  merchants  shall  be  under  no  legal  impropriety  of  recover- 
ing, in  sterling  money,  their  bona  fide  debts  from  the  citizens  of  the  United  States. 
Against  this  article,  since  the  passing  of  the  money  bill  in  our  State,  nine  states  in  the 
Confederacy  have  passed  acts,  and  several  of  the  Indian  tribes,  as  we  learn  from  recent 
dispatches,  have  already  commenced  hostilities  on  our  "Western  frontier. 

This  is  our  deplorable  situation,  and  Congress  is  obliged  this  day  to  adjourn  for  want 
of  a  sufficient  number  of  states,  to  proceed  in  the  necessary  and  most  important  busi- 
ness of  the  Confederacy.  In  a  word,  sir,  all  the  old  members  have  looked  serious,  and 
are  alarmed  for  the  safety  of  the  Confederacy.  A  motion  is  made,  and  it  is  proposed  to 
assign  a  day  to  go  into  the  state  of  the  nation,  in  a  committee  of  the  whole  House,  that 
we  may  send  forward  to  the  states  without  loss  of  time,  the  dangerous  situation  of  the 
Federal  government,  that  they  may  acquit  themselves  of  censure  should  disastrous 
events  happen  through  the  neglect  of  the  states.  This  motion  has  only  been  post- 
poned for  a  fuller  representation,  as  they  were  in  daily  expectation  of  having  both 
Rhode  Island  and  New  Hampshire  on  the  floor. 

I  assure  you,  sir,  that  the  above  is  not  an  exaggerated  account,  but  done  in  the  words 
of  truth  and  soberness.  We  have  lately  been  employed  in  reducing  the  expenses  of  the 
civil  list,  which  we  have  done  upwards  of  ten  thousand  dollars ;  nor  do  we  mean  to 
stop  here,  but  embrace  every  opportunity  to  retrench  as  much  as  possible  the  expenses 
of  the  Federal  government.  I  have  the  pleasure  to  inform  you  that  I  think  the  present 
delegation  in  Congress,  Rhode  Island  apart,  possess  great  patriotism,  ability,  and  una- 
nimity, but  the  want  of  energy  in  the  Federal  government,  and  in  the  respective  gov- 
ernments of  the  states  is,  by  every  true  friend  of  this  country,  to  be  lamented. 
With  the  highest  sentiments  of  esteem, 

Sir,  your  humble  servant, 

James  Manning. 


1786-17SS.  AND    MANNING.  439 

Dr.  Manning's  colleague  was  Brig. -Gen.  Nathan  Miller,  of  Warren. 
To  him  he  thus  writes,  giving  a  graphic  description  of  his  own  embar- 
rassed condition  for  want  of  funds,  and  urging  him  in  the  present  crisis 
of  affairs  to  take  his  seat  as  a  delegate,  and  by  his  presence  and  influence 
aid  in  preventing  an  impending  dissolution  of  the  Federal  Government. 
That  Manning  fully  comprehended  the  great  questions  which  agitated 
this  Congress  of  1786,  and  which  finally  led  to  a  more  perfect  union  of 
the  states,  is  evident  from  his  correspondence,  and  from  the  great  inter- 
est which  he  felt  and  the  efforts  which  he  made  to  secure  the  adoption 
of  the  Constitution  of  the  United  States. 

New  York,  7th  of  June,  1786. 
Dear  Sir: 

I  think  if  for  a  moment  you  would  figure  to  yourself  my  situation,  alone  here  for 
more  than  a  month,  reduced  to  the  very  last  guinea  and  a  trifle  of  change  (which  is  the 
case) ;  my  lodging,  washing,  barber's,  hatter's,  tailor's  bills,  etc.,  not  paid;  without  the 
favor  of  a  single  line  from  you  advising  me  whether  you  mean  to  come  or  not,  or  send- 
ing forward  the  one  hundred  dollars  on  hand,  which  you  proposed  doing  from  the 
election  if  you  were  not  likely  to  follow  me  soon,  —  I  say  if  you  would  but  realize  my 
situation,  you  could  not  but  pity  me  from  your  heart.  I  wrote  you  long  since.  I 
begged  an  answer  from  you,  one  way  or  another,  that  I  might  know  what  measures  to 
take.  But  as  I  am  now  situated,  I  can  neither  stay  nor  go,  except  to  the  new  City 
Hall,  if  my  creditors  exact  it;  and  strangers  have  no  more  compassion  on  me  than  the 
State  that  appointed  me.  I  must  interest  you  to  forward  that  sum  of  one  hundred  dol- 
lars, if  no  more  can  be  had,  by  the  first  opportunity,  with  a  line  advising  me  of  your 
real  intentions.  Matters  highly  interesting  to  this  Confederacy,  and  indeed  I  think  the 
question  whether  the  Federal  Government  shall  long  exist,  are  now  before  Congress, 
and  there  are  not  states  represented  sufficient  to  transact  the  necessary  business,  as 
we  now  have  barely  nine  states  on  the  floor.  Our  affairs  are  come  very  much  to  a  point, 
and  if  the  states  continue  to  neglect  keeping  up  their  delegations  in  Congress,  the  Fed- 
eral Government  must  ipso  facto  dissolve.  I  have  written  the  Governor  on  these  sub- 
jects, and  desired  his  answer,  whether  we  should  keep  up  our  delegation  or  not.  I  shall 
wait  till  a  reasonable  time  for  an  answer  from  you,  and  quit  if  I  do  not  receive  it.  Send 
me  by  the  post  or  packets.  Frank  your  letters  by  the  post.  I  shall  impatiently  wait 
the  event,  and  with  sentiments  of  esteem,  I  have  the  honor  to  be,  sir, 

Your  humble  servant, 

James  Manning. 


440  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  XII. 

To  the  Same. 

New  York,  12th  of  June,  1786. 
Sir: — Yours  of  27th  ult.  came  to  hand  two  days  ago.  Am  mortified  exceedingly 
that  you  have  not  come  forward,  nor  sent  on  the  money  on  hand;  for  I  am  reduced  to 
but  a  few  shillings,  and  my  hills  are  not  paid.  My  situation  —  without  a  colleague, 
without  money,  and  without  any  instructions  or  favorable  prospects  from  Government 
—  is  painful.  Rhode  Island  has  not  many  more  strides  to  make  to  complete  her  dis- 
grace, and  ruin  too;  but  that  is  not  all.  She  is  likely  to  hold  a  distinguished  rank 
amongst  the  contributors  to  the  ruin  of  the  Federal  Government.  Never,  probably,  was 
a  full  delegation  of  the  states  more  necessary  than  now,  for  you  may  rest  assured  that 
in  the  opinion  of  every  member  of  Congress,  and  in  the  several  departments,  things 
are  come  to  a  crisis  with  the  Federal  Government.  You  say  you  think  the  present 
House  does  not  want  a  Congress ;  the  members  may,  it  is  more  than  probable,  very  soon 
see  the  accomplishment  of  their  wishes ;  for  without  a  speedy  reform  in  the  policy  of  the 
states,  the  Federal  Government  must  be  no  more.  The  flagrant  violations  of  the  public 
faith,  solemnly  plighted,  in  the  late  emissions  of  paper  money,  on  the  conditions  on 
which  it  is  emitted,  are  here  considered  as  the  completion  of  our  ruin  as  a  nation :  but  I 
wrote  you  before  on  this  subject ;  it  is  too  painful  to  repeat.  Pray  send  me  on  the 
money  on  hand,  or  come  and  bring  it  yourself,  without  loss  of  time  ;  at  least,  write  me 
by  every  vessel.    "With  sentiments  of  esteem,  I  have  the  honor  to  be,  sir, 

Your  humble  servant, 

James  Manning. 

The  following  letter  from  the  Rev.  Dr.  Gordon  will  be  found 
especially  interesting,  in  view  of  the  author's  position  as  a  defender  of 
America  on  English  soil :  — 

Stoke  Newington,  England,  Sept.  13, 1786. 
My  Dear  Sir: 

I  have  appropriated  a  few  of  my  busy  moments  to  your  friendship,  on  which  I  set  a 
high  value.  You  will  have  heard  of  our  safe  arrival.  The  passage  was,  blessed  be 
God,  good  upon  the  whole,  and  though  longer  by  a  week  or  two  than  we  could  have 
wished,  yet  not  lengthy.  We  were  in  London  within  six  weeks,  lacking  two  days,  after 
leaving  Boston,  and  had  a  slight  sea-sickness  only  the  first  day.  Many  of  our  friends 
and  acquaintance,  and  some  of  our  relations,  had  been  removed;  but  we  had  the 
pleasure  of  finding  as  many  still  living  as  we  could  reasonably  expect.  I  took  care  to 
deliver  the  parcel  for  Mr.  Rippon  safely,  of  which  you  will  probably  have  received  an 
account  before  this  arrives.    It  would  have  been  great  pleasure  to  us  to  have  seen  you 


1786-1788.  AND    MANNING.  441 

and  Mrs.  Manning  before  our  departure ;  but  that  having  been  prevented,  I  trust  with 
you  that  the  grace  and  mercy  of  God  will  favor  us  with  an  interview  infinitely  more 
agreeable  in  a  better  world.  I  am  exceedingly  busy  upon  my  History,  and  when  I  have 
finished  it  shall  not  be  unmindful  of  your  College  Library.  The  abuse  in  the  public 
papers  hindered  the  subscriptions  very  much.  I  hope,  however,  they  will  be  made  up 
in  Britain.  The  beginning  of  next  month  I  mean  to  have  the  proposals  circulating ; 
but  am  apprehensive  that  the  book  will  not  go  to  the  press  so  early  as  I  intended. 
Every  one  tells  me  that  I  must  be  extremely  cautious  how  I  word  myself,  in  speaking 
of  individuals  in  Britain,  lest  I  should  be  prosecuted  for  libelling;  and  prudence  will 
require  my  advising  with  some  gentleman  learned  in  the  law,  that  I  may  avoid  falling 
into  the  clutches  of  the  malevolent.  You  would  wonder  at  the  coolness  with  which  I 
have  been  treated  by  several,  even  of  my  brethren  in  the  ministry,  for  the  part  I  took 
while  in  America;  this,  however,  has  not  made  me  repent  of  engaging  on  the  side  of 
liberty.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Martin,  of  your  persuasion,  at  the  "Westminster  end  of  the  town, 
was  a  most  bitter  enemy  to  the  Americans,  as  I  have  heard ;  and  one  and  another  of 
the  Presbyterians  and  Congregationalists  were  not  less  so,  and  would  have  rejoiced  to 
have  had  the  promoters  and  encouragers  of  the  Revolution,  whether  in  civil  or  sacred 
orders,  hanged  as  rebels.  But  Heaven  has  disappointed  and  mortified  them.  They, 
however,  spit  out  their  venom  at  times. 

We  are  at  present  with  Mrs.  Gordon's  brother,  who  is  exceedingly  friendly.  Where 
we  shall  settle  is  wholly  uncertain ;  but  a  kind  Providence,  I  hope,  will  direct  in  much 
mercy.  Should  like  to  be  in  the  neighborhood  of  London,  for  the  benefit  of  correspond- 
ing with  my  American  friends,  and  doing  them  any  particular  service.  Such  a  situa- 
tion would  place  me  also  in  the  midst  of  my  relations  and  British  acquaintance. 
These  matters,  however,  must  all  be  submitted  to  infinite  wisdom  ;  and  I  desire  not  to 
be  at  my  own  disposal  and  direction. 

We  have  baen  favored  with  good  health  since  our  arrival.  I  am  concerned  that 
your  State  should  be  so  overseen  as  to  make  paper  money,  etc.  Such  policy  will  never 
make  you  prosper,  and  instead  of  preserving  will  drive  away  property  and  plenty  from 
you.  The  Americans  must  make  all  kinds  of  property  secure,  or  confusion  will  follow. 
I  am  most  hearty  in  wishing  them  virtuous  and  honorable,  and  am  therefore  pained 
when  anything  takes  place  that  is  prejudicial  to  their  public  character.  Mrs.  Gordon 
joins  in  best  regards  to  self  and  Mrs.  Manning.  Remember  me  to  Mr.  Nicholas  Brown, 
Mr.  Benson,  and  other  friends.  Let  me  hear  from  you  by  the  first  opportunity.  Direct 
to  Mr.  Field's,  Apothecary,  Newgate  Street.    I  remain, 

Your  sincere  and  affectionate  friend, 

William  Gordon. 
56 


442  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  XII. 

This  year  the  public  exercises  of  Commencement  were  resumed. 
Fifteen  young  men  took  their  Bachelor's  degree.  James  Manning,  a 
nephew  of  the  President,  had  the  Latin  Salutatory,  and  Lemuel  Kol- 
lock,  of  South  Carolina,  the  Valedictory.  The  President  was  in  New 
York,  attending  to  his  duties  as  a  member  of  Congress,  but  his  friend 
Smith,  from  Haverhill,  was  present,  and  on  the  succeeding  Sabbath 
preached  three  sermons  in  the  Baptist  meeting-house.  Among  the 
fifteen  who  took  this  degree  was  also  Nicholas  Brown,  Jr.,  after- 
wards the  distinguished  benefactor  of  the  College.  He  was  at  this 
time  but  seventeen  years  of  age,  having  entered  the  Freshman  Class  in 
1782,  when  the  College  again  began  to  live.  Mr.  Brown  commenced 
his  benefactions  in  February,  1792,  by  presenting  to  the  Trustees  and 
Fellows  of  the  College  the  sum  of  five  hundred  dollars,  to  be  expended 
in  the  purchase  of  law  books  for  the  Library.  This  he  did,  in  the  lan- 
guage of  the  letter  announcing  the  donation,  "  under  a  deep  impres- 
sion of  the  generous  intentions  of  my  honored  father,  deceased,  towards 
the  College  in  this  town,  as  well  as  from  my  own  personal  feelings 
towards  the  Institution,  in  which  I  received  my  education,  and  from  a 
desire  to  promote  literature  in  general,  and  in  particular  the  knowledge 
of  the  laws  of  our  country,  under  the  influence  whereof  not  only  our 
property  but  our  lives  and  dearest  privileges  are  protected."  In  1804 
he  presented  to  the  Corporation  the  sum  of  five  thousand  dollars,  as  a 
foundation  for  a  professorship  of  oratory  and  belles-lettres.  It  was  on 
this  occasion,  in  consideration  of  this  donation,  and  of  others  that  had 
been  received  from  him  and  his  kindred,  that  the  name  of  the  Institu- 
tion was  changed,  in  accordance  with  a  provision  in  its  charter,  from 
Rhode  Island  College  to  Brown  University.  In  1822  he  erected  at  his 
own  expense  the  second  college  building,  which  he  presented  to  the 
Corporation,  in  a  letter  bearing  date  Jan.  13,  1823.  At  his  suggestion 
it  was  named  "Hope  College,"  in  honor  of  his  only  surviving  sister, 
Mrs.  Hope  Ives.  In  1835  he  erected  the  third  building,  which  he  also 
presented  to  the  Corporation,  with  a  request  that  it  might  be  named 
"Manning  Hall,"  in  honor  of  the  memory  of  his  own  distinguished 
instructor  and  revered  friend,  President  Manning.     Mr.  Brown  died 


178&-1788.  AND    MANNING.  443 

Sept.  27,  1841,  at  the  age  of  seventy-two.  A  discourse  commemora- 
tive of  his  character  and  life  was  delivered  by  President  Wayland,  in 
the  University  Chapel,  which  discourse  was  afterwards  published.  The 
entire  sum  of  his  recorded  benefactions  and  bequests  to  the  University 
amounts  to  one  hundred  and  sixty  thousand  dollars,  assigning  to  the 
donations  of  land  and  buildings  the  valuation  which  was  put  upon  them 
at  the  time  they  were  made. 

"Many  years,"  says  Professor  Gammell,  "have  now  elapsed  since 
he  descended  to  the  tomb,  but  the  monuments  of  his  wise  and  pious 
benefactions  are  all  around  us,  —in  the  University  with  which  his 
name  is  associated ;  in  the  Butler  Hospital  for  the  Insane,  and  the 
Providence  Athenaeum,  to  whose  founding  he  so  largely  contributed ; 
and  in  the  churches  and  colleges  and  institutions  of  philanthropy  over 
the  whole  land,  to  which  he  so  often  lent  his  liberal  and  most  timely 
aid.  So  long  as  learning  and  religion  shall  have  a  place  in  the  affec- 
tions of  men,  these  enduring  memorials  will  proclaim  his  character,  and 
speak  his  eulogy.     Hi  sanctissimi  testes,  hi  maximi  laudatores." 

A  few  years  before  his  death,  at  the  annual  meeting  of  the  Corpora- 
tion in  1835,  Mr.  Brown  was  formally  requested  to  sit  for  his  likeness, 
which  was  taken,  at  full  length,  by  Harding,  one  of  the  most  celebrated 
American  artists.  It  now  graces  the  collection  of  portraits  in  Sayles 
Memorial  Hall.  The  visitor  will  gaze  upon  it  with  renewed  interest  as 
successive  years  roll  on.  It  is  greatly  to  be  regretted  that  the  portraits 
of  his  worthy  sire  and  ancestors  cannot  be  placed  by  its  side. 

Returning  now  to  our  narrative,  we  learn  from  the  following  extract 
from  a  letter  addressed  by  Mr.  Nicholas  Brown,  senior,  to  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Hezekiah  Smith,  dated  Nov.  9,  1786,  that  Dr.  Manning  resumed  his 
accustomed  duties  at  the  College  in  the  beginning  of  November  of  that 
year.  The  extract  is  introduced  as  an  illustration,  in  part,  of  the  diffi- 
culties with  which  the  College  had  to  contend,  owing  to  the  scarcity  of 
money  and  the  confused  state  of  the  times. 

Nicholas  Brown  to  Dr.  Smith. 
Mr.  Manning  arrived  here  early  in  this  month,  so  that  we  have  been  destitute  of  a 
supply  for  the  pulpit  only  two  or  three  Sabbaths.    The  Corporation  were  put  to  the- 


i 


444  BROWN    UNIVERSITY  Chap.  XII. 

necessity  of  beginning  College  exercises  with  the  new  tutor,  young  Mr.  Flint,  several 
days  after  the  scholars  had  arrived,  Mr.  Bobbins  having  been  detained  at  New  London, 
waiting  for  a  passage,  until  after  Mr.  Manning  left.  The  worst  of  all  is  that  we  are 
still  destitute  of  a  steward,  several  having  applied  for  the  place  who  were  not  judged 
suitable,  and  several  having  been  applied  to  who  have  declined.  The  want  of  some 
officer  of  College  to  attend  the  place  of  the  Institution,  will,  I  fear,  be  a  disadvantage. 
But  the  badness  of  the  pay  heretofore,  and  the  scarcity  of  money,  the  paper  currency, 
and  the  confused  state  of  law  and  justice,  both  in  your  State  and  in  our  own,  where  the 
scholars  come  from,  are  real  difficulties.  The  fact,  too,  that  the  students  are  obliged  to 
board  out,  instead  of  boarding  in  commons,  has  greatly  increased  the  expenses.  Yet,  I 
believe,  if  due  attention  is  paid  by  the  officers,  we  shall  have  many  students  in,  at  least 
by  next  Commencement. 

Dr.  Manning  to  the  Rev.  Dr.  Smith. 

Providence,  Jan.  18,  1787. 
Dear  Sir  : 

Yours  of  the  15th  ult.  came  to  hand  a  few  days  ago.  Am  happy  to  hear  of  your  wel- 
fare, but  am  sorry  to  hear  of  Mrs.  Smith's  indisposition.  Hope  it  has  proved  of  short 
duration.  About  a  month  ago  I  was  seized  with  a  violent  fit  of  the  bilious  colic,  which 
confined  me  about  a  fortnight,  and  threatened  my  life.  Through  divine  favor  I  am 
happily  recovered,  and  we  all  enjoy  usual  health.  The  town  is  generally  healthy.  Mr. 
Nicholas  Brown  has  lost  his  new-born  "son.  Mr.  Jonathan  Jenckes  is  married  to  the 
widow  Bowers,  who  lived  across  the  way.  No  late  intelligence  from  the  westward. 
Trade  amongst  us  is  very  declining.  Brown  and  Benson,  by  a  seizure  at  Surinam,  have 
lost  four  thousand  dollars,  and  Jenckes,  Winsor,  and  Co.  about  the  same  sum  by  the 
like  means  in  Virginia.  The  paper  money  of  this  State  has  run  down  to  six  for  one,  not- 
withstanding which  the  Legislature  continue  it  as  a  tender,  and  mean  to  do  so,  and  to 
pay  off  all  the  State  debts  with  it,  be  it  as  bad  as  it  may.  At  the  last  session  I  peti- 
tioned them  to  pay  my  advances,  and  the  remainder  of  my  salary  as  delegate,  amount- 
ing to  upwards  of  four  hundred  dollars.  This  they  offered  to  do  in  their  paper,  but  in 
no  other  way.  Besides,  they  have  ordered  all  the  impost  orders  brought  in  and 
exchanged  at  the  treasury  for  paper  at  par,  so  that  I  must  lose  five-sixths  of  my  salary 
so  paid  to  me.  A  more  infamous  set  of  men  under  the  character  of  a  legislature,  never, 
I  believe,  disgraced  the  annals  of  the  world.  And  there  is  no  prospect  of  a  change  for 
the  better.  Of  all  the  arrearages  of  tuition  for  the  last  year,  and  the  quarter  advanced 
in  this,  I  have  not  received  ten  pounds.  I  was  taken  sick  the  day  after  the  second 
great  snow,  with  no  provisions  in  the  cellar  except  one  hundred-weight  of  cheese,  two 
barrels  of  cider,  and  some  potatoes  ;  with  not  a  load  of  wood  at  my  door ;  nor  could  I 
command  a  single  dollar  to  supply  these  wants.    The  kindness  of  my  neighbors,  how- 


1786-1788.  AND    MANNING.  445 

ever,  kept  me  from  suffering.  But  when  a  man  has  hardly  earned  money,  to  he  reduced 
to  this  abject  state  of  dependence  requires  the  exercise  of  more  grace  that  I  can  boast 
of.  I  feel  for  you  in  the  situation  which  you  mention,  hut  it  is  a  very  trying  time,  and 
few  of  the  ministering  brethren  are  exempt  from  these  trials.  Nor  would  it  probably 
be  easy  for  you  to  better  yourself.  I  have  serious  thought  of  removing  to  the  farm  at 
the  Jerseys,  and  undertake  digging  for  my  support.  Should  things  wear  the  same 
unfavorable  aspect  next  year,  I  believe  I  shall  make  the  experiment,  if  my  life  is 
spared. 

The  College  consists  of  about  the  same  number  as  it  did  before  Commencement,  but 
the  delinquency  of  the  students  in  paying  their  bills  must,  if  not  altered,  break  up  the 
College,  as  the  affairs  cannot  be  supported,  especially,  as  all  assistance  from  our  fund  is 
cut  off,  if  indeed  it  is  not  totally  annihilated,  which  I  greatly  fear  from  the  temper  of 
the  times. 

I  completed  your  business  at  New  York,  I  believe,  agreeably  to  your  wishes,  and 
have  your  securities  and  papers  all  by  me  ready  for  your  commands,  but  I  did  not 
choose  to  send  them  by  an  uncertain  conveyance.  You  mention  an  agreeable  journey 
last  October,  but  don't  tell  me  where.  I  think  with  you  that  there  is  something  god- 
like in  preaching  to  the  poor,  who  cannot  recompense  us ;  but  it  is  our  misfortune  to  be 
so  generally  of  that  number  that  we  can  only  contemplate  it.  I  supply  the  pulpit  when 
able,  but  have  had  no  application  from  the  church,  as  such,  to  do  it.  Religion  is 
extremely  low  with  us,  and  confusion  in  State  matters  seems  to  increase.  Please  to 
present  my  best  respects  to  Mrs.  Smith  and  family,  with  all  friends,  in  which  Mrs. 

M.  joins. 

Sir,  yours,  etc., 

Jambs  Manning. 

The  language  of  Dr.  Manning,  as  here  applied  to  the  Legislature  of 
Rhode  Island,  may  seem  at  first  unnecessarily  severe.  A  reference, 
however,  to  Governor  Arnold's  History  of  Rhode  Island,  and  to  our  bio- 
graphical sketch  of  General  Varnum,  in  his  forensic  effort  in  the  cele- 
brated case  of  Trevett  against  Weeden,  will  show  that  it  was  merited 
and  just. l  This,  perhaps,  was  the  most  trying  period  of  Dr.  Manning's 
life.  That  he  should  have  had  serious  thoughts  of  engaging  in  agricul- 
ture for  a  support  is  by  no  means  surprising.  These,  however,  were 
but  momentary,  and  soon  passed  away.     Few  men,  with  powers  dis- 


1  The  distress  in  Rhode  Island  at  this  period,  in  consequence  of  the  miserable  paper  currency, 
was  so  great,  says  Arnold,  that  farms  were  sold  for  one-quarter  of  their  value. 


446  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  XII. 

tracted  by  care,  and  spirits  saddened  perhaps  by  a  want  of  the  comforts 
and  conveniences  of  life,  have  ever  labored  more  perse veringly,  dili- 
gently, and  cheerfully  for  the  welfare  of  others,  and  for  the  public  good, 
than  Manning. 

The  Commencement  for  1787  seems  to  have  been  one  of  unusual 
interest,  "  a  large,  polite,  and  crowded  assembly  of  gentlemen  and 
ladies  attending  upon  the  exercises,  and  thus  doing  honor  to  the  day 
and  themselves  by  encouraging  polite  literature,  and  those  useful  arta 
which  are  the  glory  of  civilized  countries."  Among  the  orations  upon 
this  occasion  was  one  by  Nathaniel  Lambert,  on  "  The  Present  Appear- 
ance of  Public  Affairs  in  the  United  States  of  America  —  portraying 
the  superior  advantages  to  be  enjoyed  by  this  country,  and  the  public 
happiness  rationally  to  be  expected,  in  case  the  states  shall  harmo- 
niously agree  on  the  great  federal  measures  necessary  for  the  good  of 
the  whole,  whereon  the  convention  have  been  some  time  deliberating  at 
Philadelphia,  and  recommending  industry,  the  manufactures  of  our 
country,  and  the  disuse  of  foreign  goods ;  and  soliciting  the  fair 
daughters  of  America  to  set  the  patriotic  example  by  banishing  from 
their  dress  the  costly  gewgaws  and  articles  of  foreign  production." 
Doubtless  the  worthy  President  had  something  to  do  with  the  selection 
of  this  topic,  and  its  happy  treatment. 

The  graduates  numbered  ten  ;  at  the  head  of  whom,  on  the  Trien- 
nial, stands  the  name  of  Abner  Alden,  master  of  the  famous  school  at 
Raynham,  Mass.,  and  author  of  the  "Reader"  and  "The  Spelling- 
book"  which  supplied  our  ancestors  in  the  Old  Colony  with  the 
"rudiments"  half  a  century  ago.  Mr.  Alden  was  of  the  fifth  genera- 
tion in  lineal  descent  from  John  Alden,  of  whom  and  Priscilla  Mullins 
Longfellow  sings.     Among  them,  too,  we  notice  Samuel  Eddy,1  for  many 


1  Hon.  Samuel  Eddy,  LL.  D.,  was  born  in  Johnston,  R.  I.,  March  31, 1769.  After  his  graduation 
he  read  law,  but  he  never  practised  it.  In  1798  he  was  elected  by  the  people  of  Rhode  Island  Secre- 
tary of  State,  which  office  he  held  for  twenty-one  years  in  succession.  Resigning  the  secretary- 
ship, he  was  elected,  for  three  terms,  from  1819  to  1825,  a  Representative  in  Congress.  Subsequently 
he  was  appointed  Chief  Justice  of  the  Supreme  Judicial  Court  of  Rhode  Island,  which  position 
he  occupied  for  eight  years,  when  ill  health  compelled  him  to  resign.  He  died  Feb.  3,  1839,  in 
the  seventieth  year  of  his  age.  Judge  Eddy  was  justly  respected  for  his  uprightness  and  intelli- 
gence, and  for  the  extent  and  variety  of  his  attainments.    He  was  no  debater,  says  Professor  God- 


1786-1788.  AND    MANNING.  447 

years  a  Fellow  and  Secretary  of  the  Corporation,  and  Jonathan  Maxcy, 
President  Manning's  successor  in  office.  Mr.  Maxcy1  delivered  a  poem 
on  the  prospects  of  America,  and  the  valedictory  oration. 


dard,  but  he  wrote  with  uncommon  purity,  accuracy,  and  force.  The  volumes  of  the  Massachusetts 
Historical  Society  are  enriched  with  several  contributions  from  his  pen.  He  was  thrice  married. 
His  last  wife  was  Mrs.  Sarah  Dwight,  widow  of  Gamaliel  Lyman  Dwight,  and  daughter  of  the  Hon. 
David  Howell.    She  survived  him  many  years,  dying  at  an  advanced  age. 

1  Rev.  Jonathan  Maxcy,  D.  D.,  was  born  in  Attteboro,  Mass.,  Sept.  2,  1768.  Immediately  upon 
graduating,  at  the  early  age  of  nineteen,  he  was  appointed  Tutor  in  the  College,  which  position  he 
tilled  with  great  acceptance  four  years,  or  until  1791,  when  he  was  chosen  pastor  of  the  Baptist 
church.  In  1792  he  assumed  the  duties  of  the  Presidency  of  the  College,  having  been  elected  Presi- 
dent pro  tern-pore.  In  1797  he  was  formally  elected  President,  as  appears  from  the  records  of  the 
Corporation.  "The  splendor  of  his  genius,  and  his  brilliant  talents  as  an  orator  and  divine,"  says 
Dr.  Blake,  "  had  become  widely  known;  and  under  his  administration  the  College  acquired  a  repu- 
tation for  belles-lettres  and  eloquence  inferior  to  no  seminary  of  learning  in  the  United  States." 
"  His  voice,"  says  the  Hon.  Tristam  Burges,one  of  his  most  devoted  and  admiring  pupils,  "  seemed 
not  to  have  reached  the  deep  tone  of  full  age ;  but  most  of  all  to  resemble  that  of  those  concerning 
whom  the  Saviour  of  the  world  said, '  of  such  is  the  kingdom  of  heaven.'  The  eloquence  of  Maxcy 
was  mental.  You  seemed  to  hear  the  soul  of  the  man ;  and  each  one  of  the  largest  assembly,  in  the 
most  extended  place  of  worship,  received  the  slighest  impulse  of  his  silver  voice  as  if  he  stood  at 
his  very  ear.  So  intensely  would  he  enchain  attention,  that  in  the  most  thronged  audience  you 
heard  nothing  but  him  and  the  pulsations  of  your  own  heart.  His  utterance  was  not  more  perfect 
than  his  whole  discourse  was  instructive  and  enchanting." 

In  the  year  1802,  Dr.  Maxcy,  having  resigned  his  office,  was  appointed  President  of  Union  Col- 
lege, Schenectady,  N.  Y..  as  successor  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Jonathan  Edwards,  deceased.  In  reference 
to  this  appointment,  we  find  in  Forsyth's  Memoir  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Alexander  Proudflt  (pp.  55-59)  a 
curious  and  interesting  letter  from  the  Rev.  J.  B.  Johnson,  then  of  Albany,  and  a  Trustee  of  the 
College,  objecting  to  Maxcy  on  the  ground  of  his  being  a  Baptist,  and  hence  that  his  influence  as 
such  would  be  unpropitious  to  the  prosperity  of  the  Institution,  the  support  of  the  College  being 
derived  chiefly  from  those  who  were  opposed  to  the  Baptist  persuasion,  and  perhaps  had  no  incon- 
siderable prejudice  against  them.  Another  objection  was  that  he  appeared  to  the  writer  to  be  a 
violent  politician,  judging  from  a  Fourth-of-July  oration  delivered  by  him,  which  had  been  praised 
as  containing  some  very  brilliant  expressions  and  keen  sarcasms  against  the  Anti-Federalists.  A 
third  and  more  serious  objection,  however,  was  the  unsoundness  of  his  theological  opinions,  of 
which  the  following  extract  from  the  preface  to  his  sermon  on  the  death  of  Manning,  republished 
in  June,  1796,  was  quoted  as  an  illustration :  "  The  only  thing  essential  to  Christian  union  is  love, 
or  benevolent  affection.  It  is,  therefore,  with  me,  a  fixed  principle  to  censure  no  man  except  for 
immorality.  A  diversity  of  religious  opinions,  in  a  state  so  imperfect,  obscure,  and  sinful  as  the 
present,  is  to  be  expected.  An  entire  coincidence  in  sentiment,  even  in  important  doctrines,  is  by 
no  means  essential  to  Christian  society,  or  the  attainment  of  eternal  felicity.  How  many  are  there, 
who  appear  to  have  been  subjects  of  regeneration,  who  have  scarcely  an  entire  comprehensive 
view  of  one  doctrine  of  the  Bible?  Will  the  gates  of  paradise  be  barred  against  these  because  they 
did  not  possess  the  penetrating  sagacity  of  an  Edwards  or  a  Hopkins?  Or  shall  these  great  theo- 
logical champions  engross  heaven,  and  shout  hallelujahs  from  its  walls,  while  a  Priestley,  a  Price, 
and  a  Winchester,  merely  for  difference  in  opinion,  though  preeminent  in  virtue,  must  sink  into 
the  regions  of  darkness  and  pain?" 

Notwithstanding  these  objections,  Dr.  Maxcy,  as  we  have  already  stated,  was  chosen  President 
of  the  College.  Previous  to  this  event,  when  only  thirty-three  years  of  age,  Harvard  University 
had  conferred  on  him  the  honorary  degree  of  Doctor  in  Divinity,  such  was  his  celebrity  as  a 
scholar  and  divine.    Here  at  Schenectady  he  officiated  with  increasing  reputation  until  1804,  when 


448  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  XII. 

The  fears  and  forebodings  of  Dr.  Manning  in  regard  to  the  Confed- 
eration proved  but  too  well  founded.  Notwithstanding  the .  efforts  of 
the  wisest  statesmen,  it  was  found  inefficient  to  promote  social  order, 
and  all  those  paramount  interests  which  it  is  the  design  of  government 
to  foster  and  protect.  Accordingly,  in  1787,  a  national  convention  met 
at  Philadelphia,  and  proposed  a  union  of  the  states  upon  a  more  sub- 
stantial and  popular  basis,  in  order  that  the  blessings  of  freedom  might 
be  preserved.  A  small  number  of  the  states  adopted  the  New  Con- 
stitution, so  called,  without  hesitation,  but  in  most  of  them  it  met  with 
great  opposition.1  Especially  was  this  the  case  in  Massachusetts,  where 
the  Federalists  and  Anti-Federalists,  as  the  friends  and  enemies  of  the 
Constitution  were  pleased  to  style  themselves,  were  nearly  equal  in 
number.  The  convention  for  the  adoption  or  rejection  of  this  impor- 
tant instrument  met  at  Boston,  on  Wednesday,  the  9th  of  January, 
1788.  It  was  composed  of  nearly  four  hundred  delegates,  represent- 
ing the  talent  and  patriotism  of  the  ancient  commonwealth,  as  well  as 
the  conflicting  interests  of  opposing  parties.  The  debates  were  con- 
tinued  nearly  a   month,  and  attracted   the  most   profound   attention 


he  accepted  the  unsolicited  appointment  of  President  of  South  Carolina  College,  with  the  fond 
anticipation  of  finding  a  warmer  climate  more  congenial  to  his  physical  constitution.  Over  this 
latter  institution  he  presided,  with  almost  unprecedented  popularity,  during  the  remainder  of  his 
life.    He  died  at  Columbia,  S.  C,  June  4, 1820,  aged  fifty-two  years. 

In  his  person  Dr.  Maxcy  was  small  of  stature,  but  of  a  fine  and  well-proportioned  figure.  His 
features,  says  his  biographer,  were  regular  and  manly,  indicating  intelligence  and  benevolence, 
and,  especially  in  conversation  and  public  speaking  they  were  strongly  expressive.  Grace  and 
dignity  were  also  combined  in  all  his  movements.  His  writings,  or  "  Literary  Remains,"  edited  by 
the  Rev.  Dr.  Romeo  Elton,  were  published  in  1844,  in  a  handsome  octavo  volume.  Eight  years  later 
a  selection  from  his  "  Remains,"  consisting  of  collegiate  addresses,  was  published  in  London,  mak- 
ing a  pleasant  little  duodecimo  volume  of  one  hundred  and  ninety-one  pages.  This  was  edited  by 
Dr.  Elton.  Dr.  Maxcy  was  married  to  Susan,  daughter  of  Commodore  Esek  Hopkins,  of  Provi- 
dence, a  name  intimately  associated  with  the  history  of  the  Revolution.  Besides  several  daughters, 
they  had  four  sons,  all  liberally  educated,  His  brother,  the  Hon.  Virgil  Maxcy,  was  killed  by  the 
explosion  of  a  gun  on  board  the  United  States  steamship  Princeton. 

No  painted  canvas  or  sculptured  marble  perpetuates  the  likeness  of  President  Maxcy;  but  so 
long,  says  Elton,  "  as  genius,  hallowed  and  sublimed  by  piety,  shall  command  veneration,  he  will  be 
remembered  in  his  country  as  a  star  of  the  first  magnitude." 

1  In  Virginia  the  contest  lasted  more  than  three  weeks,  Patrick  Henry  speaking  against  the  Con- 
stitution with  a  power  and  vehemence  never  surpassed  by  him  on  any  previous  occasion.  It  was 
finally  adopted  by  a  majority  of  ten.  In  New  Hampshire  it  was  ratified  by  eleven  majority,  and  in 
the  great  State  of  New  York  by  a  bare  majority  of  three,  after  the  Convention  had  been  in  session 
more  than  a  month. 


17S6-1788.  AND    MANNING.  449 

throughout  the  country.  Upon  the  fate  of  the  Federal  Constitution 
here,  it  was  supposed,  depended  the  fate  of  the  National  Government ; 
or,  as  Manning  expresses  it,  Massachusetts  was  considered  "the  hinge 
on  which  the  whole  must  turn."  As  an  evidence  of  the  deep  interest 
which  he  felt  in  this  momentous  question,  we  quote  from  Mr.  How- 
land's  Memoir  the  following  passage  :  — 

Dr.  Manning  was  extremely  solicitous  for  ratification.  He  viewed  the  situation 
of  the  country  with  all  the  light  of  a  statesman  and  a  philosopher,  and  as  a  prudent 
and  well-informed  citizen  he  took  his  measures  accordingly.  He  had  saved  the  College 
funds  through  the  fluctuations  and  storms  of  one  revolution,  and  he  now  saw  them 
dissipated  and  lost  forever,  unless  the  new  form  of  government  should  be  established. 
He  knew  that  several  clergymen  with  whom  he  was  connected  in  the  bonds  of  religious 
union  were  members  of  the  convention,  and  that  they  were  generally  opposed  to  the 
ratification.  He  therefore  repaired  to  Boston,  and  attended  the  debates  and  proceed- 
ings of  the  convention.  His  most  valued  and  intimate  friend,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Stillman, 
was  one  of  the  twelve  representatives  from  the  town  of  Boston  in  the  convention,  and 
zealous  for  the  adoption ;  and  in  their  frequent  intercourse  with  their  friends  who 
were  members,  they  endeavored  to  remove  the  objections  of  such  as  were  in  the  oppo- 
sition  With  the  Rev.  Isaac  Backus,  who  was  a  delegate  from  the  town  of  Middle- 
borough,  and  considered  one  of  the  most  powerful  men  of  the  Anti-Federal  party, 
they  were  not  able  to  succeed.  The  question  of  ratification  was  finally  carried,  by  a 
majority  of  nineteen  (one  hundred  and  eighty-seven  yeas,  and  one  hundred  and  sixty- 
eight  nays),  after  a  full  and  able  discussion.  The  writer  of  these  sketches  well  recol- 
lects the  cordial  congratulations  with  which  Dr.  Manning  greeted  his  friends  on  the 
decision  of  the  convention,  after  his  return  from  Boston. 

Mr.  Howland  is  in  error  respecting  Backus,  as  the  following  extract 
from  his  diary,  which  we  find  in  Weston's  edition  of  his  history  (vol.  2, 
page  335)  shows.     It  will  repay  careful  perusal  in  this  connection :  — 

A  new  Constitution  of  the  United  States  of  America  was  finished  at  Philadelphia, 
Sept.  17,  1787 ;  and  our  town  met  on  December  17th  and  chose  four  delegates  to  meet 
in  Boston,  Jan.  9,  1788,  with  others  in  convention,  to  establish  or  reject  it;  of  which 
delegates  I  was  the  first,  without  the  least  motion  of  mine  that  way.  When  I  was  first 
informed  of  it,  on  December  20th,  I  thought  I  should  not  go,  but  as  religious  liberty  is 
concerned  in  the  affair,  and  many  were  earnest  for  my  going,  I  consented,  and  went  as 
far  as  Elder  Briggs's,  January  14th,  and  into  Boston  January  15th,  and  met  with  the 
57 


450  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  XII. 

convention  that  day  and  the  next  in  the  State  House,  but  as  we  had  not  room  enough 
there,  we  removed,  the  17th,  to  Mr.  Belknap's  meeting-house,  in  Long  Lane,1  where  we 
continued  our  meetings  from  day  to  day,  until  the  Constitution  was  ratified,  on  Feb- 
ruary 6th,  by  a  hundred  and  eighty-seven  yeas  against  a  hundred  and  sixty-eight  nays, 
being  a  majority  of  nineteen.  Each  delegate  had  full  liberty,  in  his  turn,  to  say  all  he 
pleased,  by  means  of  which  I  obtained  much  more  light  about  the  extensive  affairs  of 
our  country,  the  nature  of  the  proposed  Constitution,  and  the  security  of  the  rights 
of  the  people  therein,  than  I  had  when  I  went  from  home,  and  therefore  voted  for  it. 
And  yet  Elder  Alden  of  Bellingham,  Elder  Rathbun  of  Pittsfield,  Elder  Tingley  of 
Waterbury,  County  of  York,  all  voted  against  it,  and  so  did  two-thirds  of  the  Baptist 
members  of  the  convention,  of  which  there  were  above  twenty.  Elder  Stillman  and  I, 
with  twelve  Congregational  ministers,  voted  for  it,  though,  doubtless,  with  very 
different  views.  The  exclusion  of  any  hereditary,  lordly  power,  and  of  any  religious 
test,  I  view  as  our  greatest  securities  in  this  Constitution  ;  but  perhaps  many  mean  no 
more  thereby  than  the  exclusion  of  such  lordship  as  they  have  in  England,  and  of 
requiring  any  assent  to  any  prescribed  forms  of  faith  or  worship. 

In  connection  with  the  facts  stated  by  Howland,  we  cannot  forbear 
to  add  an  incident  mentioned  by  Dr.  Waterhouse,  which  we  find  quoted 
by  Professor  Goddard.  On  the  last  day  of  the  session  of  the  conven- 
tion, and  before  the  final  question  was  taken,  the  President,  Governor 
Hancock,  invited  Dr.  Manning  to  "  close  the  solemn  convocation  with 
thanksgiving  and  prayer."  Dr.  Manning,  though  taken  by  surprise, 
immediately  dropped  on  his  knees,  and  poured  out  his  heart  in  a  strain 
of  exalted  patriotism  and  fervid  devotion,  which  awakened  in  the  assem- 
bly a  mingled  sentiment  of  admiration  and  awe.  The  impression  which 
he  made  must  have  been  extraordinary ;  for,  says  Dr.  Waterhouse,  who 
dined  in  a  large  company,  after  the  adjournment,  "the  praise  of  the 
Rev.  Dr.  Manning  was  in  every  mouth.  Nothing  but  the  popularity  of 
Dr.  Stillman  prevented  the  rich  men  of  Boston  from  building  a  church 
for  Dr.  Manning's  acceptance." 

In  the  following  letter  Manning  alludes  to  his  attendance  upon  the 
debates  of  the  Massachusetts  Convention :  — 


1  On  the  day  of  the  ratification,  says  McMaster,  "  the  Long  Lane  that  ran  by  the  meeting-house 
where  the  convention  sat  lost  its  name,  and  has  ever  since  been  called  Federal  Street." 


1786-1788.  AND    MANNING.  451 

To  the  Rev.  Dr.  Hezekiah  Smith. 

Providence,  Feb.  11,  1788. 

My  Dear  Sir  :  —  This  morning  was  handed  me  your  agreeable  favor  of  th,e  30th  nit. 
I  am  happy  to  hear  that  yon  and  yours  enjoy  health ;  but  sorry  that  with  me  you  have 
cause  to  complain  of  the  low  state  of  religion.  To  be  useful,  is  and  must  be  the  wish  of 
every  good  man ;  but  perhaps  we  may  not  always  be  the  most  competent  judges  of  our 
usefulness.  God  may  be  doing  that  by  us,  which  we  little  think  of,  that  may  redound 
to  his  glory.  One  or  two,  I  hope,  have  lately  met  with  a  change  amongst  us,  and 
there  appears  a  greater  degree  of  attention  than  for  some  time  past.  I  continue  still 
to  preach  to  the  people  as  a  supply,  till  Mr.  Stanford,  from  New  York,  arrives,  whom 
the  church  and  congregation  have  unanimously  chosen  their  pastor.  He  is  expected  as 
soon  as  winter  breaks.  He  paid  us  a  visit  at  the  invitation  of  the  committee  last 
Christmas,  and  spent  two  Lord's  Days  with  us  to  great  acceptance.  He  was  to  have 
been  with  us  by  the  middle  of  this  month,  but  had  a  three  weeks  passage  back.  Elder 
Asa  Hunt  called  on  me  last  week  on  his  way  from  Virginia,  where  he  has  been  for  sev- 
eral months,  having  travelled  seven  hundred  miles  in  that  state,  and  preached,  I 
think,  seventy  times.  He  brings  refreshing  tidings  of  the  work  of  the  Lord  there,  and 
of  the  great  increase  of  our  churches.  Two  most  agreeable  letters  I  received  from 
respectable  ministers  there,  of  whom  I  had  not  before  heard.  One  of  them  mentions 
that  there  are  about  one  hundred  Baptist  churches  in  that  state,  averaging  each  at 
least  one  hundred  members.  Great  additions  are  daily  making  to  them,  and  they  call 
aloud  for  ministers  of  education.  I  never  wanted  to  visit  that  country  so  much  as 
now. 

The  College  continues  gradually  to  increase.  The  expense  of  boarding  in  commons, 
tuition,  room-rent,  and  library  and  apparatus  privileges,  granting  one-fourth  of  the 
year  for  vacations,  amounts  to  just  £20  5s.  9d.  lawful  money  (about  sixty-eight  dollars) 
at  present,  but  I  expect  the  commons  will  be  lowered  as  soon  as  stability  in  govern- 
ment takes  place,  —  a  period  I  now  hope  not  far  distant.  "Wood  is  about  twelve  shil- 
lings per  cord ;  and  other  incidental  expenses  as  moderate  here,  or  more  so,  than  at 
Dartmouth.  Two  of  our  young  men  the  Commencement  before  were  at  Dartmouth, 
Governor  Bowen's  son  and  Mr.  Nicholas  Brown's  son,  who  made  particular  inquiry, 
and  they  assure  me  that  the  expense  of  living  equally  well  was  greater  there  than  here. 
I  make  not  a  doubt  but  he  would  find  his  account  in  coming  to  Providence,  and  we 
should  be  happy  to  receive  him  and  do  well  by  him.  I  hope  to  have  more  particulars 
of  your  last  fall  tour.  The  reason  of  Brother  Gano's  leaving  New  York,  is  want  of  an 
adequate  support,  which  fails  through  the  opposition  of  a  certain  Mr.  Robbins  and  his 
adherents  in  that  church,  who  wish  to  govern  it  in  their  own  way. 


452  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  XII. 

I  felt  so  deeply  interested  in  the  adoption  of  the  new  Federal  Constitution  hy  your 
state,  that  I  attended  the  debates  in  convention  more  than  a  fortnight,  and  expected  to 
have  seen  you  at  Boston  on  that  occasion.  I  considered  Massachusetts  the  hinge  on 
which  the  whole  must  turn,  and  am  happy  in  congratulating  you  on  the  favorable 
issue  of  their  deliberations.  I  am  mortified  to  find  Father  Alden  among  the  nays. 
The  good  work  at  New  London  and  its  vicinity,  I  am  told,  increases,  and  has  spread  to 
Norwich ;  and  there  is  a  great  awakening  where  Grow  used  to  preach,  and  in  Canada 
Parish.  Please  to  present  my  best  respects  to  Mrs.  Smith  and  family  and  other  friends, 
in  which  Mrs.  Manning  joins  with,  dear  sir, 

Yours, 

James  Manning. 

From  this  time  Dr.  Manning  held  no  political  office,  although  he 
always  took  a  prominent  part  in  public  affairs,  and  was  thoroughly 
familiar  with  the  discussions  and  controversies  of  the  day.  The  final 
adoption  of  the  Federal  Constitution  by  the  people  of  Rhode  Island, 
notwithstanding  the  persistent  and  bitter  hostility  of  its  opponents, 
who  were  mostly  residents  of  the  country  towns  and  villages,  was  a 
result  due  in  no  small  measure,  doubtless,  to  his  wise  counsels  and 
superior  influence.  How  bitter  and  determined  was  the  hostility  may 
be  learned  from  the  following  statement  made  by  the  Hon.  Rowland 
Hazard  in  his  oration  delivered  at  the  laying  of  the  corner  stone  of 
the  new  State  House,  Thursday,  Oct.  15,  1896 :  — 

On  the  24th  of  June,  1788,  the  news  was  received  at  Providence  that  New  Hampshire 
had  ratified  the  Constitution.  The  partisans  of  ratification  proposed  to  celebrate  the 
occasion.  New  Hampshire  was  the  ninth  state ;  her  ratification  made  the  final  adop- 
tion certain.  Preparations  were  made  on  a  large  scale  to  make  a  double  celebration  on 
the  approaching  Fourth  of  July.  A  whole  ox  was  to  be  roasted  and  speeches  were  to 
be  made.  The  place  selected  was  on  the  north  side  of  the -cove,  just  below  where  we 
now  stand.  But  a  protest  came  up  from  all  the  country  parts  of  the  State.  The  night 
before  the  day  fixed  for  the  barbecue,  over  one  thousand  armed  men  marched  to  this 
hill,  determined  to  stop  the  merrymaking.  A  parley  ensued,  and  the  celebration  was 
finally  allowed  to  proceed  with  the  understanding  that  it  was  to  celebrate  the  Declara- 
tion of  Independence  only.  No  allusion  was  to  be  made  to  the  ratification  of  the  Con- 
stitution. With  this  compromise  the  ox  was  roasted,  general  hilarity  prevailed,  and 
the  country  and  city  were  harmonized. 


178&-178S.  AND   MANNING.  453 

We  present  Dr.  Manning's  correspondence  for  the  remainder  of  the 
year,  commencing  with  a  letter  from  the  Rev.  Dr.  Rippon,  of  London. 

London,  Feb.  14, 1788. 
Reverend  and  Dear  Sir: 

I  have  but  a  few  minutes  to  spare  this  forenoon,  which  should  have  been  devoted  to 
your  service,  having  passed  in  company,  which  unexpectedly  has  detained  me.  How- 
ever, I  most  sincerely  thank  you  for  the  short  but  comprehensive  sketch  of  religious 
affairs  communicated  in  your  last  of  September,  1787,  and  also  for  your  respectful 
introduction  of  the  Selections1  at  the  Chelmsford  Association.  The  first  edition  of 
three  thousand  is  gone,  except  about  fifty  books,  and  the  second  edition,  I  hope,  will  be 
quite  printed  off  in  April  next.  In  case  it  meets  with  the  approbation  of  our  American 
brethren,  and  there  is  any  probability  of  its  spread,  would  it  be  against  any  rule  of  your 
Association  to  advertise  the  second  edition?  I  have  mentioned  this  to  one  or  two 
brethren  on  your  side  of  the  water.  No  book  printed  in  any  time  has  had  so  rapid  a 
sale  among  the  Baptists  as  this. 

"With  this  please  to  accept  a  pamphlet  or  two,  by  which  you  will  see  in  some  measure 
what  we  are  about  in  this  country.  The  three  denominations  of  Presbyterians,  Inde- 
pendents, and  Anti-Pedobaptists  in  this  city  are  united  together  by  a  political  bond. 
We  met  about  a  week  since,  and  drew  up  a  petition  to  Parliament  for  the  abolition  of 
the  slave  trade.  The  meeting  was  perfectly  unanimous.  We  fear  that  there  will  be 
great  opposition  to  the  petition,  but  we  hope  to  prevent  the  importation  of  any  more 
slaves,  from  Africa  at  least.  The  petitions  to  be  presented  by  clerical  and  political 
bodies  are  likely  to  be  numerous  and  very  general.  While  so  many  thousands  are 
nobly  engaged  in  this,  the  cause  of  humanity,  may  you  succeed  in  your  own  peculiar 
career,  distinguished  from  every  other  by  a  "  glory  that  excelleth." 

You  mention  the  number  of  sixty  students.  Of  what  advantage  may  the  wise  and 
good  among  these  be,  not  only  to  the  present  but  future  generations !  Long  may  you 
live,  and  under  your  auspices  may  the  College  enjoy  your  felicity;  and  in  a  remote 
period,  when  the  public  prints  announce  that  Dr.  Manning  was,  may  it  be  said,  "He 
shone  through  a  long-lengthened  day,  the  ornament  and  boast  of  all  his  connections,  and 
then  set,  like  the  sun,  to  rise  aud  shine  forever." 

Indeed,  dear  sir,  I  do  feel  a  great  union  of  heart  to  you,  and  to  many  of  our  brethren 


1  "  A  Selection  of  Hymns  from  the  best  authors,  intended  to  be  an  Appendix  to  Dr.  Watts's 
Psalms  and  Hynins.  By  John  Rippon,  A.  M."  12mo.  London.  Printed  by  Thomas  Watkins ;  and 
sold  on  week-days  at  the  vestry  of  Mr.  Rippon's  meeting-house.  1787.  A  copy  of  the  second  edi- 
tion, with  the  portrait  of  the  author  for  the  frontispiece,  is  in  the  writer's  possession.  It  was  a 
presentation  copy  from  Dr.  Rippon  to  Mrs.  Manning. 


454  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  XII. 

on  your  side  of  the  Atlantic.    It  would  be  an  unutterable  joy  were  it  in  my  power  to  do 
them  any  service,  but  if  I  can  show  my  love  to  them  no  other  way, 

"  My  soul  shall  pray  for  Zion  still, 
While  life  or  breath  remains ; 
There  my  best  friends,  my  kindred  dwell, 
There  God  my  Saviour  reigns." 

Mr.  Stillman's  account  of  Miss  Stillman's  death  was  very  affecting,  and  edifying. 
How  plain  it  is  that  true  religion  is  produced  in  the  heart  of  good  men  by  "  the  self- 
same spirit!  " 

I  shall  rejoice  to  have  a  long  letter  from  you,  as  you  would  have  had  from  me,  but 
for  the  reason  mentioned  before.  I  have  not  time  to  read  this  scrawl,  but  I  should 
suppress  some  of  the  first  emotions  of  my  mind,  were  I  not  to  subscribe  myself  ever, 
ever  very  affectionately, 

Your  obliged  brother  in  Christ, 

John  Rippon. 
P.  S.  —  Please  to  remember  me  to  Doctor  Drowne.    I  hope  to  write  him,  and  shall  be 
very  glad  to  receive  a  line  from  him. 

To  the  Rev.  Thomas  Ustick,  Philadelphia. 

Providence,  Aug.  21,  1788. 
My  Dear  Brother: 

Yours  of  June  10th  was  long  in  coming,  but  is  now  before  me.  I  am  glad  to  hear 
that  you  are  so  happily  restored  as  to  be  able  to  preach  to  the  people,  but  sorry  that 
you  have  reason  to  complain  of  the  low  state  of  religion  amongst  you.  I  hope  you  may 
see  better  days  in  Philadelphia.  It  is  a  complaining  time,  in  general,  among  ministers. 
Perhaps  they,  themselves,  if  properly  engaged,  might[in  part  prevent  the  cause  of  it. 
My  own  difficulties,  I  know,  call  for  the  exercise  of  Christian  fortitude,  but  I  find  it 
easier  to  talk  of  than  to  exercise  it.  I  thank  you,  however,  for  the  just  remarks  con- 
tained in  your  letter.  I  agree  with  you  that  the  gospel  is  an  estimable  jewel,  which  we 
cannot  too  highly  prize.  May  we  be  properly  anointed  by  the  glorious  hopes  which  it 
is  calculated  to  inspire. 

Brother  Caleb  Blood,  of  Newtown,  is  the  person  whom  I  mentioned  to  have  removed 
to  Vermont.  Our  Brother  Joseph  Grafton  of  this  town  and  church,  is  ordained  and 
settled  in  his  place,  whose  labors  appear  to  be  owned  amongst  the  people.  He  was 
here  last  week.  Elders  Backus,  Hunt,  and  Williams  have  lately  visited  us,  who  are 
well.  I  am  told  there  is  a  happy  revival  at  Bridgewater,  under  the  ministry  of  Brother 
Robinson.    Nothing  new  respecting  the  College  has  occurred  since  our  last.    Possibly 


1786-1788.  AND    MANNING.  455 

I  may  see  you  this  fall  at  Philadelphia,  as  I  have  thoughts  of  visiting  New  York. 

Please  to  make  my  hest  respects  to  Mrs.  Ustick  and  the  family,  in  which  Mrs.  Manning 

unites,  with,  dear  sir, 

Your  unworthy  hrother, 

James  Manning. 

To  the  Rev.  Dr.  Hezekiah  Smith. 

Providence,  June  10,  1788. 
Dear  Sir: 

Yours  of  the  6th  inst.  came  to  hand  a  few  hours  since,  by  Mr.  Messer.1  We  have 
examined  and  entered  the  young  gentleman  into  the  Sophomore  class,  though  he  had 
not  read  quite  so  much  as  the  class.    His  abilities  and  proficiency  appear  very  good; 


1  Rev.  Asa  Messer,  D.  D.,  LL.  D.  He  was  born  in  Methuen,  Mass.,  in  the  year  1769.  His  father 
•was  a  farmer  on  the  banks  of  the  Merrimac.  At  the  age  of  thirteen  he  left  the  town  school  in  his 
native  place,  and  went  to  live  in  Haverhill,  where  for  nearly  a  year  he  was  clerk  in  a  wholesale 
grocery  store.  Having  given  up  his  clerkship,  he  studied  for  several  years  under  the  instruction 
of  Rev.  Dr.  Smith,  and  in  1788,  as  Manning  here  states,  entered  the  Sophomore  class.  In  his  diary, 
under  date  of  Monday,  June  2,  Smith  writes :  — "  Then  Asa  Messer  quit  his  learning  with  me  to  go  to 
college."  It  is  no  small  compliment  to  his  instructor,  that  in  the  midst  of  his  duties  as  the  pastor 
of  a  large  and  flourishing  church,  and  after  six  years  in  the  army  as  a  brigade  chaplain,  he  not  only 
fitted  his  pupil  for  college,  but  also  taught  him  advanced  studies,  so  that  he  entered  at  the  close 
nearly  of  the  second  year.  He  was  graduated  in  1790.  Soon  afterwards  he  became  interested  in 
religious  truth,  was  baptized,  and  received  into  the  fellowship  of  the  church  in  Providence,  of 
which  Dr.  Maxcy  was  then  pastor.  By  this  church  he  was,  in  1792,  licensed  to  preach,  and  in  1801 
he  received  ordination.  He  was  elected  a  tutor  of  the  College  in  1791,  and  remained  in  this  office 
till  he  was  elected,  in  1790,  Professor  of  the  Learned  Languages.  In  1799  he  was  appointed  Pro- 
fessor of  Mathematics  and  Natural  Philosophy;  and  this  station  he  continued  to  hold  until  the 
resignation  of  Dr.  Maxcy,  in  1802,  when  he  was  chosen  President.  For  twenty-four  years  he  pre- 
sided over  the  affairs  of  the  College;  diligently  and  efficiently  participating  in  the  duties  of 
instruction,  and  supervising,  with  no  common  practical  sagacity,  its  disordered  finances.  In  1826 
he  resigned  the  office  of  President.  Possessing,  says  his  biographer,  a  handsome  competence,  the 
fruit  in  part  of  his  habitual  frugality,  he  was  enabled  to  pass  the  remainder  of  his  life  in  the 
enjoyment  of  independent  leisure.  After  his  retirement  from  collegiate  toils,  his  fellow-citizens 
of  Providence  elected  him,  for  several  years,  to  responsible  municipal  trusts;  and  these  trusts  he 
discharged  with  his  characteristic  punctuality  and  uprightness.  He  died  Oct.  11,  1836,  in  the 
sixty-eighth  year  of  his  age. 

Dr.  Messer  was  married  to  Deborah  Angell,  by  whom  he  had  four  children,  a  son  that  died  in 
infancy,  and  three  daughters.  The  youngest  daughter  was  married  to  the  late  Hon.  Horace  Mann, 
and  the  second  to  Sidney  Williams,  Esq.,  of  Taunton,  Mass.  Mr.  Williams  resided  for  many  years 
on  the  paternal  estate.    The  eldest  daughter  was  never  married. 

Dr.  Messer's  "religious  opinions,"  says  Professor  Goddard,  "  especially  for  the  last  twenty  years 
of  his  life,  corresponded  nearly  to  those  of  the  General  Baptists  of  England.  He  was  a  strenuous 
advocate  for  the  supremacy  of  the  Scriptures,  and  for  their  entire  sufficiency  in  matters  of  faith 
and  practice.  As  a  preacher,  he  wanted  the  attractive  graces  of  elocution ;  but  he  never  failed  to 
address  to  the  understanding  and  the  conscience  the  most  clear  and  cogent  exhibitions  of  the 
great  practical  truths  of  the  Bible.  For  what  is  termed  polite  literature  he  had  no  particular 
fondness,  but  he  was  a  good  classical  scholar,  and  was  well  versed  in  the  mathematics  and  the 
several  branches  of  natural  philosophy.    In  moral  science,  also,  we  have  known  few  better  reason- 


456  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  XII. 

and  from  your  commendation  of  him  we  hope  he  will  do  well.    Am  obliged  to  you  for 
your  interest  in  forwarding  him. 

I  rejoice  to  hear  of  the  Lord's  work  at  Byfield  and  Rowley.  Hope  it  may  become 
universal.  Then  Haverhill  and  Providence  will  receive  a  blessing.  Am  surprised 
that  mine  in  answer  to  yours  of  March  17th,  and  every  other  I  have  received,  has  not 
reached  you.  I  have  been  punctual  in  writing,  and  giving  you  all  the  information  I 
could.  Our  wicked  State  has  rejected  the  Constitution  by  the  town  meetings  to  which 
the  Legislature  sent  it,  instead  of  complying  with  the  recommendation  of  the  General 
Convention.  Our  rulers  are  deliberately  wicked,  but  the  people  of  some  of  the  towns 
begin  to  wake  up  since  South  Carolina  has  adopted  the  new  Constitution,  and  Massa- 
chusetts has  so  effectually  crushed  Shayism.  My  visit  to  New  York  was  very  short 
and  full  of  business,  so  that  I  did  not  go  to  visit  one  of  my  brothers  or  sisters,  though  I 
was  at  the  Plains.  My  object  was  to  assist  Brother  Gano  off  for  Kentucky,  which  took 
up  all  my  time.  I  heard  from  none  of  your  friends.  Indeed,  I  had  no  opportunity. 
Mr.  Gano  with  his  family  left  the  Plains  the  first  Wednesday  in  May.  Many  families 
of  his  people,  Mr.  Van  Horn's  and  Mr.  Hart's,  are  gone  also,  and  more  are  proposing. 
A  surprising  spirit  of  emigration  prevails  there.  The  church  at  New  York  is  without 
a  supply,  and  probably  will  be  for  a  time.  Mr.  Stanford  is  still  very  acceptable  to  all 
evangelical  hearers.    The  house  is  pretty  full,  but  he  meets  with  some  trials.    Two 


ers  or  more  successful  teachers.  In  fine,  Dr.  Messer  was  remarkable  rather  for  the  vigor  than  the 
versatility  of  his  powers ;  rather  for  solid  acquirement  than  for  captivating  embellishments ; 
rather  for  wisdom  than  for  wit ;  rather  for  grave  processes  of  ratiocination  than  for  the  airy 
frolics  of  fancy.  In  1824  he  received  from  Harvard  University  the  honorary  degree  of  Doctor  of 
Divinity,  having  previously  received  the  same  degree  from  his  Alma  Mater,  and  that  of  Doctor 
of  Laws  from  the  University  of  Vermont." 

"I  cannot  remember,"  says  the  Rev.  Dr.  E.  A.  Park,  in  a  recent  letter  which  he  furnished  for 
Sprague's  Annals  of  the  American  Pulpit,  "  the  time  when  I  was  not  familiar  with  the  countenance 
of  President  Messer.  Before  I  entered  college  I  saw  him  every  week,  and  while  I  was  a  member 
of  college  I  saw  him  every  day ;  and  no  one  who  has  ever  seen  him  can  ever  forget  him.  His  indi- 
viduality was  made  unmistakable  by  his  physical  frame.  This,  while  it  was  above  the  average 
height,  was  also  in  breadth  an  emblem  of  the  expansiveness  of  his  mental  capacity.  A  '  long 
head '  was  vulgarly  ascribed  to  him,  but  it  was  breadth  that  marked  his  forehead ;  there  was  an 
expressive  breadth  in  his  maxillary  bones ;  his  broad  shoulders  were  a  sign  of  the  weight  which 
he  was  able  to  bear ;  his  manner  of  walking  was  a  noticeable  symbol  of  the  reach  of  his  mind ;  he 
swung  his  cane  far  and  wide  as  he  walked,  and  no  observer  would  doubt  that  he  was  an  independ- 
ent man;  he  gesticulated  broadly  as  he  preached;  his  enunciation  was  forcible,  now  and  then  over- 
whelming, sometimes  shrill,  but  was  characterized  by  a  breadth  of  tone  and  a  prolonged  emphasis 
which  added  to  its  momentum,  and  made  an  indelible  impress  on  the  memory.  His  pupils,  when 
they  had  been  unfaithful,  trembled  before  his  expansive  frown,  as  it  portended  a  rebuke  which 
would  well-nigh  devour  them ;  and  they  felt  a  dilating  of  the  whole  soul  when  they  were  greeted 
with  his  good  and  honest  and  broad  smile.  .  .  .  As  a  son,  brother,  husband,  father,  he  was  the 
central  object  of  attraction,  and  the  beams  of  joy  and  love  uniformly  radiated  from  him  over  all 
the  inmates  of  his  happy  home." 

A  fine  portrait       him  has  recently  been  added  to  the  collection  in  Sayles  Memorial  Hall. 


1786-1788.  AND   MANNING.  457 

weeks  ago  Mr.  Alison  of  Bordentown  paid  us  a  visit,  and  entered  a  young  gentleman 
in  the  Junior  Class. 

The  College  has  more  students  than  ever  it  had;  consequently  my  services  are 
greater  than  ever.  Our  oldest  tutor,  Rohbins,  has  been  unable  to  do  any  duty  since 
last  December,  and  is  gone  to  Connecticut,  five  weeks  since,  from  whom  we  have  had 
no  certain  accounts.  I  doubt  his  ever  being  well  again,  or  taking  his  place  in  College. 
So  you  see  I  must  deny  myself  the  pleasure  of  attending  the  New  Hampshire  Associa- 
tion. The  state  of  religion  in  New  York  is  not  as  promising  as  in  times  past.  Near 
Peekskill  and  higher  up  it  flourishes,  and  so  it  does  in  the  Jerseys  under  the  ministry  of 
Brother  Wilson.  The  New  York  church  has  sent  out  a  flaming  young  preacher,  Tommy 
Montague,  who  outshines  us  all  they  say.  I  think  the  church  at  New  York  has  some 
thoughts  of  Brother  Foster  at  Newport,  and  he  of  them.  He  visits  them  by  request  in 
July.  My  spring  letters  from  London  bring  nothing  of  importance  now,  except  the 
completion  of  the  second  edition  of  Mr.  Booth's  treatise  on  Baptism,  which  is  much 
enlarged.  I  have  not  perused  it.  My  best  love  to  Mrs.  Smith  and  family,  in  which,  as 
well  as  to  yourSelf  and  all  friends,  Mrs.  Manning  cordially  unites  with,  dear  sir, 

Yours,  etc., 

James  Manning. 

The  Commencement  for  this  year  occurred  on  Wednesday,  Septem- 
ber 3d.  As  the  day,  says  the  passing  record,  was  fine,  so  the  concourse 
of  people  was  prodigious.  The  procession  —  composed  of  the  Corpora- 
tion and  officers,  of  the  graduates  and  students,  of  the  clergy  and  other 
literati,  who  attended  from  abroad  in  greater  numbers  than  ever  before 
—  began  in  the  usual  order  at  College,  about  eleven  o'clock  in  the 
morning,  and  was  escorted  to  the  Baptist  meeting-house  by  the  gal- 
lant company  of  artillery  commanded  by  Colonel  Tillinghast.  In  look- 
ing over  the  exercises  on  this  occasion,  we  notice,  besides  the  salutatory 
oration  in  Latin,  an  oration  in  Hebrew  on  the  eloquence  of  the  Scrip- 
tures, an  oration  in  French  on  letters  in  general,  an  oration  in  Greek 
on  the  importance  of  encouraging  genius,  a  dialogue  in  blank  verse  on 
the  situation  and  prospects  of  America,  and  a  comic  dialogue  to  ridicule 
false  learning.  As  was  the  custom  at  all  the  earlier  Commencements 
of  the  College,  the  exercises  were  continued  through  the  day,  with  a 
recess  at  noon.  The  valedictory  oration  was  pronounced  by  Amos 
Maine  Atwell,  of  Providence.     Among  those  who  graduated  on  this 

58 


458  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  XII. 

occasion  was  James  Burrill,1  who  for  sixteen  years  was  successively 
elected,  amid  all  the  vicissitudes  and  competitions  of  party,  to  the 
responsible  office  of  Attorney-General  of  Rhode  Island,  and  was  after- 
wards a  member  of  the  United  States  Senate. 

From  the  Rev.  Morgan  Edwards. 

Philadelphia,  Aug.  18,  1788. 
My  Old  Acquaintance: 

I  am  now  thinking  bow  long  it  is  since  you  and  I  have  seen  each  other's  face  or 
perused  each  other's  letters  ;  and  what  the  reason  is,  and  whose  fault  (if  a  fault)  it  is. 
But  as  the  inquiry  hardly  deserves  a  decision,  I  let  all  pass  in  silence,  that  I  may  pro- 
ceed to  inquire  after  your  present  state  of  health.  I  hope  this  will  find  you  in  a  com- 
fortable situation ;  at  least  I  wish  it  may.  I  feel  as  well  and  as  strong  as  an  old  man 
of  sixty-seven  years  can  expect  to  be.  • 

Some  years  ago  I  .sent  you  a  manuscript2 ;  whether  you  received  it  or  not  I  cannot 
say.  It  was  a  collection  of  some  historical  facts  relative  to  the  Baptists.  If  you  have 
the  book,  please  return  it  to  me  as  soon  as  conveniency  offers.    Herewith  I  send  you  a 


1  Hon.  James  Burrill,  LL.D.,  was  born  in  Providence  in  1772.  He  was  prepared  for  College  by 
William  Wilkinson,  Esq.,  then  an  eminent  classical  and  mathematical  teacher  in  that  town.  He 
graduated  at  the  early  age  of  sixteen,  and,  after  completing  his  professional  studies,  commenced, 
at  the  age  of  nineteen,  the  practice  of  law  in  his  native  town.  So  rapid  was  his  rise  at  the  bar, 
that,  at  the  age  of  twenty-five,  he  was  elected  by  the  people  to  the  office  of  Attorney-General,  and 
this  office  he  continued  to  hold  for  about  sixteen  years,  until  bodily  infirmity  compelled  hiin  to 
retire  from  the  bar.  In  1816  he  was  elected  Chief  Justice  of  the  Supreme  Court  of  Rhode  Island, 
and  a  few  months  afterwards  a  Senator  in  Congress.  He  attended  only  four  sessions  of  that  body, 
—  his  valuable  life  having  been  prematurely  terminated  by  a  pulmonary  disease,  Dec.  25, 1820,  in 
the  forty-ninth  year  of  his  age.  "During  his  short  career  in  Congress,"  says  Professor  Goddard, 
"  Mr.  Burrill  won  for  himself  a  very  high  rank.  To  the  Senate  of  the  United  States  there  perhaps 
never  had  belonged  a  more  useful  legislator  or  a  more  practical  statesman.  All  who  knew  Mr. 
Burrill  marvelled  at  the  opulence  of  his  resources,  and  at  his  power  to  command  them  at  pleasure. 
In  the  operations  of  his  mind  there  was  no  indication  of  excess,  of  feebleness,  or  of  confusion.  On 
the  contrary,  he  was  always  judicious,  luminous,  and  forcible,  —  master  of  an  infinite  variety  of 
facts  and  principles,  and  ever  ready  in  applying  them.  He  seldom  wrote,  although  he  was  capable 
of  writing  well ;  and  it  is  sad  to  think  that  his  fame,  as  a  lawyer  and  as  a  statesman,  must  soon 
become  only  a  matter  of  dim  traditionary  recollection."  James  Burrill  Angell,  a  distinguished 
graduate  of  the  College,  in  the  class  of  1849,  and  the  able  President  of  the  University  of  Michigan, 
at  Ann  Arbor,  was  named  from  this  graduate  of  1788. 

2  The  "  Manuscript  "  here  referred  to  was  Edwards's  "  Materials  towards  a  History  of  the  Bap- 
tists in  Rhode  Island,"  to  which  we  are  so  largely  indebted  for  our  history  of  the  College  Charter. 
It  is  a  quarto  volume  of  several  hundred  pages.  Backus  had  the  use  of  it  in  the  preparation  of  his 
history,  and  after  him  the  late  Dr.  Benedict.  It  is  now  in  the  possession  of  the  Rhode  Island  His- 
torical Society. 


1786-1788.  AND    MANNING.  459 

small  piece  newly  published.    Your  remarks  upon  it  will  be  interesting  to  me  as  an 
editor,  especially  if  it  should  pass  through  another  edition. 
My  love  and  good  wishes  attend  you  and  yours. 

M.  Edwards. 

From  the  Rev-  Dr.  Caleb  Evans. 

Down  End,  near  Bristol,  Sept.  20,  1788. 
Dear  Sir: 

As  a  memorial  of  my  friendship,  and  some  slight  atonement  for  former  neglects,  I 
write  you  this  billet  by  my  dear  Brother  and  Sister  Mullett,  to  thank  you  for  your 
former  attentions  to  the  first,  and  to  commend  them  both  to  your  further  notice.  Our 
anxieties  and  emotions  at  parting  with  those  we  have  so  much  reason  to  love,  and 
especially  with  a  sister  endeared  to  us  from  her  earliest  infancy  by  every  quality  that 
can  render  any  character  truly  respectable  and  truly  amiable,  are  not  to  be  described. 
But  we  cast  all  our  care  on  that  God  who  careth  for  all  those  who  trust  in  him,  and 
has  promised  not  to  leave  nor  forsake  them. 

I  enclose  you  a  few  Association  letters,  etc.,  which  may  give  you  more  information 
than  I  have  leisure  to  communicate.  Dr.  Stennett's  Sermons  on  the  Parable  of  the 
Sower  you  have  doubtless  seen.  They  are  truly  excellent,  as  giving  the  best  instruc- 
tions to  preachers  as  well  as  hearers.  I  would  also  recommend  to  your  notice  Dr. 
Priestley's  Lectures  on  History,  as  the  best  book  on  that  interesting  subject  I  ever  met 
with.  If  I  can  I  will  herewith  send  it,  and  beg  your  acceptance  of  it  for  the  Library  of 
your  College.  I  wish  also  to  acquaint  you  with  the  reasons  we  have  to  expect  soon  a 
capital  history  of  the  Baptists,  by  Robert  Robinson  of  Cambridge,  and,  if  possible,  will 
get  some  of  his  letters  to  me  on  that  subject  transcribed  for  that  purpose. 

It  gives  me  no  small  concern  to  find  your  government  making  so  disgraceful  a  figure 
amongst  the  other  sister  states.  Surely,  if  they  knew  how  foreigners  look  upon  them, 
they  would  blush.  I  should,  however,  have  scarcely  ventured  to  say  this,  if  I  could 
not  have  added  that  I  am  happy  to  find  the  town  of  Providence  shines  forth  as  a 
luminous  spot  upon  this  dark  mass,  and  appears  the  brighter  for  the  darkness  which 
surrounds  it. 

What  shall  I  say  to  tempt  you  to  renew  a  correspondence  you  have  hitherto  found  so 
fruitless  ?  May  I  not  remind  you  that  it  is  more  blessed  to  give  than  to  receive  ?  And 
you  have  much  to  give  which  will  be  thankfully  received,  though  you  may  receive 
little  or  nothing  in  return.  I  shall  also  be  glad  to  hear  of  the  general  state  of  religion 
in  America,  of  the  progress  of  civilization,  etc.,  in  Kentucky,  the  prosperity  of  the 
Baptist  College,  the  health  and  usefulness  of  its  worthy  President,  etc.  And  you  may 
possibly,  now  my  connections  with  America  are  so  tender,  find  me  a  more  punctual,  if 


460  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  XII. 

not  a  more  intelligent  correspondent  than  I  have  hitherto  been.  Dr.  Priestley's  writ- 
ings in  the  theological  line  you  are  probably  no  stranger  to,  and  surely  he  has  gone  to 
the  ne  plus  ultra  of  heresy.  Further  he  cannot  go  and  retain  the  name  of  Christian,  for 
the  substance  of  Christianity  he  has  long  since  discarded.  I  am  preaching  a  few  ser- 
mons on  the  Atonement,  in  opposition  to  his  strange,  unsupported  notions.  Such  doc- 
trines cannot  long  prevail.    They  have  no  internal  energy. 

I  have  heard  an  excellent  character  of  the  son  of  the  late  Jonathan  Edwards.  Can 
you  give  me  any  anecdotes  respecting  him? 

I  remain,  dear  sir,  with  every  wish  the  sincerest  friendship  can  dictate  for  you  and 
your  family  and  extensive  connections, 

Your  affectionate  friend  and  brother, 

Caleb  Evans. 

P.  S.  —  I  write  this  in  haste,  at  a  country  retreat  four  miles  from  town,  and  have  not 
my  papers  with  me,  or  I  would  make  a  regular  acknowledgment  of  your  repeated 
favors  before  and  since  the  safe  arrival  of  the  books. 

I  had  like  to  have  forgot  to  say,  do  you  want  a  good  linguist  to  assist  in  the  College 
or  grammar  school  with  you,  or  to  send  to  Kentucky?  A  young  man  of  this  descrip- 
tion left  our  academy  last  vacation,  who,  having  few  friends  here,  and  a  very  slender 
voice,  which  is  a  bar  to  his  popularity,  seems  willing  to  go  abroad  could  he  have  any 
encouragement.  He  is  a  good  young  man,  has  very  tolerable  talents  as  a  preacher,  and 
is  an  excellent  mechanical  scholar  in  Latin,  Greek,  Hebrew,  Syriac,  and  has  some 
knowledge  of  the  first  rudiments  of  the  mathematics.  He  is  deficient  in  a  general  course 
of  knowledge  and  reading,  but  habituated  to  diligence,  and  very  capable  of  improve- 
ment. I  should  have  kept  him  here  another  year,  had  not  some  particular  circum- 
stances prevented  it.  I  really  think  he  might  be  an  important  acquisition  in  such  a 
department  as  I  have  mentioned,  and  I  am  persuaded  he  would  come  over  upon  very 
moderate  encouragement. 

To  the  Rev.  Dr.  Hezekiah  Smith. 

Providence,  Dec.  17,  1788, 
Dear  Sir: 

Yours  of  the  25th  ult.  came  safe  to  hand.  Am  sorry  for  and  sympathize  with  you 
in  your  trials,  but  God  means  them  for  good  to  you;  though  we  are  impatient,  often- 
times, under  the  salutary  discipline  of  a  heavenly  parent.  I  cannot  bear  to  think  of 
your  leaving  Haverhill.  I  hope  God  has  work  for  you  to  do  there  yet,  and  is  now  pre- 
paring you  for  it.  I  should  be  sorry  should  you  come  to  a  resolution  of  taking  your  son 
from  College.  I  hope  you  may  yet  see  a  brighter  sky,  which  will  encourage  you  to 
proceed.    The  conduct  of  the  people  I  doubt  not  is  trying.    You  did  well  in  not  being 


1786-1788.  AND   MANNING.  461 

precipitate.  We  must  let  our  moderation  be  known,  and  indeed  we  need  much  of  it.  I 
hope  you  meet  with  success  in  the  petition  to  the  House  of  New  Hampshire,  but  fear, 
as  their  session  was  so  short,  they  did  not  take  that  up ;  if  not,  I  hope  they  will  when 
they  meet  next.  Am  glad  to  hear  that  things  were  agreeable  at  Mr.  Wood's  settlement 
at  Ware.    I  hope  he  will  prove  a  blessing  to  them.    I  think  him  a  valuable  man. 

The  abridgment  of  Dr.  Gill,  through  the  scarcity  of  money,  is  stopped  for  the  present, 
as  very  little  encouragement  has  yet  been  given  for  the  work.  Dr.  Jones  himself  does 
not  expect  it  will  go  on,  and  the  money  which  was  put  into  my  hands  for  that  purpose  I 
have  returned  long  since.     Thus  endeth  that  lesson. 

Your  son,1 1  think,  wants  a  little  more  stability;  he  seems  to  fluctuate  too  much. 

Upon  giving  him  your  letter  to  me  to  read,  he  seemed  to  conclude  he  is  not  likely  to 

come  to  College  any  more.    Instability  is  natural  to  young  minds,  but  it  may  be  checked 

in  some  degree  by  proper  culture ;  and  a  parent  greatly  beloved  can  accomplish  this 

the  best.    Mr.  Stanford  has  hinted  to  the  people  that  they  are  not  to  expect  his  stay 

after  the  expiration  of  the  term  agreed  to ;  but  the  committee  have  within  a  few  days 

past  had  two  meetings,  the  last  of  which  was  with  him,  and  are  determined  to  use  their 

influence  to  prevent  it.    With  sentiments  of  esteem,  and  love  to  Mrs.  Smith,  in  which 

Mrs.  Manning  joins,  I  am,  etc., 

James  Manning. 

It  seems  proper  in  this  chapter,  which  illustrates  more  particularly 
Dr.  Manning's  political  character  and  life,  to  give  some  account  of  his 
efforts  in  behalf  of  popular  education. 

The  late  Samuel  Thurber,  in  a  letter  addressed  to  Judge  Staples, 
which  we  find  in  his  Annals  of  Providence,  says  of  schools,  that, 
"previous  to  about  the  year  1770,  they  were  but  little  thought  of. 
There  were,"  he  says,  "in  my  neighborhood,  three  small  schools,  with 
perhaps  a  dozen  scholars  in  each.  Their  books  were  the  Bible,  spell- 
ing-book, and  primer.  One  kept  by  John  Foster,  Esq.,  in  his  office; 
one  by  Dr.  Benjamin  West.  Their  fees  were  seven  shillings  and  six- 
pence per  quarter.  One  kept  by  George  Taylor,  Esq.,  for  the  church 
scholars.  He,  it  was  said,  received  a  small  compensation  from  Eng- 
land. Besides  these  there  were  two  or  three  women  schools.  When 
one  had  learned  to  read,  write,  and  do  a  sum  in  the  rule  of  three,  he 
was  fit    for    business.      The    Rev.   James    Manning,"   Mr.    Thurber 


1  The  "  son  "  here  referred  to  was  Hezekiah,  Dr.  Smith's  eldest  son.    He  eventually  settled  down 
on  a  farm  in  Northumberland,  Coos  County,  New  Hampshire,  where  he  died  at  an  advanced  age. 


462  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.   XII. 

remarks  in  another  place,  "did  great  things  in  the  way  of  enlightening 
and  informing  the  people.  Schools  revived  by  means  of  his  advice  and 
assistance.  Previous  to  him  it  was  not  uncommon  to  meet  with  those 
who  could  not  write  their  names." 

The  leading  facts  pertaining  to  the  history  of  popular  education  in 
Providence  are  given  by  Judge  Staples.  That  Manning  was  prominent 
in  all  efforts  made  in  his  day  for  the  improvement  of  society  and  the 
public  good,  is  evident  from  the  tenor  of  his  life  and  correspondence 
thus  far.  He  was  a  member  of  the  school  committee  of  the  town,  and 
for  many  years  the  chairman.  One  of  the  last  acts  of  his  life  was  to 
draw  up  a  report  in  favor  of  the  establishment  of  free  public  schools, 
which  report  was  presented  at  an  adjourned  town  meeting  held  in  the 
State  House,  Monday,  Aug.  1,  1791,  only  two  days  after  the  author 
had  been  followed  to  the  tomb.  We  shall  be  pardoned  if  we  give  an 
extract  from  this  valuable  report,  which,  although  not  carried  into 
immediate  execution,  was  cordially  received  and  adopted  at  the  time, 
and  doubtless,  paved  the  way  for  the  introduction,  a  few  years  later, 
of  the  present  free-school  system  of  Providence. 

It  seems  that,  at  the  annual  town  meeting  in  June,  a  petition  had 
been  presented,  praying  that  a  sufficient  number  of  schoolmasters  be 
appointed  to  instruct  all  the  children  in  town  at  the  public  expense  ; 
which  petition  was  referred  to  the  school  committee,  of  which  Manning 
was  chairman,  with  instructions  to  report  thereon  at  an  adjourned 
meeting.     The  report  thus  begins  :  — 

TO  THE  FREEMEN  OF  THE  TOWN  OF  PROVIDENCE,  TO  BE  CONVENED  NEXT  BY  ADJOURN- 
MENT, THE  UNDERWRITTEN  MEMBERS  OF  YOUR  SCHOOL  COMMITTEE,  IN  PURSUANCE  OF 
YOUR   RESOLUTION   AT   YOUR   LAST   MEETING,    REPORT :  — 

After  the  most  deliberate  and  mature  consideration  of  the  subject,  we  are  clearly  of 
opinion  that  the  measure  proposed  by  the  petitioners  is  eligible,  for  many  reasons. 

1.  Useful  knowledge,  generally  diffused  among  the  people,  is  the  surest  means  of 
securing  the  rights  of  man,  of  promoting  the  public  prosperity,  and  perpetuating  the 
liberties  of  a  country. 

2.  As  civil  community  is  a  kind  of  joint  tenancy  in  respect  to  the  gifts  and  abilities 
of  individual  members  thereof,  it  seems  not  improper  that  the  disbursements  necessary 
to  qualify  those  individuals  for  usefulness  should  be  made  from  common  funds. 


1786-1788.  AND    MANNING.  463 

3.  Our  lives  and  properties,  in  a  free  state,  are  so  much  in  the  power  of  our  fellow- 
citizens,  and  the  reciprocal  advantages  of  daily  intercourse  are  so  much  dependent  on 
the  information  and  integrity  of  our  neighbors,  that  no  wise  man  can  feel  himself  indif- 
ferent to  the  progress  of  useful  learning,  civilization,  and  the  preservation  of  morals  in 
the  community  where  he  resides. 

4.  The  most  reasonable  object  of  getting  wealth,  after  our  own  wants  are  supplied, 
is  to  benefit  those  who  need  it ;  and  it  may  with  great  propriety  be  demanded,  in  what 
way  can  those  whose  wealth  is  redundant  benefit  their  neighbors  more  certainly  and 
permanently  than  by  furnishing  to  their  children  the  means  of  qualifying  them  to 
become  good  and  useful  citizens,  and  of  acquiring  an  honest  livelihood? 

5.  In  schools  established  by  public  authority,  and  whose  teachers  are  paid  by  the 
public,  there  will  be  reason  to  hope  for  a  more  faithful  and  impartial  discharge  of  the 
duties  of  instruction,  as  well  as  of  discipline  among  the  scholars,  than  can  be  expected 
when  the  masters  are  dependent  on  individuals  for  their  support.1 

The  report  goes  on  to  recommend  that  the  "  Brick  Schoolhouse  " 
and  ' '  Whipple  Hall ' '  be  purchased  of  the  proprietors,  and  that  two 
additional  houses  be  erected,  one  on  the  west  side  of  the  river.  It  also 
recommends  that  the  four  schools  thus  established  be  under  the  care 
and  supervision  of  the  school  committee,  who  shall  appoint  the  neces- 
sary instructors.  It  is  signed  by  James  Manning,  Enos  Hitchcock, 
Moses  Brown,  Joseph  Snow,  Moses  Badger,  Jabez  Bowen,  David 
Howell,  Benjamin  Bourne,  John  Dorrance,  Theodore  Foster,  and  Wel- 
come Arnold.  Providence,  July  (seventh  month),  1791.  Although, 
as  we  have  already  stated,  this  report  was  adopted,  its  provisions  were 
not  carried  into  effect  until  the  year  1800,  when  the  General  Assembly 
passed  its  first  act  in  relation  to  free  schools,  in  accordance  with  a 
petition  to  this  effect  from  the  Providence  Association  of  Mechanics 
and  Manufacturers,  drawn  up  and  presented  by  John  Howland.  On 
the  last  Monday  in  October,  1800,  four  schools  were  opened  in  Provi- 
dence, under  the  most  favorable  auspices. 


1  This  admirable  report,  so  brief  and  yet  so  comprehensive,  embodies  in  its  five  "  reasons,"  the 
grand  principles  which  underlie  all  legislative  action  in  behalf  of  popular  education.  The  veteran 
educator,  the  Hon.  Henry  Barnard,  of  Hartford,  who  was  Commissioner  of  Public  Schools  in  Rhode 
Island  from  1845  until  1849,  remarked  to  the  writer  soon  after  the  publication,  in  1864,  of  "  Manning 
and  Brown  University,"  in  which  this  report  appeared,  that  it  was  the  best  report  of  the  kind  he 
had  ever  seen ;  and  that  he  valued  it  as  one  of  the  choicest  books  in  his  "  Pedagogical  Collection." 


CHAPTER    XIII. 

1789-1791. 

Letter  from  Rev.  Dr.  Gordon,  illustrating  his  political  views,  and  his  position  in  Eng- 
land as  the  historian  of  the  American  war — Manning  appointed  to  draft  and  present 
to  Congress  a  petition  in  behalf  of  Rhode  Island  —  Petition  as  published  in  Staples's 
Annals  —  Address  to  the  Graduating  Class  of  1789 — Jeremiah  B.  Howell  —  James 
Fenner  —  Manning's  customary  charge  to  candidates  for  the  ministry  —  Letter 
addressed  to  Manning  from  committee  of  the  Baptist  church  —  Letter  to  Rev.  Abra- 
ham Booth  —  Booth's  reply  —  Letter  from  Rev.  Dr.  Evans  —  Letter  to  Rev.  Dr.  Smith 

—  Religious  interest  in  Providence  —  Seven  ineffectual  attempts  in  the  General 
Assembly  to  call  a  Convention  for  the  adoption  of  the  Federal  Constitution  —  Sena- 
tor Williams,  from  Foster  —  Final  adoption,  May  29,  1790 — George  Washington's 
visit  to  Providence  —  Reception  at  the  College  —  Address  of  President  Manning  in 
behalf  of  the  Corporation  —  Washington's  reply  —  Commencement  for  1790 — Moses 
Brown  —  Degree  of  LL.  D.  conferred  on  Washington  —  Anecdote  respecting  him  — 
Letter  to  Rev.  Dr.  Smith  respecting  Asa  Messer,  Tutor  Flint,  etc.  —  Ordination  of  Mr. 
Flint — Letter  from  Abraham  Booth  —  Letter  from  Rev.  Dr.  Rippon  —  Rippon's 
"Baptist  Annual  Register"  —  Letter  from  Rev.  Dr.  William  Richards,  of  Lynn, 
England  —  Announces  his  intentions  of  bequeathing  his  library  to  Rhode  Island 
College  —  Account  of  Mr  Richards  —  Corresponds  with  President  Messer  —  Bequeaths 
his  library  to  the  University  —  Last  letter  from  Manning,  addressed  to  Rev.  Dr. 
Smith  —  Manning  preaches  his  farewell  sermon  to  the  people  of  his  charge  —  Notifies 
the  Corporation  of  the  College  to  look  out  for  a  successor  to  fill  his  place  —  Singular 
presentiment  of  his  approaching  mortality — His  death — Universal  sorrow  and  regret 

—  Proceedings  of  the  Corporation  —  Funeral  —  Extracts  from  Maxcy's  Funeral  Ser- 
mon—  Letter  on  the  occasion  of  Manning's  death  from  Rev.  Dr.  Stillman,  addressed 
to  Rev.  Dr.  Smith  —  Letter  from  Hon.  David  Howell,  in  behalf  of  members  of  the 
Corporation,  announcing  Manning's  death  to  Rev.  Dr.  Samuel  Jones,  and  in  an 
informal  manner  designating  him  as  his  successor  in  the  Presidency  —  Letter  from 
Rev.  Isaac  Backus  to  Rev.  Dr.  Rippon  —  Letter  to  Dr.  Rippon  from  Doct.  Drowne  — 
Extracts  from  Simeon  Doggett's  Commencement  "  Oration  on  the  Death  of  Rev. 
President  Manning" — Manning  as  a  Baptist  and  a  Federalist  the  "  object  of  detrac- 
tion"—  Extracts  from  the  circular  letters  of  the  Warren  and  Philadelphia  Associa- 
tions—  Manning's  personal  appearance,  habits,  character,  and  influence,  as  given  by 
Hon.  David  Howell  —  Inscription  on  his  tomb-stone  —  Original  portrait  of  Manning, 
by  Cosmo  Alexander — Conclusion — The  College  founded  by  Baptists  to  secure  for 
the  churches  an  educated  ministry  —  The  improvement  and  elevation  of  the  Baptist 
denomination  through  the  College  the  object  and  aim  of  Manning's  entire  profes- 
sional life. 

From  this  date  Dr.  Manning,  it  appears,  did  not  preserve  copies  of 
his  letters  abroad,  as  had  heretofore  been  his  custom.     We  can  only 


1789-1791.  BROWN   UNIVERSITY.  465 

therefore  present,  besides  one  or  two  additional  letters  of  his  own,  a 
few  replies  from  his  friends,  which  will  doubtless  be  regarded  as  an 
interesting  part  of  his  correspondence.  The  following,  from  the  Rev. 
Dr.  Gordon,  will  serve  to  illustrate  the  author's  position  and  views  as 
the  historian  of  the  American  war:  — 

Ringwood,  England,  Feb.  27, 1789. 
My  Good  Friend: 

I  am  mistaken  or  you  are  indebted  to  me  for  an  answer  to  my  last  letter.  You 
might  delay  sending  it  till  you  heard  where  I  was  settled ;  and  this  you  will  not  do  by 
the  present  means,  but  the  reverse.  You  will  inquire  after  the  situation  of  Ringwood, 
and  the  reason  of  my  being  here.  You  know  I  have  a  pleasure  in  gratifying  you ;  and 
therefore  turn  to  your  map  of  England,  look  for  Hampshire,  find  out  Pool,  next  the 
church,  which  is  twelve  miles  off,  then  Christ's  Church,  which  is  ten  in  the  contrary 
direction,  then  Southampton,  which  is  twenty,  and  so  calculate  the  proper  distance 
between  Southampton  and  Pool,  and  from  Christ  Church,  then  make  your  dot,  and  you 
will  either  hit,  or  be  not  far  from,  Ringwood  in  imagination.  I  should  be  glad  to  see 
you  in  reality,  though  I  should  be  astonished  at  the  sight,  and  wonder  what  drove  you 
from  the  land  of  the  whereases,  whether  the  inhabitants  are  suddenly  going  from  one 
extreme  to  another  and  becoming  all  honest,  so  that  they  no  longer  wanted  your 
instruction  or  example,  or  are  being  so  confirmed  in  their  malpractices  as  that  you 
had  forsaken  them,  from  a  conviction  that  they  were  a  set  of  incurables.  Now  for 
the  other  part  of  the  question,  What  brought  me  hither?  Freedom  among  friends  is 
best,  you  know ;  and  therefore,  to  be  plain  with  you,  when  I  had  seen  to  the  delivery 
and  sending  off  my  History  to  the  subscribers  in  London  and  the  country,  I  pushed  off 
to  this  retirement  for  a  few  months,  that  I  might  at  the  distance  of  ninety-seven  miles 
be  out  of  the  way  of  the  conversation  that  my  publication  would  produce.  I  was  suf- 
ficiently tired  with  composing,  transcribing,  and  publishing ;  and  did  not  wish  to  have 
my  spirits  fatigued  more  with  the  queries  and  observations  that  either  malevolence  or 
curiosity  might  excite.  I  judged  it  as  needful  to  give  myself  a  few  months'  relaxation, 
as  to  turn  out  to  grass  for  a  season  an  old  horse  worn  down  by  a  long,  tedious  journey, 
that  he  might  recruit  and  be  fit  for  a  little  more  service.  Here  we  shall  remain,  if 
spared,  at  the  country  house  of  Mrs.  Gordon's  younger  brother,  till  April  or  May,  when 
I  propose  giving  a  look  at  London  for  a  few  days,  on  our  way  to  Ipswich  in  Suffolk, 
seventy  miles  from  the  metropolis,  eighteen  miles  from  Colchester,  and  twelve  from 
Harwich.  Here  we  were  first  settled  and  lived  thirteen  years.  Our  former  people  and 
their  successors,  like  their  quondam  pastor,  were  the  friends  of  America,  so  that  we 
shall  agree  in  politics  as  well  as  religion.  They  have  a  great  affection  for  us ;  and  had 
59 


466  BROWN    UNIVERSITY  Chap.  XIII. 

there  been  a  vacancy  in  the  pastorate,  they  would,  I  have  reason  to  believe,  have  urged 
my  renewing  our  former  relations.  Here  and  in  the  neighborhood  I  shall  be  likely  to 
preach  occasionally,  while  abilities  admit ;  but  though  I  have  great  reason  to  adore  the 
goodness  of  God  that  I  am  so  well  in  body  and  mind,  now  that  I  am  within  nine  days 
of  sixty,  yet  I  perceive  that  they  are  upon  the  decline.  You  will  think  my  eyesight 
good  when  you  read  that  I  write,  as  you  see,  whether  by  day  or  candlelight.  I  was  in 
hope  that  some  ministerial  settlement  with  a  small  congregation,  and  a  salary  that 
might  have  made  our  circumstances  more  easy,  would  have  offered.  But  the  great  Head 
of  the  church  has  ordered  otherwise,  —  not  only  with  wisdom  for  the  general  good,  but 
with  mercy  for  our  particular  benefit.  I  do  not  intend  to  lie  by  in  a  state  of  lazy  indo- 
lence, but  to  apply  myself  to  some  kind  of  service  that  may  be  useful  to  the  church  and 
the  public,  and  yield  me,  with  the  blessing  of  God,  some  advantage  to  supply  present 
deficiencies.  "What  that  should  be  I  have  not  yet  determined,  and  delay  till  I  get  into 
a  habitation  of  my  own,  if  an  earthly  one  remains  designed  for  me.  But  I  mean  it  to 
be  of  that  nature  that  will  not  disgrace  a  D.  D.,  the  creature  of  Princeton  College  Trus- 
tees. Much  will  depend  upon  the  voice  of  the  public,  on  both  sides  of  the  Atlantic.  If 
the  numerous  part  of  impartialists  will  exclaim  well  done,  and  call  for  a  second  edition 
of  my  History,  the  way  will  be  plain.  The  profits  arising  from  it  will  suffice,  especially 
if  the  heads  of  American  colleges  will  let  me  have  their  orders  and  their  cash  for  the 
various  books  that  may  be  wanted  in  their  seminaries  and  libraries,  which  I  might  be 
able  to  supply  them  with  on  lower  terms  than  they  now  have  them,  by  exchanging 
copies  of  my  work  with  the  booksellers  having  the  copyright  of  such  as  are  to  be  fur- 
nished. Your  friendship  will  lead  you  to  improve  upon  this  hint ;  and  methinks  I  am 
entitled  to  the  countenance  and  aid  of  the  American  States,  for  my  past  and  present 
attachment  to  their  freedom  and  independence,  and  for  the  disadvantages  the  same  has 
subjected  me  to  in  my  native  country. 

I  had  finished  writing  thus  far,  and  taken  a  breathing-walk  into  the  garden,  when 
yours  of  September,  1788,  was  brought  to  Mrs.  Gordon  in  a  parcel.  Upon  opening  the 
last,  I  had  the  pleasure  of  reading  that  and  another  from  the  same  continent.  To  what 
it  has  been  owing  that  so  much  time  has  elapsed  since  that  day  to  the  present,  before 
the  parcel  reached  me,  I  know  not ;  but  better  late  than  never,  and  long-looked-for  is  come 
at  last.  And  now  for  answers  to,  and  comments  upon  it.  Through  divine  goodness 
Mrs.  Gordon's  hand  has  been  so  far  restored  as  to  be  very  serviceable,  though  not  as 
formerly.  The  labors  I  had  been  called  to  while  printing,  and  which  had  near 
exhausted  me  by  the  time  I  had  finished,  led  one  of  my  intimate  friends  to  say  he  was 
astonished  at  observing  how  my  spirits  had  kept  up.  Relaxation,  country  air,  the 
severe  cold  of  last  winter,  and  the  pleasures  of  the  present  spring,  have  given  to  them 
a  fresh  start;  and  I  promise  myself  they  will  recover  their  former  tone.  The  produce 
of  America  just  received  from  New  York  and  Massachusetts  has  raised  them  some 


1789-1791.  AND    MANNING.  467 

degrees  above  par.  When  you  read  the  History,  I  natter  myself  you  will  pronounce 
me  the  friend  of  the  American  cause,  and  that  I  have  pointed  out  the  faults  of  the 
United  States  in  divers  instances  without  hasting  them  severely.  I  can  go  beyond  most 
of  the  members  of  the  old  superannuated  Congress,  or  even  of  the  new  Federal  Consti- 
tution, and  say,  I  pray  daily  that  the  United  States  of  America  may  be  a  holy,  free,  and 
happy  people,  which  is  the  way  to  be  lasting.  It  used  to  be  one  of  my  petitions  that 
good  government  might  be  established  among  them;  but  that  being  answered,  I  have 
only  to  be  thankful  for  it.  You  will  not  charge  me  with  having  spared  Great  Britain, 
when  you  are  convinced  how  faithfully  their  cruelties  in  America  are  related.  Your 
account  of  Massachusetts  merits  confirmation,  and  I  hope  will  obtain  it.  The  infinitely 
wise  Governor  of  the  universe  often  makes  great  evils  the  parents  of  lasting  and  great 
benefits.  But  where  did  you  leave  your  orthodox  divinity,  when  you  went  from  Provi- 
dence to  New  York,  that  you  should  venture  to  declare,  that  if  my  native  country  does 
not  smart  in  your  lifetime  for  her  conduct  to  the  East  Indians  and  Africans,  not  to  say 
Americans,  that  so  you  might  see  it,  you  should  alter  your  opinions  respecting  the 
divine  dispensations  toward  communities  of  men  in  this  world?  Methinks,  Brother 
Doctor,  I  have  caught  you  napping.  Besides,  had  the  Americans  smarted  equal  to  their 
crimes  toward  their  public  and  private  creditors,  the  Africans,  etc.,  when  you  were 
provoked  to  leave  off  glorying  in  being  an  American  ? 

Our  common  friend,  Mr.  Rippon,  will  give  you  fuller  and  better  intelligence  concern- 
ing "Winchester  than  I  can  do.  I  wish  his  most  influential  days  may  be  at  an  end, 
unless  he  goes  right  about  as  he  was,  to  allude  to  a  military  phrase.  May  the  College 
at  Providence,  and  all  other  colleges  where  learning,  good  morals,  and  Christian  piety 
are  encouraged,  flourish  more  and  more.  And  may  my  friends  there  continue  to  enjoy 
good  health.  I  have  desired  Mr.  Mason  to  accompany  this  letter  with  six  sets  of  my 
History  to  you.  One  is  a  present  to  the  College ;  the  other  five  are  for  Jabez  Bowen, 
Esq.,  Messrs.  John  Brown  and  Francis  Bowen,  Mr.  Nicholas  Brown,  Mr.  Caleb  Greene, 
and  Mr.  John  Jenckes.  I  pray  you  to  present  my  best  respects  to  these  gentlemen,  to 
receive  the  remaining  five  pounds  from  them,  and  to  forward  the  same  to  Jonathan 
Mason,  Jr.,  Esq.,  Boston.  If  no  other  way  that  is  more  agreeable  offers,  either  of  those 
careful  and  obliging  postriders,  Messrs.  Mumfords,  to  whom  my  respects,  I  am  certain 
will  take  a  pleasure  in  serving  me  by  conveying  it.  It  might  not  perhaps  be  amiss  to 
hint  to  them,  that  if  by  their  peregrinations  they  could  dispose  of  twenty-five  or  fifty 
sets,  I  might  likely  supply  them  at  twenty-five  shillings  sterling  per  set,  delivered  at 
Boston  or  Providence.    ...    I  remain,  dear  sir, 

Your  very  affectionate  friend  though  unworthy  brother, 

William  Gordon. 


468  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  XIII. 

The  services  of  Dr.  Manning  were  still,  it  would  seem,  in  popular 
demand  at  this  trying  period  in  the  history  of  Rhode  Island  as  a  State. 
From  the  records  of  the  day  we  learn  that  —    • 

At  an  adjourned  meeting  of  the  town  on  Thursday  (Aug.  27, 1789),  a  committee, 
that  had  been  appointed  on  Tuesday  for  the  purpose,  reported  a  draft  of  a  petition  to 
he  presented  to  the  Congress  of  the  United  States,  setting  forth  the  distressed  situation 
of  this  State,  the  probability  of  our  soon  joining  the  Union,  and  praying  that  vessels 
belonging  to  our  citizens  may  be  exempted  from  foreign  tonnage,  and  goods  shipped 
from  this  State  from  foreign  duties,  for  such  time  and  under  such  regulations  and 
restrictions  as  Congress  in  their  wisdom  shall  think  proper. 

The  petition  was  unanimously  voted;  and  after  having  been  signed  by  the  modera- 
tor and  town  clerk,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Manning  and  Benjamin  Bourne,  Esq.,  were  appointed 
to  proceed  to  New  York  and  present  the  same. 

The  committee  appointed  to  draft  the  petition  consisted  of  Dr. 
Manning,  Benjamin  Bourne,  Thomas  Arnold,  Nicholas  Brown,  Theo- 
dore Foster,  Welcome  Arnold,  and  John  Brown.  The  petition  itself, 
which  was  probably  drafted  by  Manning,  as  chairman  of  the  committee, 
may  be  found  in  Staples 's  Annals  of  Providence.  Our  readers,  we  feel 
sure,  will  be  glad  to  see  it  in  this  connection  :  — 

Petition  to  Congress. 

To  the  President,  the  Vice-President,  the  Senate,  and  House  of  Representa- 
tives of  the  United  States  of  America,  in  Congress  assembled: 
The  Petition  of  the  Freemen  of  the  Town  of  Providence,  in  the  State  of  Rhode 
Island  and  Providence  Plantations,  legally  convened  in  Town  Meeting,  on  the  27th  day 
of  August,  1789,  most  respectfully  sheweth, 

That  during  the  arduous  struggle  of  our  country  for  the  preservation  of  her  rights, 
liberties,  and  independence,  in  the  late  war  with  Great  Britain,  this  town  was  particu- 
larly noted  for  its  attachment  to,  and  its  advances  and  exertions  for,  the  support  of  the 
common  cause  of  the  United  States.  Sensible  that  our  most  essential  interests 
depended  on  our  being  in  the  Union,  and  that  the  former  Confederation  was  unequal 
to  its  exigencies,  we  made  every  effort  to  obtain  delegates  to  be  sent  from  this  State  to 
the  General  Convention,  which  met  at  Philadelphia,  1787.  After,  the  proceedings  of 
that  Convention  were  published,  this  town,  pleased  with  the  spirit  of  liberty,  tempered 
with  energy  and  responsibility,  which  so.  strikingly  pervades  the  new  Constitution, 


1789-1791.  AND   MANNING.  469 

made  the  most  unremitted  exertions  for  obtaining  a  Convention  of  the  State  for  its 
adoption. 

"We  have  not  hitherto  succeeded,  but  it  is  with  great  satisfaction  we  have  it  in  our 
power  to  inform  Congress,  that  froua  the  recent  election  of  the  members  of  our  lower 
house  of  Assembly,  there  is  a  probability  that  this  desirable  event  will  soon  take  place. 
We  now  experience  the  unhappy  consequence  of  not  belonging  to  the  Union,  in  being 
subjected  to  the  same  imposts  and  tonnage,  as  foreigners,  which,  considering  our  inti- 
mate connection  with  the  United  States,  and  our  dependence  upon  them  for  the  means 
of  our  subsistence,  operates  in  a  most  grievous  manner  against  the  seaport  towns  of 
this  State,  who  have  been  generally  supplied,  as  well  by  land  as  water,  with  fire-wood, 
corn,  flour,  and  other  necessary  articles,  from  the  states  now  in  the  Union;  and  should 
our  trade  and  communication  with  them  continue  to  be  restricted,  as  at  present,  our 
situation  will  be  truly  wretched. 

We  claim  an  original  relation  to  the  American  Congress,  and  are  fully  sensible  that 
we  cannot  exist  independent  of  the  friendship  and  good  will  of  our  sister  states.  And 
as  we  hope  the  formal  accession  of  this  State  to  the  new  Constitution  is  not  far  distant, 
and  as  our  separation  from  the  Union  can  by  no  means  be  imputed  to  the  seaport  towns, 
the  inhabitants  whereof  are,  almost  unanimously,  zealous  advocates  for  the  new  Con- 
stitution ;  and  as  a  continuance  of  the  above  mentioned  restrictions  on  the  inhabitants 
of  this  State  will  accumulate  unmerited  distress  upon  that  part  of  the  community 
which  has  been  most  firmly  attached  to  the  Union ;  and  as  we  cannot  but  hope  that  the 
benign  disposition  of  Congress,  towards  the  agricultural  part  of  the  State,  manifested 
in  the  admission  of  their  produce  and  manufactures  free,  will  also  be  extended  to  the 
seaport  towns. 

We,  therefore,  most  humbly  entreat  the  attention  of  Congress  to  our  distressed 
situation,  and  that  they  will  be  pleased  to  grant,  for  such  time  as  to  them  in  their 
wisdom  shall  appear  proper,  that  the  vessels  belonging  to  the  citizens  of  this  State, 
may  be  admitted  to  entry  in  the  ports  of  the  United  States,  exempt  from  the  payment 
of  foreign  tonnage  in  the  same  manner  as  vessels  belonging  to  their  own  citizens ;  and 
that  foreign  merchandise,  on  importation  by  the  citizens  of  this  State,  into  the  United 
States,  by  land  or  water,  shall  be  subject  only  to  the  same  duties  and  restrictions  as  by 
law  are  required  of  their  own  citizens. 

And  as  in  duty  bound  will  ever  pray,  etc. 

Similar  petitions  to  the  above  were  presented  to  Congress  from 
Bristol  and  Newport.  They  met  with  a  favorable  reception,  and  for  a 
limited  time,  that  is,  until  January  15,  1790,  the  vessels  and  goods  of 
the  citizens  of  Rhode  Island  were  placed  on  the  same  footing  with  like 


470  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  XIII. 

property  of  citizens  of  the  United  States.  How  far  this  result  may  be 
attributed  to  the  character  and  personal  influence  of  Dr.  Manning  we 
can  only  conjecture.  In  the  long  struggle  of  the  citizens  of  Provi- 
dence, Bristol,  and  Newport  to  obtain  a  Convention  of  the  State  for  the 
adoption  of  the  new  Constitution,  he  was  conspicuously  active,  and 
by  his  voice  and  his  pen  contributed  materially  towards  the  final  and 
happy  settlement  of  political  difficulties. 

Dr.  Manning,  as  we  have  before  observed,  presided  at  all  Com- 
mencement occasions  with  remarkable  dignity  and  grace.  His  addresses 
to  the  graduating  class  were  especially  noted  for  excellent  good  sense, 
and  were  pervaded  by  a  tone  of  piety  and  delivered  with  an  eloquence 
which  could  hardly  fail  to  produce  happy  and  lasting  impressions  upon 
the  young  men,  as  they  stood  before  him  to  receive  final  words  of 
counsel  and  love.  The  only  production  of  this  kind  that  has  come 
down  to  us,  in  addition  to  the  one  preserved  by  Solomon  Drowne  and 
given  in  a  previous  chapter,  was  copied  from  the  original,  by  the  Rev. 
Isaac  Backus,  several  years  after  the  author's  death.  It  was  delivered 
at  the  Commencement  held  Sept.  2,  1789.  Among  those  to  whom  it 
was  especially  addressed,  we  notice  the  names  of  Jeremiah  Brown 
Howell,  afterwards  a  member  of  the  United  States  Senate,  and  the 
late  James  Fenner,  for  many  years  the  popular  and  efficient  Governor 
of  Rhode  Island.  Mr.  Fenner,  it  may  be  added,  was  the  valedictorian 
of  his  class. 

President  Manning's  Charge. 

Having  completed  your  academical  course,  you  now  commence  life  as  members  of 
the  great  community  of  the  world.  Here,  while  your  country  offers  you  a  fairer  oppor- 
tunity to  display  your  abilities,  and  improve  to  advantage  that  knowledge  which  you 
have  acquired,  than  any  age  or  country  ever  before  presented,  it  becomes  my  duty  to 
point  you  to  that  line  of  conduct  which  will  most  probably  insure  your  success. 

The  narrow  limits  prescribed  by  the  occasion  will  allow  me  to  hint  at  only  a  few 
general  observations. 

The  first  attention  of  a  youth  stepping  forward  into  life  should  be  to  acquire  and 
preserve  a  good  character.  A  destitution  of  this  places  him  beyond  the  possibility  of 
ever  becoming  eminent.    For,  bad  as  the  world  is,  it  has  always  paid  a  voluntary 


1789-1791.  AND   MANNING.  471 

tribute  to  virtue ;  and  though  some  vicious  men  have  arisen  to  a  degree  of  respecta- 
bility, it  will  be  found,  on  a  nearer  view,  that  they  are  indebted  for  that  respectability 
to  some  virtuous  traits  in  their  character. 

To  avail  yourselves  of  this  supreme  advantage,  I  cannot  recommend  to  you  a  subject 
more  important  and  interesting  than  the  Christian  religion ;  of  whose  divine  Founder 
it  was  a  favorite  maxim,  Seek  first  the  kingdom  of  God  and  his  righteousness,  and  all  other 
things  shall  be  added  unto  you. 

This  divine  religion  creates  principles  in  the  hearts  of  its  subjects,  the  most  opera- 
tive, and  the  best  adapted  to  regulate  the  life  and  conduct  than  can  possibly  be 
conceived.  This  at  once  portrays  in  the  strongest  colors,  the  state,  connections,  and 
claims  of  man ;  and  disrobes  the  world  of  all  its  imaginary  glory,  and  presents  it  in  its 
own  fugitive,  fading  colors,  the  fashion  of  which  passeth  away,  while  it  inspires  that 
unassuming  humility  which  renders  a  man  less  vulnerable  by  the  envenomed  shafts  of 
malevolence ;  it  moulds  the  heart  into  a  divine  benevolence,  and  is  the  purest  of  that 
exquisite  sensibility  which  deeply  interests  itself  in  the  fortunes  of  others,  so  that  it 
weeps  with  those  who  weep,  and  rejoices  with  those  who  rejoice. 

This  divine  religion  carries  forward  our  thoughts  to  futurity,  contemplates  as  a 
reality  our  dissolution,  and  that  awful  approaching  judgment  in  which  we  must  all 
become  a  party.  It  places  us  in  that  new  eternal  world,  reaping  the  fruits  of  what  we 
have  sown  in  this.  In  a  word,  it  places  us  immediately  under  the  eye  of  God,  now  the 
witness  of  our  actions,  and  soon  to  be  our  Judge. 

How  operative  this  divine  principle  to  check  the  irregularity  of  the  passions,  and 
guard  against  the  force  of  temptations!  How  divine  a  prompter  to  the  discharge  of 
every  obligation  we  are  under  to  God  or  man ! 

Next  to  this  attention  to  religion,  let  me  earnestly  recommend  the  forming  betimes 
of  habits  of  industry.  Man  was  made  for  employment.  All  his  internal  as  well  as 
external  powers  testify  to  this  great  truth.  To  comply  with  this  great  dictate  of  nature 
is  of  the  utmost  importance;  and  youth,  of  all  seasons  of  life,  is  the  fittest Jf or  this 
culture.  That  is  the  period  to  form  and  give  a  proper  direction  to  the  habits,  on  the 
right  constitution  of  which  depends,  almost  entirely,  the  happiness  of  man. 

In  selecting  a  profession,  consult  the  strong  bias  of  natural  inclination ;  for  against 
this  current  few  if  any  have  made  a  figure ;  and  be  sure  that  the  object  lies  within  reach 
of  your  talents. 

Should  the  Christian  ministry  with  any  of  you  become  anjobject,  reflect  on  the 
absurdity  of  intruding  into  it  while  strangers  to  experimental  religion.  See  that  your- 
selves have  been  taught  of  God  before  you  attempt  to  teach  godliness  to  others.  To 
place  in  the  professional  chairs  of  our  universities  the  most  illiterate  of  mankind, 
would  be  an  absurdity  by  far  less  glaring  than  to  call  an  unconverted  man  to  exercise 
the  ministerial  function.  This  is  to  expose  our  holy  religion  to  the  scoffs  of  infidels,  and 


472  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  XIII. 

to  furnish  to  their  hands  the  most  deadly  weapons.  I  omit  to  insist  on  the  account  such 
must  render  in  the  great,  tremendous  day ! 

May  that  wisdom  which  is  from  above  direct  your  steps  in  your  journey  through 
life;  and  may  you,  after  the  discharge  of  the  duties  of  good  citizens,  men  of  science 
and  religion,  meet  the  approbation  of  the  Supreme  Judge,  and  reap  the  harvest  of 
immortal  glory  in  the  world  above. 

With  this  devout  wish,  I  bid  you  farewell. 

The  reader  will  observe  how  earnestly  and  forcibly  President  Man- 
ning urges  candidates  for  the  ministry  to  seek  first  of  all  the  "  kingdom 
of  God  and  his  righteousness."  This  was  in  accordance  with  his  usual 
custom  on  all  Commencement  occasions.  On  this  point  we  may  be 
allowed  to  quote  from  Backus,  who  in  the  Abridgment  of  his  Church 
History,  thus  writes  :  "  Dr.  Manning  was  a  good  instructor  in  human 
learning,  but  at  every  Commencement  he  gave  a  solemn  charge  to  his 
scholars  never  to  presume  to  enter  into  the  work  of  the  ministry  until 
they  were  taught  of  God,  and  had  reason  to  conclude  that  they  had 
experienced  a  saving  change  of  heart." 

Among  Manning's  papers  we  find  the  following,  dated  Providence, 
Nov.  7,  1789,  Saturday  evening  :  — 

The  Baptist  church  and  congregation  in  this  town  had  by  us,  their  committee,  made 
arrangements  to  supply  ,the  pulpit  for  several  weeks,  and  expected  the  Rev.  Mr.  Still- 
man  in  town  this  day ;  but  his  not  arriving  will  leave  the  society  entirely  destitute 
unless  you  will  be  so  obliging  as  to  preach  for  us  —  a  favor  which  in  behalf  of  the 
church  and  congregation  we  now  most  earnestly  solicit.  Your  compliance  will  confer 
a  particular  obligation  on  the  society,  in  whose  behalf  we  are 

Your  friends, 

Nicholas  Brown, 
David  Martin, 
John  Jenckes, 
Ephraim  Wheaton, 
David  Howell, 
Christopher  Sheldon, 
Wm.  Holroyd, 
John  Brown, 
George  Benson. 


1789-1791.  AND   MANNING.  473 

To  the  Rev.  Abraham  Booth. 

Providence,  Dec.  25, 1789. 
Dear  Sir: 

Your  most  acceptable  favor  of  July  11,  with  the  package,  met  me  at  the  Association 
at  Philadelphia,  the  5th  of  last  month.  I  thank  you  for  your  expressions  of  kindness 
towards  me,  and  your  wishes  for  my  usefulness.  Indeed,  I  cannot  but  consider  myself 
as  a  very  barren  tree  in  my  Lord's  vineyard. 

The  paragraph  respecting  Dobson's  republishing  your  Pedobaptism  I  showed  to  the 
Association,  and  queried  with  them  whether  your  painful  labors  and  extensive  services 
to  the  Baptist  cause,  in  that  publication,  did  not  entitle  you  to  our  assistance  on  this 
side  of  the  Atlantic,  by  aiding  in  the  sale  of  the  book.  They  agreed  they  did ;  but  as 
Mr.  Dobson  had  circulated  proposals,  they  doubted  the  propriety  of  taking  the  matter 
up  till  Dobson  had  given  up  the  design.    Thus  it  remains. 

It  seems  Mr.  Williams  has  rallied  his  forces  and  attacked  you.  I  am  glad,  however, 
to  find  that  you  are  not  panic-struck  at  the  onset.  Indeed,  I  think  you  have  taken  a 
ground  too  strong  to  be  easily  dislodged.  We  should  be  gratified  with  a  sight  of  his 
piece.  If  the  Pedobaptists,  in  general,  think  it  masterly,  we  doubtless  shall  soon  see  it 
in  America.  The  strength  of  the  advocates  of  that  tenet  is  to  sit  still.  It  is  too  late  in 
the  day  for  them  to  avail  themselves,  in  this  age  of  inquiry,  of  those  plausible  colorings 
which  formerly  passed  very  well  for  solid  arguments.  At  best,  if  observation  has  not 
deceived  me,  this  is  the  fact  with  respect  to  America. 

Your  Essay  on  the  Kingdom  of  Christ  met  a  most  hearty  welcome,  and  its  author 
has  my  warmest  thanks.  It  was  a  subject  which  had  employed  my  thoughts  at  inter- 
vals for  several  years,  and  I  was  almost  determined  to  have  committed  them  to  paper, 
with  a  design  to  publish  them.  I  am  happy  that  I  had  only  thought  of  doing  it,  as  the 
subject  has  fallen  into  much  abler  hands.  I  am  most  heartily  pleased  with  it,  and  think 
it  lays  the  axe  to  the  root  of  that  wide-spreading  tree,  infant-baptism  and  infant  church 
membership.  , 

Your  portrait  of  Winchester  is  so  exactly  to  the  life  that  all  his  acquaintances  must 
see  the  man  in  it.  The  Baptist  society  still  increases  in  the  Southern  States,  especially 
in  Virginia,  and  I  may  add  the  Middle  States  also,  especially  New  York.  Mr.  Jonathan 
Maxcy,  our  youngest  tutor  in  the  College,  a  youth  of  genius  and  no  small  degree  of  lit- 
erature for  his  age,  about  twenty-one  years  old,  has  lately  found  Christ,  and  followed  his 
Lord  into  the  watery  grave.  There  is  another  youth  under  serious  impressions,  and 
there  is  more  appearance  of  attention  to  divine  things  in  the  College  than  for  some 
years  past.  Our  second  tutor,  Mr.  Abel  Flint,  a  young  Congregational  preacher,  has 
turned  his  attention  to  the  subject  of  baptism  for  some  weeks  past,  and  your  Pedobap- 
60 


474  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  XIII. 

tism  Examined  has  been  his  almost  constant  companion.  He  told  me,  some  days  since, 
that  if  that  tenet  could  not  be  supported  from  Abraham's  covenant,  it  must  fall.  If  I 
was  as  well  satisfied  of  his  being  a  subject  of  divine  grace  as  I  am  that  Maxcy  is,  I 
should  think  him  no  small  acquisition.  May  God  grant  him  grace  and  guide  him  into 
all  truth !    Our  number  of  students  lacks  but  two  of  seventy. 

Yours,  etc. 

James  Manning. 

Booth's  Reply. 

London,  Feb.  25,  1790. 
Dear  Sib: 

Your  letter  by  favor  of  Mr.  Mullett  came  safe  to  hand  about  a  fortnight  ago.    So  far 

from  being  wearied  by  your  circumstantial  account  of  the  conduct  of  ,  I  think 

myself  much  obliged  to  you  for  it.  Unhappy  man !  I  fear  he  is  hardened  through  the 
deceitfulness  of  sin.    May  the  Lord  have  mercy  on  him,  and  give  him  repentance. 

I  am  very  much  obliged  to  you  for  your  generous  concern  on  my  behalf  respecting 
the  sale  of  the  second  edition  of  my  Pedobaptism  Examined.  That  the  composing  of  it 
required  much  labor,  that  I  laid  out  no  small  sum  of  money  in  purchasing  books, 
especially  on  the  popish  controversy,  with  a  view  to  the  new  impression,  and  that  I  am 
much  more  likely  to  lose  by  it  than  to  gain  anything,  are  facts ;  but  I  am  of  opinion 
that,  after  Dr.  Dobson  had  received  encouragement  to  publish  proposals  for  the  reprint- 
ing of  it,  my  brethren  in  America  could  not  with  honor  desert  him,  while  he  continues 
his  design  in  reference  to  that  affair. 

It  gives  me  pleasure  to  find  that  my  Essay  on  the  Kingdom  of  Christ  meets  with 
your  approbation.  The  subject  is  undoubtedly  of  great  importance,  and  I  sincerely  pray 
that  the  Lord  may  bless  the  pamphlet  to  the  promoting  of  that  spiritual  kingdom.  The 
first  volume  of  Mr.  Robinson's  History  of  the  Baptists  has  been  in  the  press  for  these 
five  or  six  months,  but  it  is  not  yet  published.  That  volume,  indeed,  is  to  contain  a 
history  of  baptism,  and  three  more  volumes  that  are  to  follow,  a  histojy  of  the  Baptists. 
A  great  extent  of  reading,  much  wit,  and  many  curious  anecdotes,  may  be  expected  to 
appear  in  the  work  whenever  it  comes  out ;  but  I  have  my  fears  that  it  will,  on  the 
whole,  be  of  no  great  utility  to  the  real  cause  of  Jesus  Christ.  The  author  is  now 
known  to  have  adopted  Dr.  Priestley's  system  in  general ;  but  he  is  justly  considered 
as  far  inferior  to  the  Doctor  in  respect  of  candor  and  of  integrity.  Dr.  Priestley  speaks 
out ;  you  know  what  he  means.  Not  so  the  other  gentleman.  I  have  often  thought  that 
if  it  had  not  been  for  his  uncommon  share  of  wit,  he  would  before  now  have  sunk  into 
universal  contempt  among  serious  people;  and  he  is,  indeed,  much  sunk  of  late  in  the 
estimation  of  numbers.  I  have  been  lately  well  informed  that  Dr.  Priestley  considers 
him  as  doing  no  honor  to  any  cause.    This  you  will  observe,  however,  is  inter  nos. 


1789-1791.  AND   MANNING.  475 

The  beginning  of  January  last  I  received  a  letter  from  Dr.  Samuel  Jones,  of  Lower 
Dublin,  respecting  the  validity  of  baptism  administered  by  immersion  and  on  a  profession  of 
faith,  b y  an  unbaptized  —  that  is,  Pedobaptist  —  minister;  on  which  question  he  desired 
my  opinion.  I  have  given  it,  in  a  very  long  letter  enclosed  in  one  to  Dr.  Stillman,  of 
Boston.  I  have  sent  it  unsealed,  that  Dr.  Stillman  might  have  an  opportunity  of  perus- 
ing it  before  he  sent  it  off  to  Dr.  Jones.  I  am  very  sorry  that  I  was  obliged,  in  opposi- 
tion to  the  determination  of  the  Association  at  Philadelphia,  to  take  the  affirmative  of 
the  question ;  that  is,  I  think  such  baptism,  though  irregular,  valid.  If  you  should  by 
any  means  have  a  sight  of  that  letter,  I  should  be  glad  to  know  your  thoughts  on  the 
argument  contained  in  it.  I  have  expressed  my  views  on  the  subject  with  the  utmost 
freedom,  and  I  trust  without  giving  any  cause  of  offence  to  the  Doctor. 

My  respects,  if  you  have  opportunity,  to  Dr.  Drowne.  I  earnestly  pray  that  the  Lord 
may  cause  his  truth  to  prosper  all  around  you,  as  I  am  glad  to  hear  it  does  in  Virginia. 
Winchester  seems  to  be  losing  ground  pretty  fast ;  for  some  of  his  principal  admirers 
have  turned  their  backs  upon  him,  and  have  renounced  his  notion  of  universal  resti- 
tution, of  which  they  were  once  extremely  fond.  Shall  be  glad  to  hear  from  you  at  any 
time  when  an  opportunity  presents.  The  Lord  be  with  you  in  all  your  departments  of 
labor  and  in  all  your  connections.    I  remain,  dear  sir, 

Your  unworthy  brother, 

A.  Booth. 
From  the   Rev.  Dr.  Caleb  Evans. 

Bristol,  Feb.  22, 1790. 
Dear  Sir  : 

The  literary  degree  with  which  the  respectable  Society  over  which  you  preside  have 
thought  proper  to  honor  me,  I  duly  received,  accompanied  with  your  truly  friendly  let- 
ter, for  which  I  beg  you  to  accept  my  best  thanks.  I  rely  upon  you,  sir,  to  make  known 
my  acknowledgments  to  the  other  members  of  the  College  for  this  mark  of  distinction 
and  favor,  and  to  assure  them  that  it  will  always  give  me  peculiar  pleasure  to  promote 
the  prosperity  of  so  useful  and  honorable  an  Institution. 

I  received  from  King's  College,  Aberdeen,  the  same  honor,  before  the  degree  from 
America  was  announced  here,  so  that  I  consider  myself  under  double  obligations  to 
care  that  I  do  nothing  to  discredit  the  title  which  has  been  so  honorably  conferred  upon 
me  by  two  such  respectable  bodies.  I  not  only  did  not  seek  this  honor,  but  I  ought  to 
decline  it ;  but  as  it  has  been  so  generously  decreed  me,  I  think  it  my  duty  to  receive 
and  improve  it  as  a  motive  to  activity  and  zeal  in  the  sphere  in  which  Providence  has 
placed  me. 

We  are  clogged  here  with  test  laws,  and  in  vain  struggling  to  get  rid  of  them.    You 


476  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  XIII. 

know  no  such  shackles.  And  yet  you  know  what  it  is  to  have  had  men  disappoint  the 
desires  of  the  good,  and  outnumber  them  in  their  best-intentioned  projects. 

Does  not  the  French  Revolution  astonish  you  ?  It  astonishes  and  delights  me  beyond 
measure,  but  our  great  folks  here  dislike  it  exceedingly.  The  counsel  of  the  Lord, 
however,  shall  stand,  and  he  will  do  all  his  pleasure. 

I  am  astonished  at  the  resolve  of  your  Association  about  rebaptizing,  but  refer  you 
to  a  letter  of  Mr.  Booth's  upon  the  subject,  I  believe  to  you.  Surely  you  are  more  nar- 
row than  the  Papists  upon  this  subject. 

I  congratulate  you  upon  the  increase  of  your  College  and  church,  and  the  rising  state 
of  the  Baptist  interest.  We  go  on  as  usual,  are  well  attended,  but  have  few  additions. 
The  love  of  many  waxeth  cold.  We  have  great  reason  to  cry  mightily  to  Him  with 
whom  is  the  residue  of  the  Spirit. 

The  young  man  I  wrote  to  you  about  is  in  too  bad  a  state  of  health  to  think  of  a 

voyage  to  America.    I  rejoice  you  have  rooted  out ,  that  pest  of  society,  a  truly 

filthy,  infamous  fellow ;  but  I  know  not  how  to  refrain  asking,  How  came  you  ever  to 
admit  him,  without  the  least  testimonial  to  his  character? 

But  I  am  obliged  abruptly  to  break  off,  only  begging  to  be  favored  with  a  line  when- 
ever opportunity  offers,  and  that  you  would  believe  I  truly  am 

Your  affectionate  and  obliged  friend  and  brother, 

Caleb  Evans. 

To  the  Rev.  Dr.  Hezekiah  Smith. 

Providence,  20th  April,  1790. 
Dear  Brother: 

I  snatch  a  moment  to  inform  you  that  the  good  work  still  continues,  and  I  think  has 
been  gradually  increasing  amongst  us  since  you  left.  Last  Lord's  Day  I  baptized  two, 
and  a  third  was  prevented  by  indisposition  of  body.  Two  profess  to  have  met  with  a 
change  the  last  of  last  week.  Several  profess  to  have  received  comfort,  but  are  not 
fully  satisfied.  I  believe  that  there  are  from  fifty  to  one  hundred  under  serious 
impressions  ;  and  they  crowd  the  evening  meetings  whenever  and  wherever  they  are 
appointed.    Numbers  come  to  my  house  to  converse  with  me  about  their  souls.    Many 

of  Dr.  H k's  people  attend  the  evening  meetings,  of  whom  several  appear  seriously 

impressed.  Some  people,  you  will  naturally  guess,  do  not  like  this,  and  look  rather 
shy.  Poor  Mr.  Flint  has  come  to  a  point,  and  must  be  a  Baptist,  notwithstanding  the 
reproaches  he  has  to  endure;  but  he  has  not  full  satisfaction  about  his  own  state.  He 
is  amazingly  engaged  for  the  persons  under  awakening,  and  attends  whenever  he  can. 
He  has  been  sick,  but  is  recovered.  Mr.  Maxcy  has  been  called  and  licensed,  but  has 
been  at  home  some  time,  much  indisposed.    He  is  now  very  ill  with  the  measles.    He 


1789-1791.  AND    MANNING.  477 

preaches  to  admiration.  Several  of  the  students  are  also  down  with  the  measles,  and 
others  have  had  them.  Not  a  few  of  the  students  are  under  serious  impressions. 
Many  of  the  people  here  are  often  wishing  to  see  Mr.  Smith  again;  and,  for  your 
encouragement,  I  can  inform  you  that  many  profess  to  have  been  awakened  by  your 
labors  amongst  us.  No  account  has  yet  been  received  from  Dr.  Gano,  and  I  expect  to 
go  for  Jersey  the  beginning  of  May.  The  people  really  lament  and  mourn  at  the 
thought  of  being  left  destitute.  What  think  you  of  coming  and  making  another  visit 
to  Providence  the  beginning  of  next  month  ?  I  believe  this  would  diffuse  a  general 
joy  through  both  church  and  society.  You  will  find  work  enough  to  employ  you  day 
and  night.  I  heartily  wish  you  could  come,  but  I  have  not  had  an  opportunity  of 
speaking  to  the  committee  on  the  subject.  I  expect  they  would  embrace  this  oppor- 
tunity of  writing  you  if  they  knew  of  this  opportunity  to  send  to  Boston,  —  more 
especially  if  they  had  not  sanguine  hopes  that  Dr.  Gano  would  soon  be  here ;  but  I 
really  fear  some  disaster  has  happened  to  him.  If  my  wishes  could  bring  you  to 
Providence,  you  would  soon  be  here.  Attleboro  is  visited,  and  several  other  places. 
Mrs.  Manning  joins  in  love  to  you  and  lady,  with,  dear  sir,  yours,  etc., 

James  Manning. 

In  a  letter  to  Dr.  Rippon,  dated  Nov.  13,  1790,  which  we  find  in 
the  first  volume  of  the  "Register,"  Backus  thus  refers  to  the  religious 
interest  in  Providence: — "A  revival  of  religion  began  in  Providence 
College  about  a  year  ago ;  a  young  tutor,  Rev.  Mr.  Jonathan  Maxcy  is 
now  a  promising  preacher  in  the  Baptist  church  there,  to  which  near 
thirty  members  have  been  added  in  the  year  past,  and  the  work  still 
prevails." 

At  the  commencement  of  the  present  year,  the  political  affairs  of 
the  State  had  reached  a  crisis.  The  general  government  had  been 
organized  under  the  Constitution,  and  had  been  in  successful  operation 
since  April  30,  1789.  North  Carolina,  in  November  following,  adopted 
the  Constitution,  leaving,  says  Staples,  "  Rhode  Island  alone  in  her 
glory,  sovereign,  independent,  and  alone  —  no  State  or  nation  bound 
to  her  by  treaty,  or  by  community  of  feeling,  situation,  or  interest." 
Seven  times  had  the  friends  of  the  Constitution  moved  in  the  General 
Assembly  for  the  calling  of  a  special  Convention,  and  seven  times  had 
they  been  defeated  by  a  political  party,  composed  largely  of  country 
members,  who  had  risen  to  power  by  their  devotion  to  extreme  measures, 


X 


478  BROWN  UNIVERSITY  Chap.  XIII. 

and  were  banded  together  to  retain  if  possible  their  political  ascendency 
at  all  hazards.  The  near  approach  of  January  15,  1790,  after  which 
Rhode  Islanders  were  to  be  treated  as  foreigners,  roused  the  merchants 
and  friends  of  the  new  government  throughout  the  State,  to  make  one 
more  strenuous  attempt  to  induce  the  Legislature  to  call  a  Convention  for 
the  adoption  or  rejection  of  the  Constitution.  The  General  Assembly 
met  in  Providence  on  the  second  Monday  in  January.  Four  days  were 
spent  in  the  ordinary  business  of  the  Body.  On  Friday  morning,  Ben- 
jamin Bourne,  a  representative  from  Providence,  and  afterwards  an 
efficient  Trustee  of  the  College,  moved  for  the  calling  of  a  Convention, 
and  the  motion,  after  debate,  was  carried  by  a  vote  of  34  to  29.  The 
senate,  which  consisted  of  the  governor,  the  lieutenant-governor,  and 
eight  senators,1  failed  to  concur,  the  lieutenant-governor  and  four  sena- 
tors voting  against  it.  This  was  on  Saturday  evening.  The  assembly 
adjourned  to  Sunday  morning.  Before  the  assembly  met  one  of  the 
opposing  senators,  who  was  a  minister,  left  town,  having  become  con- 
vinced, says  the  historian,  that  he  ought  to  attend  to  pastoral  duties  on 
the  Lord's  day.  Tradition  affirms  that  his  travelling  expenses  were 
defrayed  by  John  Brown,  the  hero  of  the  Gaspee.  The  question  was 
again  taken  in  the  senate,  and  as  the  vote  was  now  a  tie,  it  was  incum- 
bent on  Governor  Collins,  the  presiding  officer,  to  cast  the  decisive  vote, 
which  he  did  by  voting  to  concur  with  the  Lower  House.  The  State 
House  that  day,  says  the  annalist,  was  thronged  to  overflowing,  while 
the  several  churches  were  almost  vacated.  The  most  intense  anxiety 
pervaded  the  community,  and  when  it  was  known  that  the  bill  calling 
for  a  Convention  had  been  passed  into  a  law,  vain  was  the  attempt  to 
stop  the  rising  murmur  of  applause  in  the  House,  or  the  shouts  of  joy 
without.  Never  before  in  the  history  of  the  State  had  the  Legislature 
been  in  session  on  a  Sunday,  and  never  before  had  there  been  such  an 
occasion  to  justify  it. 

The  name  of  the  opposing  senator  or  assistant  who  left  town  in  order 
to  attend  to  his  pastoral  duties,  is  not  given.  It  was  probably  John 
Williams,  of  Foster.     His  title,  as  given  in  the  schedules,  is  Esquire. 


i  Assistants  was  the  term  used  at  this  time  to  designate  members  of  the  upper  house. 


1789-1791.  AND   MANNING.  479 

Knight,  in  his  History  of  the  Six  Principle  Baptists,  states  that  the 
church  in  Foster  was  formed  in  1780,  and  that  it  was  under  the  pastoral 
care  of  Elder  John  Williams,  assisted  by  Elder  John  Westcott,  and  that 
these  two  continued  to  preach  and  have  pastoral  care  of  the  church  for 
nearly  half  a  century,  both  living  to  be  upwards  of  eighty  years  of  age. 
They  were  what  would  be  called  to-day  lay  preachers,  working  with 
their  hands  during  the  week,  and  preaching  Sundays.  "The  labors  of 
the  ministry  in  the  Six  Principle  Baptist  denomination,"  says  Knight, 
"have  generally  been  confined  to  their  own  churches,  or  within  a  very 
small  circle.  Their  ministers  have  generally  been  in  indigent  circum- 
stances, and  obliged  to  labor  to  support  themselves  and  families,  their 
churches  not  being  so  much  in  the  habit  of  affording  pecuniary  aid  to 
their  preachers  as  other  denominations."  The  members  of  the  Conven- 
tion from  Foster  in  May  following,  were  Capt.  William  Howard  and 
John  Williams,  both  of  whom  voted  nay  on  the  question  of  the  adoption 
of  the  Constitution.  This  we  learn  from  Staples's  "  Rhode  Island  in 
the  Continental  Congress." 

On  Monday,  May  24,  the  final  State  Convention  on  the  Constitution 
was  held  at  Newport.  On  Thursday  the  body  adjourned,  for  more 
ample  accommodations,  from  the  State  House  to  the  Second  Baptist 
Church,  where  for  three  days  the  great  debate  between  the  contending 
parties  was  continued.  At  five  o'clock  on  Saturday  afternoon  the  final 
vote  was  taken.  Thirty-four  members  voted  to  adopt  the  Constitution, 
and  thirty-two  voted  in  the  negative.  Thus  a  majority  of  two  votes 
"saved  the  people  of  Rhode  Island  from  anarchy,  and  the  State  from 
dismemberment." 

The  news  reached  Providence  before  midnight,  and  was  announced 
by  the  ringing  of  bells  and  the  booming  of  cannon.  The  next  day  the 
returning  delegates  were  received  with  a  national  salute  of  thirteen 
guns.  Again,  says  Staples,  "patriotism  encroached  on  piety,  as  when 
the  vote  for  calling  the  Convention  passed  in  the  preceding  January, 
and  the  stillness  of  the  Sabbath  morning  was  broken  by  the  joyful  roar 
of  artillery." 

In  about  two  months  after  this  event,  on  Tuesday,  Aug.  17,  1790, 


480  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  XIII. 

President  Washington  with  his  suite,  accompanied  by  Gov.  Clinton  of 
New  York,  Thomas  Jefferson,  Esq.,  Secretary  of  State,  and  several 
members  of  Congress,  made  his  first  visit  to  Providence.  A  large  pro- 
cession was  formed  to  escort  them  from  the  packet  in  which  they 
arrived,  and  the  occasion  was  made  a  gala-day  throughout  the  town.  In 
the  evening,  says  the  Gazette,  "  the  President  and  many  others  took  a 
walk  on  the  College  green,  to  view  the  illumination  of  the  building  by 
the  students,  which  made  a  most  splendid  appearance." 

On  Thursday,  the  19th,  President  Washington  and  his  suite  were 
escorted  to  the  College  by  the  students,  and  by  Dr.  Manning  were  intro- 
duced to  the  Library  and  Museum,  where  in  behalf  of  the  Corporation 
he  thus  addressed  him  :  — 

Address  to  Washington. 

Sir: —  Though  among  the  last  to  congratulate  you  on  your  advancement  to  that  dig- 
nified and  important  station  to  which  the  unanimous  voice  of  a  grateful  country  has 
called  you,  the  Corporation  of  Rhode  Island  College  claim  to  he  among  the  first  in 
warmth  of  affection  for  your  person,  and  in  esteem  for  your  public  character.  In 
placing  you  at  the  head  of  the  United  States,  regard  was  had  no  less  to  the  influence  of 
your  example  over  the  morals  of  the  people  than  to  your  talents  in  the  administration 
of  government.  Happy  are  we  to  observe,  that  similar  motives  have  influenced  your 
conduct  in  filling  the  lower  offices  in  the  executive  department.  We  most  devoutly 
venerate  that  superintending  Providence  which,  in  the  course  of  events  propitious  to 
this  country,  has  called  you  forth  to  establish,  after  having  defended,  our  rights  and 
liberties. 

Agitated  in  the  hour  of  doubtful  conflict,  exulting  in  your  victories,  we  watched 
your  footsteps  with  the  most  anxious  solicitude.  Our  fervent  supplications  to  Heaven, 
that  you  might  be  furnished  with  that  wisdom  and  prudence  necessary  to  guide  us  to 
freedom  and  independence,  have  been  heard  and  most  graciously  answered. 

For  the  preservatiou  of  this  freedom,  one  great  object  still  commands  our  peculiar 
attention,  —  the  education  of  our  youth.  Your  sentiments,  sir,  on  this  subject,  "that 
knowledge  is  in  every  country  the  surest  public  basis  of  happiness,"  and  the  strongest 
barrier  against  the  intruding  hand  of  despotism,  as  they  most  perfectly  accord  with 
those  of  the  most  celebrated  characters  that  ever  adorned  human  nature,  so  they  leave 
no  room  to  apprehend  you  will  refuse  the  wreath  with  which  the  guardians  of  literature 
here  would  entwine  your  brow. 

By  restoring  your  health,  and  protracting  your  life  so  dear  to  this  country,  Divine 


1789-1791.  AND   MANNING.  481 

Providence  has,  in  a  late  instance,  furnished  to  millions  matter  of  thanksgiving  and 
praise. 

That  you  may  long  remain  on  earth,  a  hlessing  to  mankind,  and  the  support  of  your 
country,  —  that  you  may  afterwards  receive  the  rewards  of  virtue,  by  having  the  appro- 
bation of  God,  —  is  our  most  sincere  desire  and  fervent  supplication. 

This  address,  which  had  been  formally  adopted  by  the  Corporation, 
at  a  special  meeting  held  in  the  State  House,  August  17th,  was  duly 
presented  to  the  President,  signed  by  Jabez  Bowen,  Chancellor ;  James 
Manning,  President;  and  David  Howell,  Secretary.  To  Manning's 
address  in  behalf  of  the  Corporation,  President  Washington  thus 
replied :  — 

To  the  Corporation  of  Rhode  Island  College: 

Gentlemen:  —  The  circumstances  which  have  until  this  time  prevented  you  from 
offering  your  congratulations  on  my  advancement  to  the  station  I  hold  in  the  govern- 
ment of  the  United  States,  do  not  diminish  the  pleasure  I  feel  in  receiving  this  flat- 
tering proof  of  your  affection  and  esteem,  for  which  I  request  you  will  accept  my 
thanks. 

In  repeating  thus  publicly  my  sense  of  the  zeal  you  displayed  for  the  success  of  the 
cause  of  your  country,  I  only  add  a  single  suffrage  to  the  general  testimony  which  all, 
who  were  acquainted  with  you  in  the  most  adverse  and  doubtful  moments  of  our 
struggle  for  liberty  and  independence,  have  constantly  borne  in  your  favor. 

While  I  cannot  remain  insensible  to  the  indulgence  with  which  you  regard  the 
influence  of  my  example  and  the  tenor  of  my  conduct,  I  rejoice  in  having  so  favorable 
an  opportunity  of  felicitating  the  State  of  Rhode  Island  on  the  co-operation  I  am 
sure  to  find  in  the  measures  adopted  by  the  guardians  of  literature  in  this  place,  for 
improving  the  morals  of  the  rising  generation,  and  inculcating  upon  their  minds 
principles  peculiarly  calculated  for  the  preservation  of  our  rights  and  liberties.  You 
may  rely  on  whatever  protection  I  may  be  able  to  afford  in  so  important  an  object  as 
the  education  of  our  youth. 

I  will  now  conclude,  gentlemen,  by  expressing  my  acknowledgments  for  the  tender 
manner  in  which  you  mention  the  restoration  of  my  health  on  a  late  occasion,  and  with 
ardent  wishes  that  Heaven  may  prosper  the  literary  Institution  under  your  care,  in 
giving  you  the  best  of  its  blessings  in  this  world,  as  well  as  in  the  world  to  come. 

At  the  Commencement  this  year,  1790,  twenty-two  young  gentle- 
men took  their  first  degree,  being  the  largest  number  that  had  ever 

61 


482  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  XIII. 

been  graduated  at  one  time  since  the  College  was  founded.  Among 
them  was  Moses  Brown,  youngest  son  of  Nicholas  Brown,  a  bright  and 
promising  youth,  who  a  few  months  later,  just  as  he  had  entered  upon 
his  sixteenth  year,  was  seized  with  a  disorder  which  suddenly  put  an 
end  to  his  life.  In  this  class  also  was  graduated  the  third  President  of 
Brown  University,  Asa  Messer,  of  whom  we  have  given  a  sketch  in 
the  preceding  chapter.  At  the  close  of  the  exercises,  the  degree  of 
Doctor  of  Laws  was  conferred  on  George  Washington,1  President  of 
the  United  States  of  America.  This  was  the  last  Commencement  at 
which  Dr.  Manning  presided. 

To  the  Rev.  Dr.  Smith. 

Providence,  18th  Nov.,  1790. 
Dear  Brother: 

Yours  of  the  25th  ult.  is  before  me.  The  tide  of  business  which,  on  my  return  home, 
flowed  in  upon  me,  prevented  my  recollecting  the  case  of  Mr.  Messer.  But  in  my 
journey  to  the  West  I  had  him  constantly  in  view,  but  found  no  opening  which  I 
thought  worthy  his  attention.  Mr.  Read,  from  Virginia,  has  not  returned,  nor  have  I 
had  any  intelligence  from  him  respecting  a  chance  for  teaching ;  so  that  I  cannot  at 
present  give  any  encouragement  from  this  quarter,  as  it  was  the  general  opinion  that 
it  would  be  imprudent  for  him,  all  things  considered,  to  take  a  place  in  College,  till 
the  present  Senior  Class  are  out  of  the  way.  We  have  appointed  a  Mr.  Lyndon  Arnold 
to  that  office  for  the  present,  who  has  no  thoughts  of  continuing  more  than  a  year.  If 
Mr.  Messer  should  not  fall  into  better  business  by  that  time,  it  would  be  very  agreeable 


i  In  reference  to  this  we  find  the  following  pleasant  anecdote  in  Rippon's  Baptist  Register :  — 
■  "  In  a  conversation  between  several  friendly  gentlemen  (in  London)  some  time  since,  which 
turned  chiefly  on  the  confinement  of  Lewis  the  Little,  who,  like  an  absolute  sovereign,  had  said  to 
five  and  twenty  millions  of  people,  I  will  be  obeyed,  —  contrasted  with  the  popularity  of  Washington 
the  Great,  —  it  was  mentioned  that  the  Baptist  College  in  Rhode  Island  had  conferred  the  degree  of 
Doctor  of  Laws  on  the  President  of  the  United  States.  While  it  seemed  to  be  the  general  mind 
that  this  distinguished  character  in  the  history  of  man  would  prefer  the  laurels  of  a  college  to  a 
crown  of  despotism,  one  of  the  company,  it  is  said,  quite  impromptu,  gave  vent  to  the  feelings  of 
his  heart  in  the  following  effusion :  — 

'  When  kings  are  mere  sovereigns,  or  tyrants,  or  tools, 

No  wonder  the  people  should  treat  them  as  fools ; 

But  Washington,  therefore,  presides  with  applause, 

Because  he  well  merits  the  Doctor  of  Laws. 

I'll  ne'er  be  a  ruler  till  I'm  LL.  D., 

Nor  England  nor  Scotland  shall  send  it  to  me ; 

I'll  have  my  diploma  from  Providence  Hall,  — 

For  Washington  had,  —  or  I'll  have  none  at  all. '  " 


1789-1791.  AND   MANNING.  483 

to  uie  to  have  him  for  an  assistant;  and  sooner,  should  Tutor  Maxcy  leave  us,  which 
he  talks  of,  though  I  shall  reluctantly  agree  to  it.  He  has  with  great  persuasion  con- 
sented to  supply  the  pulpit  for  six  months,  and  does  it  to  great  acceptance.  He  has 
many  hearers,  and  his  lahors  appear  to  he  owned.  He  improves  amazingly.  The  good 
work  still  prevails,  and  the  prospect  is  as  promising  at  present  as  at  any  period  past. 
Our  dear  friend,  Mr.  Jenckes,  is  almost  gone.  It  is  not  likely  that  he  will  stay  with  us 
many  weeks.  Nicholas  Brown  is  in  a  very  poor  way,  hut  yet  goes  out.  I  fear  his  dis- 
order is  radical  and  will  prove  fatal. 

Your  son's  standing  shall  remain  as  it  has  done.  The  instances  of  Catholicism 
amongst  the  Presbyterians  are,  their  opening  their  houses  of  worship  to  the  Baptists, 
and  flocking  to  hear  them,  at  Brunswick,  Woodhridge,  Elizabethtown,  Newark,  etc. 
The  Association  of  Danbury  consists  of  thirteen  churches,  and  there  are,  probably  as 
many  more  in  that  quarter  which  will  join  them.  There  has  been  a  great  increase  of 
the  Baptists  in  the  western  part  of  Connecticut  and  in  the  lower  part  of  York  State  of 
late.  I  suppose  Mr.  Flint  has  concluded  to  commence  a  preacher  among  the  Congrega- 
tionalists,  and  I  conclude  is  about  to  accept  a  call  to  the  South  Parish  in  Hartford. 
Either  the  cross  was  too  heavy  to  commence  a  Baptist,  or  he  had  little  reason  to  expect 
that  he  should  be  called  to  the  work  among  us,  unless  he  could  give  better  evidence  of 
a  change  of  heart;  or  probably  something  of  both  had  weight  in  his  determination. 
I  have  said  nothing  to  him  on  the  subject  lately,  as  I  was  convinced  of  the  strong  bias 
he  had  for  preaching  at  all  events.  I  suppose  he  has  been  borne  down  with  a  torrent 
of  influence  from  Pedobaptist  connections. 

By  a  letter  from  Mr.  E.  Robbins  I  hear  that  the  two  churches  in  York  are  very  happy 
together.    I  wish  this  feeling  may  continue  and  increase.    The  day  appointed  for  Mr. 

Baldwin's  instalment  I  attended  the  ordination  of  Mr.  Ebenezer  .    The  letter 

from  the  Boston  church  did  not  reach  me  until  late  in  the  evening  of  the  preceding 
Lord's  Day,  so  that  it  was  out  of  my  power  either  to  come  or  send  them  word.  I  hope 
you  had  a  comfortable  season.  Our  friend  Mr.  Sutton  is  settled  nearly  in  the  centre  of 
Kentucky,  and,  I  believe,  in  regard  to  worldly  prospects,  is  more  happy  than  ever  he 
was,  though  he  has  not  the  charge  of  a  church,  as  there  are  four  ordained  elders  in  that 
to  which  he  belongs.  He  has  purchased  two  hundred  acres  of  good  land,  has  enough 
cleared  to  raise  his  bread,  which  his  sons  manage,  together  with  carrying  on  a  consid- 
erable share  of  the  hatter's  business.  This  leaves  him  at  leisure  to  travel,  as  he  has 
lost  his  wife;  and  among  other  journeys,  he  contemplates  one  to  New  England,  to  visit 
once  more  all  his  friends  in  this  quarter.  With  best  respects  to  you,  lady,  and  family, 
with  all  friends,  in  which  Mrs.  Manning  joins, 

I  remain,  as  ever, 

James  Manning. 


484  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  XIII. 

Mr.  Flint,  to  whom  Manning  here  refers,  was  ordained  as  a  pastor 
of  the  Second  Congregational  Church  in  Hartford,  on  Wednesday, 
April  20,  1791.  The  Rev.  Dr.  Strong  of  Hartford  made  the  introduc- 
tory prayer,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Hitchcock  of  Providence  preached  the  sermon, 
the  Rev.  Dr.  Goodrich  of  Durham  gave  the  charge,  the  Rev.  Nathan 
Perkins  of  Hartford  gave  the  right  hand  of  fellowship,  and  the  Rev. 
David  Macclure  of  East  Windsor  made  the  concluding  prayer. 

From  the  Rev.  Abraham  Booth. 

London,  April  1, 1791. 
Dear  Sir: 

It  being  more  than  twelve  months  since  I  wrote  yon  a  letter,  I  have  been  much  dis- 
appointed in  not  having  had  the  pleasure  of  hearing  from  you.  At  the  same  time  I  sent 
a  very  long  letter  to  Dr.  Samuel  Jones,  in  answer  to  one  I  received  from  him,  relative 
to  the  propriety  of  baptizing  such  persons  as  had  been  solemnly  immersed  on  a  profes- 
sion of  faith  by  a  Pedobaptist  minister,  —  both  of  which  I  enclosed  in  a  packet  to  Dr. 
Stillman  at  Boston ;  but,  to  my  great  surprise,  I  have  not  received  a  line  from  America 
since.  The  name  of  the  captain  (nor  yet  of  his  ship)  by  whom  the  little  packet  was 
sent,  I  do  not  now  recollect,  but  should  be  very  sorry  to  learn  that  the  letter  never  came 
to  hand. 

It  is  probable  that  you  have  heard,  ere  now,  of  the  death  of  Mr.  R.  Robinson,  of 
Cambridge.  He  died  the  last  summer,  a  little  before  his  History  of  Baptism  was 
finished  at  the  press ;  by  which  book  it  appears  he  was  a  thorough-faced  Socinian  at  the 
time  of  his  decease.  He  died  in  the  neighborhood  of  Birmingham,  at  the  house  of  a 
gentleman  belonging  to  Dr.  Priestly's  community,  after  having  preached  at  the  Doctor's 
meeting-house  the  Lord's  Day  before ;  was  buried  at  the  Doctor's  burying-ground  (he  at 
least  spoke  at  the  grave)  at  the  expense  of  the  Doctor's  people,  and  the  Doctor  preached 
and  published  a  funeral  sermon  for  him ;  a  sermon  contemptible  as  to  its  composition, 
and  detestable  as  to  the  sentiments  contained  in  it.  Some  of  the  sentiments,  in  my 
view,  are  an  insult,  not  only  on  the  Scriptures,  but  on  common  sense,  except  the  latter 
be  debauched  by  vain  philosophy.  Mr.  Robinson's  History  of  Baptism  you  may  proba- 
bly have  seen  before  now.  It  seems  to  me  to  be  a  work  of  both  labor  and  learning.  It 
contains  various  particulars,  in  opposition  to  infant-sprinkling,  that  are  both  new  and 
pertinent ;  but  there  is  much  extraneous  matter ;  there  are  many  indications  of  rank 
Socianism ;  various  detestably  fanciful  interpretations  of  passages  in  the  Old  Testa- 
ment; and  such  marks  of  enmity  against  the  character  of  Augastinus  as  I  did  not 
expect.    We  have  very  lately  lost  by  death  that  worthy  Baptist  minister,  Mr.  Robert 


1789-1791.  AND   MANNING.  485 

Hall,1  of  Arnsby,  in  Leicestershire.    He  is,  I  doubt  not,  with  God,  and  his  memory  is 
much  respected. 

Socinianism  is,  I  fear,  still  gaining  ground  in  England,  especially  in  the  national 
Establishment ;  and  several  of  our  young  Baptist  ministers  have,  within  these  two  or 
three  years,  adopted  that  pernicious  system  of  error  and  of  blasphemy.  But  our  divine 
Jesus  lives  and  reigns,  to  govern  the  world  and  to  take  care  of  his  own  cause. 

I  hear  but  little  of  Mr.  Winchester  of  late,  and  have  never  seen  him.  I  am  inclined 
to  think,  however,  that  his  corrupt  principles  lose  rather  than  gain  ground  in  this 
metropolis. 

Hope  you  will  indulge  me  with  a  letter  as  soon  as  you  can  after  you  receive  this ;  and 
that,  among  other  things,  you  will  inform  me  whether  my  Pedobaptism  Examined  be 
yet  republished.  I  have  been  informed  that  proposals  for  publishing  by  subscription 
my  essay  on  the  Kingdom  of  Christ,  have  appeared  at  Philadelphia.  I  was  a  little  sur- 
prised to  hear  of  republishing,  by  subscription,  so  small  a  piece,  nothing  of  that  kind 
being  issued  here. 

It  has  been  and  now  is  a  sickly  time  among  my  people.  Three  of  the  members  of  the 
church  under  my  imperfect  pastoral  care  have  departed  out  of  life  since  the  present 
year  came  in,  and  another  of  them  is  on  the  verge  of  the  grave  by  the  envenomed 
tooth  of  a  devouring  cancer.  The  Lord  grant  that  we  may  be  prepared  for  his  whole 
will  concerning  us.    Oh  for  more  genuine  spiritual-mindedness ! 

And  now,  sir,  I  most  affectionately  commend  you  to  God,  and  to  the  word  of  his 
grace,  earnestly  praying  that  peace  and  prosperity  may  attend  you  and  yours  and  all  the 
churches  of  Christ.    I  remain,  dear  sir,  ■ 

Your  unworthy  brother  in  the  gospel  of  Jesus  Christ, 

A.  Booth. 
From  the  Rev.  Dr.  Rippon,  of  London. 
Reverend  and  Dear  Sir: 

Last  evening  Captain  Mesnard  delivered  me  his  letters  from  New  York,  and  to-mor- 
row the  Eagle  sails,  so  that  I  have  but  a  few  minutes  for  each  letter. 

The  Register  is  taking  a  prodigious  spread  through  almost  all  our  churches,  the 
country  friends  themselves  ordering  from  fifteen  to  one  hundred  copies  for  each  church. 
I  feel  myself  honored  in  seeing  your  name  among  the  brethren  who  encourage  the 
design.  I  refer  now  to  the  advertisement  in  the  Philadelphia  Association  letter.  I 
had  hoped  that  I  might  have  received  your  painting  by  Captain  Mesnard,  but  I  must 
now  beseech  you  to  forward  it  by  the  very  first  safe  conveyance,  informing  me  at  what 
age  it  was  done.  Dr.  Evans  is  beautifully  engraved,  and  so  is  Providence  meeting- 
house, from  a  copy  in  the  Massachusetts  Magazine  for  August,  1789.    No  part  of  the  Mag- 


i  Father  of  the  celebrated  Robert  Hall  of  Cambridge. 


486  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  XIII. 

azine  have  I  seen  besides.  The  account  of  the  Providence  church  cannot,  I  suspect,  be 
brought  into  the  First  Part  of  the  Register,  though,  on  account  of  its  early  date,  it 
should  be  one  of  the  first  societies  under  Article  the  8th,  where  it  stands.  I  would 
not  so  soon  have  advertised  its  insertion,  had  I  not  known  it  wOuld  have  afforded  great 
pleasure  to  many  of  our  English  brethren;  though,  by  the  way,  some  of  them  are 
astonished  at  the  steeple  !  I  was  the  more  unwilling  to  bring  this  article  forward  so 
early,  because  I  was  unacquainted  with  your  opinion  of  the  narrative.  It  came  here  to 
a  friend  of  John  Stanford,  said  to  have  been  written  by  him  and  approved  by  the 
church.  Of  course  you  have  seen  it.  No  one  in  the  city  but  myself  and  the  family  to 
whom  it  was  sent  know  that  Stanford  had  any  hand  in  it ;  and  his  name  must  be  entirely 
kept  out  of  sight  in  this  country.  If  I  introduce  the  account  of  the  church  in  the 
Second  Part  of  the  Register,  with  your  corrections,  I  dare  not  go  any  further  than  1787, 
unless  you  will  give  the  narrative  such  a  finish  that  the  close  may  introduce  your 
present  condition.  Mr.  Foster  informs  me  that  Mr.  Maxcy  (named  in  your  former  let- 
ter) has  engaged  to  supply  Providence  one  year.    I  beg  to  be  affectionately  remembered 

to  him.    I  never  had  any  correspondence  with  Mr. ;  am  sorry  to  find  he  did  not 

behave  well  at  Providence. 

The  happiness  of  the  American  churches  lies  near  my  heart.  I  see  my  brethren 
have  too  much  neglected  them.  There  is  not  public  spirit  enough  in  this  country;  but 
I  have  hinted  by  this  conveyance  to  two  friends,  that  the  Register  is  intended  to  serve 
the  American  brethren  particularly.  I  am  sure  when  we  have  larger  accounts  of  Ken- 
tucky, well  authenticated,  the  design  you  proposed  a  few  months  since  can  naturally 
be  brought  forward;  and  I  have  laid  some  foundation  already  for  its  success.  This  I 
have  mentioned  to  no  American  but  yourself. 

I  find  Mr.  Wesley's  people  are  aiming  to  have  a  new  college  in  America  (vide  Dr. 
Coke's  Missions).  I  wish  I  had  a  good  drawing  or  engraving  of  your  College  edifice, 
and  a  history  of  the  College.  I  have  the  printed  charter;  wish  for  a  proof  of  the  old 
seal,  with  the  explanations  thereof.  "Would  you  favor  me  with  the  history?  Dr.  Evans 
has  offered  an  account  of  the  Bristol  Academy.  If  you  are  too  busy,  could  not  Dr. 
Drowne  draw  it  up?  I  wish  I  could  see  Mr.  Maxcy's  handwriting.  I  have  a  copy  of 
Robinson's  History  of  Baptism  for  your  acceptance.  Hope  to  send  it  next  month,  with 
an  article  ordered  by  Dr.  Drowne.  My  respects  to  him.  My  Christian  love  to  your 
good  lady. 

I  remain,  affectionately  and  truly,  yours, 

John  Rippon. 

P.  S.  — I  dare  not  dictate,  but  if  the  Register  meets  the  approbation  of  the  American 
brethren,  perhaps  each  Association  would  say  what  number  they  would  certainly  take, 
and  appoint  the  clerk,  or  some  other  brother,  to  convey  materials  for  me  to  Boston, 
Philadelphia,  or  New  York,  from  time  to  time. 


1789-1791.  AND    MANNING.  487 

The  "Register,"  to  which  Dr.  Rippon  here  refers,  proved  to  be  an 
important  means  of  communication  between  English  and  American 
Baptists.  It  is  entitled,  "The  Baptist  Annual  Register,  including 
Sketches  of  the  State  of  Religion  among  different  denominations  of 
good  men  at  home  and  abroad."  It  is  dedicated  to  "all  baptized  min- 
isters and  people  in  America,  England,  Ireland,  Scotland,  and  Wales, 
the  United  Netherlands,  France,  Switzerland,  Poland,  Russia,  Prussia, 
and  elsewhere."  The  first  volume  includes  the  years  1790-3.  It  has 
fine  copper-plate  engravings  of  Caleb  Evans,  Robert  Hall,  and  Presi- 
dent Manning.  Full  accounts  of  the  College  Commencements  for 
the  years  1789,  1790,  1791,  1792,  and  1793,  are  given,  and  also  Prof. 
Howell's  charge  to  the  graduates  in  1791,  and  President  Maxcy's 
charge  in  1793.  The  second  volume  includes  the  years  1794-7,  and 
has  engraved  portraits  of  Benjamin  Francis,  William  Clarke,  and 
Samuel  Stennett.  The  College  Commencements  are  for  the  years  1794, 
1795,  and  1796.  The  third  volume  is  for  the  years  1798-1801,  and  the 
Commencements  are  for  the  years  1797  and  1798.  The  engraved  por- 
traits are  Samuel  Pearce,  Philip  Gibbs,  John  Tommas,  John  Fawcett, 
and  William  Rogers.  This  last  we  have  reproduced  to  accompany  our 
sketch  of  Dr.  Rogers,  in  a  previous  chapter.  The  concluding  volume 
is  for  the  years  1801-2.  Appended  is  the  famous  "  Confession  of  Faith 
put  forth  by  the  Elders  and  Brethren  of  one  hundred  baptized  Con- 
gregations in  England  and  Wales  (denying  Arminianism)  "  in  the  year 
1689.  The  only  account  of  Commencement  for  this  volume  is  for  the 
year  1801.  The  engraved  portraits  are  Samuel  Stillman,  Jonathan 
Purchas,  Isaac  Hann,  and  John  Thomas.  On  page  792  is  the  view  of 
the  Baptist  meeting-house  to  which  Dr.  Rippon  refers,  with  a  history 
of  the  church,  by  Stanford.  These  four  octavo  volumes,  which  are 
exceeding  scarce,  constitute  an  important  addition  to  our  Baptist  his- 
tory. A  fine  set  is  in  the  writer's  possession,  obtained  through  the 
kindness  of  Dr.  Angus,  late  President  of  Regent's  Park  College,  Lon- 
don. The  College  Library  also  has  a  complete  set,  which  it  has  recently 
secured  through  a  bookseller  at  Amsterdam. 


488  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  XIII. 

In  December,  1790,  Dr.  Manning  addressed  a  letter  to  the  Rev. 
William  Richards,  LL.  D.,  of  Lynn,  England,  to  which  Mr.  Richards 
thus  replies.  The  letter,  it  may  be  added,  did  not  reach  Providence 
until  nearly  four  months  after  Manning  had  passed  from  the  scenes  of 
his  earthly  labors. 

Lynn,  in  Norfolk,  Old  England,  June  6,  1791. 
My  Dear  Sir: 

Embracing  an  opportunity  which  has  suddenly  and  unexpectedly  presented  itself, 
of  sending  to  America  a  packet  by  a  private  hand,  I  can  do  little  more  than  just  to 
acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your  kind  letter  of  the  15th  of  December,  which  made  its 
way  here  about  the  middle  of  last  month,  via  Liverpool  and  Birmingham.  I  sincerely 
thank  you,  sir,  for  this  favor;  and  I  rejoice  exceedingly  in  the  prospect  which  your 
letter  exhibits  of  the  growing  greatness  and  the  increasing  felicity  and  prosperity  of 
America.  I  have  long  been  partial  to  that  country,  and  at  a  very  early  period  of  my 
life  (sixteen  or  seventeen  years  ago)  was  on  the  point  of  removing  from  Britain  thither. 
The  war  deterred  me  then,  and  for  some  years  after,  from  accomplishing  my  purpose ; 
and  having  been  settled  in  this  place  some  years  when  the  peace  took  place,  I  found  it 
rather  inconvenient  then  to  quit  the  country.  Should  I  live  a  few  years  longer,  it  is 
still  probable  that  I  shall  remove,  but  it  is  most  likely  that  that  removal  will  be  to 
Wales  and  not  to  America.  I  am  and  have  always  been  very  much  attached  to  my  dear 
native  country ;  but  I  should  like  it  much  better  were  it  connected  with  the  United 
States,  than  as  it  is,  a  branch  of  the  corrupt  British  empire. 

As  to  the  issue  of  my  late  controversy  with  Mr.  Carter,  my  last  piece,  the  History  of 
Antichrist,  brought  it  to  its  conclusion.  I  have  never  seen  my  opponent  since,  but  he 
has  repeatedly  sent  me  his  friendly  compliments,  and  invited  me  to  call  upon  him 
whenever  I  should  pass  through  his  neighborhood,  but  it  has  not  suited  me  to  pay  him 
a  visit  yet.  Our  Independent  brethren  have  treated  their  poor  Baptist  neighbors  some- 
what more  civilly  since  this  controversy  took  place  than  they  were  wont  to  do.  In 
these  counties  of  Norfolk  and  Suffolk  they  are  a  very  powerful  body.  That  party,  sir, 
as  I  suppose  you  know,  originated  here,  and  have  continued  here  ever  since,  as  numer- 
ous and  respectable  as  in  any  part  of  Britain.  Their  ministers  are,  in  general,  men  of 
considerable  abilities  and  learning,  while  the  Baptist  ministers,  on  the  contrary,  are 
possessed  of  but  a  moderate  share  of  either.  The  former  seemed  conscious  of  their 
superiority,  and,  in  general,  affected  to  treat  the  latter  with  the  most  manifest  contempt. 
In  short,  sir,  I  am  the  first  of  the  Particular  Baptists,  and  even  of  the  Baptist  denom- 
ination, who  has  had  the  temerity  to  accept  a  challenge  from,  or  to  enter  the  lists  with, 
a  Norfolk  or  Suffolk  Independent.    I  hope  the  adventure  was  not  altogether  useless  to 


1789-1791.  AND    MANNING.  489 

the  Baptist  cause.  The  Independents  have  never  since  discovered  the  least  disposition 
to  oppose  us  again  in  print;  and  it  is  the  general  opinion  that  it  will  be  long  before 
they  will  attempt  to  provoke  the  Baptists  into  another  paper  war.  Many  of  them  were 
convinced,  during  the  debate,  that  the  Pedobaptist  scheme  was  not  tenable,  and  they 
of  course  joined  us  ;  and  not  one  was  known  to  be  confirmed,  in  the  mean  time,  in  that 
scheme. 

Since  the  conclusion  of  this  dispute,  I  have  been  called,  by  the  unanimous  voice  of 
the  Welsh  Baptists,  to  engage  in  another  of  a  similar  nature  with  the  Presbyterians 
and  Independents  of  the  Principality,  who  had  just  then  broken  the  peace  by  violently 
attacking  their  principles,  and  who  were  likewise  strongly  supported  by  the  White- 
fieldites,  a  very  numerous  body  in  that  country.  The  person  intrusted  by  them  with 
the  direction  of  this  war  is  a  Mr.  Benjamin  Evans,  a  very  popular  minister  in  Cardigan- 
shire, very  dexterous  and  very  obstinate  in  debate,  and  a  perfect  adept  in  the  sophist 
and  the  quibbler's  trade.  He  has  already  published  three  pieces,  and  I  am  now  about 
beginning  my  third  piece  in  reply.  What  will  be  the  issue  of  this  war  must  be  left  for 
time  to  determine.  My  opponent,  by  the  vigor  and  violence  of  his  exertions,  and  fre- 
quent rallyings  and  renewals  of  the  combat,  seems  to  think  that  he  has  a  great  deal  at 
stake.  He,  too,  and  his  brethren,  took  it  for  granted  that  he  was  greatly  superior  to 
any  that  the  Baptists  could  call  out  to  oppose  them  in  the  Welsh  language.  God  grant 
that  the  truth  may  not,  in  this  hard  struggle,  be  anywise  dishonored  by  its  very 
unworthy  advocate. 

Report  says  that  this  controversy  has  already  been  productive  of  some  very  pleasing 
and  happy  effects,  and  that  the  Baptist  interest  is  likely  to  be  considerably  benefited 
by  it.  I  sent  a  copy  of  my  first  Welsh  tract  to  your  good  Brother  Dr.  Samuel  Jones, 
and  had  you  known  the  language  I  should  have  been  very  happy  to  have  presented 
you  with  another,  and  submitted  it  to  your  examination.  I  deem  these  much  superior 
to  my  English  pieces.  They  cost  me  much  more  thought,  and  I  bestowed  much  more 
pains  upon  them  every  way. 

Some  suppose  that  the  piece  I  have  now  on  hand  will  be  the  last  of  this  controversy, 
but  that  seems  to  me  rather  doubtful.  I  almost  think  that  some  things  I  shall  advance 
this  time  will  provoke  some  kind  of  a  reply.  Nor  am  I  at  all  anxious  about  that 
matter,  so  long  as  our  countrymen  continue  to  give  us  a  patient  and  attentive  hearing. 
I  am  willing  to  give  my  labor,  and  my  Welsh  brethren  seem  at  present  as  willing  to  be 
at  the  expense  of  printing  what  I  write. 

The  Baptists  are  very  numerous  and  greatly  on  the  increase  in  Wales.  Some 
churches  there  are  the  largest  we  have  in  Britain.  That  of  Lanjloffan,  in  Pembroke- 
shire, which  is  the  largest  of  all,  consists  of  between  eight  hundred  and  nine  hundred 
members.  The  great  increase  of  the  Welsh  Baptists  is  seemingly  what  provoked  their 
62 


490  BROWN"   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  XIII. 

Pedobaptist  brethren  to  commence  this  quarrel  with  them.    I  hope  they  will  not  in  the 
end  have  any  cause  to  triumph  over  us. 

I  have  had  some  thoughts  of  writing  the  Life  of  Roger  Williams.  Could  you,  sir, 
tell  me  where  he  was  born,  or  add  any  materials  towards  his  history,  over  and  above 
what  Mr.  Backus's  history  contains?  I  have  some  of  his  works  which  Mr.  Backus 
never  saw.    He  is  with  me,  in  several  respects,  a  favorite  character. 

I  am  sorry  to  hear  of  the  smallness  of  your  fund,  and  of  your  pecuniary  difficulties 
at  the  College.  I  wish  the  British  Baptists  would  take  your  case  under  consideration, 
and  afford  you  some  effectual  aid.  They  ought  to  do  so,  I  think ;  and  yet  I  am  afraid  it 
will  not  be  an  easy  matter  to  persuade  them  to  it,  unless  some  of  the  Londoners,  and 
other  opulent  Baptists,  were  to  take  it  up. 

I  thought  your  library  was  more  considerable,  and  am  sorry  to  find  it  is  not.  The 
Bristol  Library  is  now  a  very  capital  one  by  the  additions  of  the  collections  of  Drs. 
Gifford  and  Llewelyn,  and  especially  the  latter,  which  was  a  very  excellent  one.  I 
wish  some  others  in  this  country  would  bequeath  their  collections  to  your  College.  I 
have  myself  near  fifteen  hundred  volumes,  some  of  them  of  value.  But  a  man  in  my 
situation,  in  very  moderate  circumstances,  and  with  a  very  small  salary  from  the 
congregation,  and  having  withal  an  aged  mother  to  provide  for,  —  a  man  in  such  a 
situation,  I  say,  must  make  no  resolution  in  matters  of  this  kind.  Perhaps  my  circum- 
stances when  I  die  may  not  admit  of  my  disposing  of  my  books  as  I  might  have  wished. 
Therefore  please  to  keep  this  hint  to  yourself.  Now,  my  dear  sir,  I  must  take  my  leave. 
May  every  blessing  attend  you,  is  the  earnest  wish  and  prayer  of 

Your  sincere,  affectionate,  and  faithful  friend,  brother,  and  servant, 

W.  Richards. 

P.  S.  —  Is  there  any  truth,  sir,  in  the  reports,  which  our  public  papers  daily  circulate 
in  this  country,  of  very  dreadful  ravages  committed  by  the  natives  among  your  people 
about  Kentucky  and  other  back-settlements  ?  I  suspect  it  is  only  a  contrivance  of  our 
Government  for  the  purpose  of  checking  the  progress  of  emigration,  and  to  persuade 
the  good  people  of  Britain  that  there  is  not  so  blessed  a  country  anywhere  as  their 
own.  Our  papers  are  in  like  manner  stuffed  with  falsehoods  relating  to  the  state  of 
things  in  France,  and  the  proceedings  of  the  National  Assembly.  These  tricks  will 
not  always  serve  their  purpose. 

I  received  a  letter  lately  from  Mr.  Curtis,  son-in-law  to  the  late  Mr.  Robinson.  The 
second  volume  of  Mr.  Robinson's  long-expected  work  is  now  in  the  press.  It  is  not 
intended  to  print  any  more  than  seven  hundred  and  fifty  copies  of  it,  so  that  I  suppose 
it  will  soon  become  scarce.  It  was  the  author's  design  to  have  called  it  the  First  Vol- 
ume of  the  History  of  the  Baptists ;  but  as  he  did  not  live  to  complete  his  plan,  or  to 
finish  any  more  than  this  volume  of  it,  it  is,  by  the  advice  of  Dr.  Abraham  Rees,  to  be 


1789-1791.  AND    MANNING.  491 

entitled  Ecclesiastical  ^Researches.    I  am  sorry  to  learn  that  there  are  still  near  lour 
hundred  copies  of  the  History  of  Baptism  unsold. 

Dear  sir,  pray  pardon  the  intolerable  length  and  blunders  of  this  scrawl.  When  I 
began,  I  little  thought  I  should  scribble  half  so  much,  nor  indeed  did  I  expect  that  the 
opportunity  would  permit  me  to  do  so,  as  I  thought  the  messenger  could  not  stay. 
Excuse  me  this  time. 

Mr.  Richards *  was  a  native  of  South  Wales.  At  the  age  of  twelve 
he  had  been  at  school  only  one  year.  From  this  time  till  the  twenty- 
fourth  year  of  his  age,  when  he  entered  the  academy  at  Bristol,  he 
received  no  instruction.  But  his  application  to  study  was  vigorous  and 
persevering.  He  remained  at  the  academy  in  Bristol  two  years.  After 
preaching  for  a  short  time  as  an  assistant  to  Dr.  John  Ash,  of  Pershore, 
he  accepted  an  invitation  from  the  Baptist  Church  at  Lynn  to  become 
its  pastor,  and  entered  upon  his  public  ministry  in  that  town  July  7, 
1776,  where  he  continued  to  reside  —  more  than  half  of  the  time  as 
pastor  of  the  church  —  till  his  death,  which  occurred  in  1818,  in  the 
sixty-ninth  year  of  his  age. 

Mr.  Richards  appears  to  have  been  a  man  of  learning,  particularly 
in  English  and  Welsh  history,  and  in  the  Welsh  language  and  litera- 
ture. His  writings  are  historical,  political  and  controversial.2  His 
most  important  work  is  the  History  of  Lynn,  in  2  vols.  8vo.  Dr. 
Evans  says  of  it:  "It  is  not  only  well  written,  the  style  perspicuous 
and  manly,  but  it  is  replete  with  information  as  well  as  entertain- 
ment." His  review  of  Noble's  Memoirs  of  the  Protectoral  House  of 
Cromwell  is  characterized  by  Lowndes3  as  "  severe,  but  at  the  same  time 
just." 

"  His  Dictionary  of  Welsh  and  English,"  says  Dr.  Evans,  "a  work 
of  minute  and  wearisome  labor,  is  in  high  repute."  Mr.  Richards  was 
of  the  General  Baptist  denomination,  and  a  strong  advocate  of  religious 
liberty.     It  was  his  love  of  the  liberal  character  of  the  College  which 


1See  Memoirs  of  the  Life  and  Writings  of  Rev.  William  Richards,  L.L.D.,  by  John  Evans,  LLJD., 
of  Islington.    12mo.    Chiswick,  1819. 

2  For  a  list  of  his  writings,  —  comprising  nearly  the  whole,  —  see  under  his  name  in  the  catalogue 
of  the  College  library. 

» Bibliographer's  Manual. 


492  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  XIII. 

induced  him  to  bestow  upon  it  his  library,  as  appears  from  the  following 
passage  in  his  Memoirs  : — 

Mr.  Richards  had  corresponded  with  Dr.  James  Manning,  once  President  of  the 
Baptist  College  in  Rhode  Island.  From  this  gentleman  he  learned  the  liberal  constitu- 
tion of  that  respectable  seminary,  and  for  some  years  previous  to  his  death  meant  to 
bequeath  to  it  his  library.  He  accordingly  made  inquiry  of  Dr.  Rogers  [of  Philadel- 
phia], whether  it  was  still  conducted  on  the  same  liberal  footing,  in  which  case  he 
should  cherish  the  same  generous  intentions  towards  it. 

This  inquiry  was  answered  by  Dr.  Messer,  then  President  of  the 
College,  in  a  letter,  from  which  we  extract  a  single  passage  :  — 

Though  the  charter  requires  that  the  President  shall  forever  be  a  Baptist,  it  allows 
neither  him,  in  his  official  character,  nor  any  other  officer  of  instruction,  to  inculcate 
any  sectarian  doctrine.  It  forbids  all  religious  test ;  and  it  requires  that  all  denomina- 
tions of  Christians,  behaving  alike,  shall  be  treated  alike.  The  charter  is  congenial 
with  the  whole  of  the  civil  government  established  here  by  the  venerable  Roger  Wil- 
liams, who  allowed  no  religious  tests,  and  no  preeminence  of  one  denomination  over 
another;  and  none  has  ever  been  allowed  unto  this  day.  This  charter  is  also  congenial 
with  the  present  spirit  of  this  State  and  of  this  town. 

Gratified  with  this  letter,  Mr.  Richards,  in  accordance  with  the  pur- 
pose which  he  had  cherished  twenty-seven  years  previous  to  his  death, 
and  which  he  mentions  in  his  letter  to  Dr.  Manning,  bequeathed  his 
books,  consisting  of  about  thirteen  hundred  volumes,  to  Brown  Univer- 
sity. This  was  the  most  important  donation  that  the  Library  had  as  yet 
received.  It  is  a  singular  fact,  that  his  will  was  made  on  the  very  day 
on  which  the  honorary  degree  of  Doctor  of  Laws  was  conferred  upon 
him  by  the  College.  Mr.  Richards  had  received  no  intimation  that  the 
honor  was  intended  for  him,  nor  did  he  live  to  hear  that  it  had  been 
bestowed. 

The  library  which  he  thus  bequeathed  is  in  many  respects  valuable. 
It  contains  a  considerable  number  of  Welsh  books,  a  large  collection 
of  works  illustrating  the  history  and  antiquities  of  England  and  Wales, 
besides  two  or  three  hundred  bound  volumes  of  pamphlets,  some  of 
them  very  ancient,  rare,  and  curious.     The  collection  is  particularly 


1789-1791.  AND    MANNING.  493 

valuable  for  its  treatises  on  civil  and  religious  liberty.  The  original 
manuscript  catalogue  of  Mr.  Richards's  library  came  into  the  writer's 
hands  a  few  years  since.     It  is  now  among  the  archives  of  the  Library. 

Dr.  Evans,  in  his  account  of  Brown  University,  appended  to  his 
Life  of  Richards,  says  :  "  Whilst  the  library  of  my  friend  Richards 
remains  amongst  them,  to  perpetuate  the  name  and  character  of  its 
donor,  may  it  urge  its  worthy  President,  as  well  as  the  members  of  this 
truly  respectable  Institution,  to  the  continued  exercise  of  that  spirit  of 
liberality  which  induced  an  honest  Cambro-Britain,  at  the  distance  of 
three  thousand  miles,  to  mark  and  reward  it." 

The  last  letter  from  Manning  of  which  we  have  any  account,  is 
addressed  to  his  college  classmate  and  life-long  friend,  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Hezekiah  Smith  :  — 

Providence,  4th  June,  1791. 
Dear  Sir: 

Yours  of  Feb.  15th  ult.  came  to  hand  three  months  to  a  day  after  it  was  written,  so 
that  we  now  stand  on  even  ground.  As  you  say  of  mine,  it  met  a  welcome  reception. 
I  am  sorry  it  has  not  been  in  my  power  to  provide  for  Mr.  Messer  agreeably  to  my 
wishes  and  ideas  of  his  merit.  There  will  be  an  opening  at  Providence  for  a  tutor  in 
the  fall;  but  Mr.  Alden,  of  senior  standing,  appears  to  incline  to  fill  the  place.  If  so, 
there  will  be  an  opening  at  Taunton  in  the  academy  which  he  will  leave.  I  hope  that 
Mr.  Messer  may  be  accommodated  at  one  or  other  of  these  berths.  Please  to  present 
my  best  respects  to  him,  and  tell  him  he  shall  have  my  interest.  Ere  this  comes  to 
hand,  the  news  of  the  departure  of  our  two  good  friends,  Messrs.  John  Jenckes  and 
Nicholas  Brown,  must  have  reached  you.  Providence,  church,  and  society  are  bereaved 
indeed !    But  Jesus  lives,  and  lives  to  support  his  cause  when  earthly  supporters  fail. 

The  affairs  of  the  College  do  not  prosper  as  I  could  wish.  With  the  twenty-two 
who  graduated  last  fall,  we  have  lost  twenty-nine  this  year,  which  is  a  great  defalca- 
tion from  our  small  number.  More  are  about  to  come  soon,  but  I  think  it  will  be  some 
time  before  we  shall  make  the  number  of  last  year  good.  Our  number  is  about  fifty- 
five.  The  last  intelligence  from  Brother  Gano  is,  that  early  this  spring  his  kitchen 
caught  fire  by  accident,  and  consumed  with  it  all  their  kitchen  furniture,  smoked 
meat,  etc.  Poor  ill-fated  man !  He  is  not  to  have  his  portion  here.  Well,  I  believe 
he  is  secure  of  it  above.  I  am  glad  to  hear  that  you  found  my  friends,  the  Newbolds, 
agreeable.  I  saw  Caleb  at  New  York  a  few  days  since,  and  he  mentioned  you  with  great 
affection,  as  also  all  the  eastern  people  to  whom  he  was  introduced.    I  saw  none  of 


494  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  XIII. 

your  relations  to  the  westward,  as  my  journey  was  hasty  and  attended  with  husiness. 
Nothing  remarkable  in  the  Middle  States  in  a  religious  way,  save  that  Brother  Foster 
and  people  are  very  happy  and  prosperous.  The  Second  Church  rent  again,  and  in  a 
miserable  situation.  Our  old  friends  generally  well.  My  brother  Enoch  died  in  Feb- 
ruary last,  and  John  Manning,  Esq.,  my  cousin;  also  Aunt  Randolph,  wife  of  Uncle 
Ephraim.  The  people  of  Providence  have  chosen  Mr.  Maxcy  for  their  minister,  and  he 
has  resigned  his  tutorship  and  accepted.  He  gives  very  general  satisfaction,  and 
promises  usefulness.  Religious  impressions  are  not  all  erased  from  the  minds  of  the 
people  here.    With  best  respects  to  you  and  lady,  in  which  Mrs.  Manning  joins, 

Your  old  friend, 

James  Manning. 

Dr.  Manning,  as  his  correspondence  shows,  had  repeatedly  and 
earnestly  requested  his  people  to  seek  for  a  proper  person  to  succeed 
him  in  the  ministry.  This  he  did,  not  because  his  interest  in  preaching 
had  diminished,  but  rather  on  account  of  his  multiplied  duties  as  Pres- 
ident of  the  College,  which  would  not  permit  him  to  do  justice  to  his 
flock.  "At  length,  in  a  most  honorable  way,  he  resigned  his  pastoral 
office."  On  the  last  Sabbath  in  April,  1791,  a  few  months  only  before 
his  death,  he  preached  to  the  people  of  his  charge  his  farewell  sermon. 
The  occasion  was  one  of  unusual  solemnity.  For  twenty  years  he  had 
been  to  them  their  spiritual  guide.  Under  his  teachings  and  influence 
the  church  had  been  greatly  improved  in  its  discipline  and  worship,  and 
the  society  had  become  large  and  flourishing.  Revivals  had  attended 
upon  his  ministry,  so  that  again  and  again  he  had  come  to  them  "  in 
the  fulness  of  the  blessing  of  the  gospel  of  Christ,"  announcing  to  not 
a  few  "glad  tidings  of  great  joy."  Scores  of  his  hearers  he  had  led 
down  into  the  baptismal  waters.  And  now,  as  he  uttered  from  the 
pulpit  his  last  affectionate  address,  and,  as  if  in  prophetic  anticipation 
of  his  approaching  end,  expressed  the  improbability  of  his  ever  preach- 
ing to  them  again,  sorrow  filled  their  hearts,  and  their  emotions  found 
utterance  in  sobs  and  tears. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Corporation  held  on  the  13th  of  April,  Dr. 
Manning  had  notified  them  to  look  out  for  a  successor  to  fill  his  place  ; 
and  shortly  after  preaching  his  farewell  sermon,  he  had  made  a  request 
in  writing  for  a  meeting  of  the  Baptist  society,  to  make  arrangements 


1789-1791.  AND    MANNING.  495 

for  finishing  the  meeting-house  and  lot,  stating  in  this  request  that  it 
would  probably  be  his  last.  What  gave  him  this  singular  presentiment  of 
his  approaching  mortality,  can  never,  perhaps,  be  ascertained.1  It  proved, 
alas !  to  be  but  too  well  founded.  On  Saturday,  July  23d,  he  dined  at 
the  hospitable  table  of  his  friend,  Mr.  John  Brown.  On  Sabbath  morn- 
ing following,  while  uttering  the  voice  of  prayer  around  the  domestic 
altar,  he  was  seized  with  a  fit  of  apoplexy,  in  which  he  remained,  but 
with  imperfect  consciousness,  till  the  ensuing  Friday,  when,  about  four 
o'clock  in  the  morning,  he  expired,  in  the  fifty-fourth  year  of  his  age. 

The  sudden  death  of  a  man  who  was  universally  esteemed  and 
loved,  and  had  filled,  for  so  many  years,  such  various  and  com- 
manding stations  of  usefulness  and  trust,  produced  throughout  the 
entire  community  the  most  profound  sorrow,  reaching  to  every  part  of 
the  city  in  which  he  lived.  When,  a  month  previous,  his  intimate 
friend  and  associate,  Nicholas  Brown,  whose  munificence  had  flowed  in 
a  thousand  channels,  and  whose  example  had  given  a  new  impulse  to 
the  public  mind,  quitted  the  scene  which  he  had  so  long  adorned  with 
his  presence  and  enriched  with  his  bounty,  it  was  to  be  expected  that 
there  would  be,  as  there  was,  a  general  expression  of  sorrow  and  regret. 
But  that  the  removal  of  a  Christian  minister,  and  a  teacher  of  science 
and  letters,  who  possessed  none  of  the  advantages  of  wealth,  but  whose 
later  years,  on  the  contrary,  had  been  oppressed  by  economic  solicitude 
and  care,  should  produce  a  regret  so  universal  and  so  deep,  "  is  a  pleas- 
ing homage"  —  adopting  the  language  of  Robert  Hall  on  a  similar 
occasion  —  "to  the  majesty  of  moral  power  and  intellectual  greatness." 

The  Corporation  immediately  assembled  in  the  College  Hall,  when 
the  death  of  the  President  was  announced  by  the  Hon  Jabez  Bowen, 
LL.  D.,  Chancellor.  Among  other  demonstrations  of  respect  and  affec- 
tion for  the  deceased,  a  committee,  consisting  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Hitchcock, 
and  Messrs.  John  Brown  and  George  Benson,  was  appointed  to  wait  on 
Mrs.  Manning,  and  express  to  her  their  sincere  condolence  on  the  death 
of  her  "late  worthy  husband."      Messrs.    Joseph   Russell,  Welcome 


i  It  is  more  than  probable  that  he  had  had  a  previous  stroke  of  apoplexy,  and  thus  knew  that  he 
was  liable  to  a  second  stroke  which  might  prove  fatal. 


496  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  XIII. 

Arnold,  and  George  Benson,  were  also  appointed  a  committee  to  superin- 
tend the  funeral,  the  expenses  thereof  to  be  defrayed  by  the  Corporation. 

On  Saturday,  July  30th,  the  next  day  after  his  death,  the  remains 
of  Dr.  Manning  were  conveyed  from  his  residence  to  the  College  Hall, 
where  the  funeral  solemnities  were  performed  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Hitch- 
cock, at  that  time  the  pastor  of  the  Congregational  church  in  Provi- 
dence, and  one  of  the  most  active  Fellows  of  the  College.  "The 
funeral,"  says  Prof.  Goddard,  "though  a  public  one,  was  no  empty 
pageant.  Multitudes  flocked  to  the  College,  to  look  for  the  last  time 
upon  a  face  which  had  so  often  beamed  upon  them  in  kindness ;  and 
multitudes  followed  him  to  the  grave  which  was  so  soon  to  hide  him 
forever  from  their  sight."  Indeed,  the  funeral,  in  the  language  of  the 
Providence  Gazette,  was  thought  to  "have  been  the  most  numerous 
and  respectable  ever  attended  in  town." 

The  remains,  placed  upon  a  hearse,1  were  borne  to  the  north  bury- 
ing-ground,  where  they  now  rest  by  the  side  of  Nicholas  Brown,  in  the 
family  lot.  "United  in  life,  in  death  they  are  not  separated."  The 
following  was  the  order  of  the  funeral  procession :  — 

Students. 

Steward. 

Graduates  of  the  College. 

Tutors. 

Professors    Fobes    and   West. 

the  corpse. 

Mourners  in  a  coach. 

Chancellor    of   the    College. 

Members  of  the  Corporation. 

Clergy. 

Physicians. 

Members  of  the  Baptist  Church. 

Citizens  in  general. 


1  We  have  it  upon  the  authority  of  the  late  Mr.  John  B.  Chace,  that  at  Dr.  Manning's  funeral  a 
hearse  was  used  for  the  first  time  in  Providence.  It  was  owned,  says  the  late  Samuel  G.  Arnold, 
in  his  "  Anniversary  Address,"  hy  the  Charitable  Baptist  Society,  and  was  imported  from  England. 
In  1795  an  account  of  receipts  for  its  use  was  rendered  by  the  Sexton.  These  receipts  soon  became 
one  of  his  perquisites.  The  hearse  was  kept  in  the  basement  of  the  meeting-house,  a  part  of  which 
was  for  many  years  let  as  a  cellar. 


1789-1791.  AND    MANNING.  497 

On  the  ensuing  Sabbath,  an  eloquent  and  impressive  funeral  sermon 
was  preached  in  the  Baptist  meeting-house,  by  the  Rev.  Perez  Fobes, 
LL.  D.,  pastor  of  the  Congregational  church  in  Raynham,  Massachu- 
setts, and  also  Professor  of  Natural  and  Experimental  Philosophy  in 
the  College.  A  sermon  was  also  preached  on  the  same  day  by  the- 
Rev.  Prof.  Maxcy,  Manning's  successor  in  the  pulpit  and  in  the  Col- 
lege. Both  these  sermons  were  afterwards  published.  From  the  former 
we  cannot  forbear   making  brief  extracts :  — 

The  amiable  Manning  has  given  up  the  ghost ;  and  where  is  he  ?  Not  in  the  Col- 
lege, where  lately  we  saw  him  presiding  with  mild  dignity  and  parental  affection, 
greatly  beloved  by  every  member  of  that  collected  family ;  not  in  the  house  of  God, 
where  he  often  met  you ;  nor  in  the  pulpit,  where  you  have  so  frequently  heard  him 
preach  the  glad  tidings  of  great  joy ;  —  not  at  the  communion-table,  breaking  to  you 
the  bread  of  life,  and  praying  for  the  health  of  languishing  souls ;  not  in  his  own 
house,  with  his  family  and  friends  around  him,  where  he  was  ever  known  as  the 
revered  head  and  illustrious  example  of  religion,  of  government,  and  of  every 
domestic  and  social  virtue.    No,  he  is  not  here. 

The  Corporation  of  the  College,  with  the  instructors  and  students,  all  feel  and 
recognize  the  loss.  Their  hearts  echo  to  the  voice  of  mourning,  to  the  deep-toned  bell, 
and  to  all  the  badges  of  sorrow.  With  multitudes  around  us,  we  have  dropped  the 
involuntary  tear.  We  have  felt  the  sigh  unbidden  heave,  and  followed  the  hearse, 
solemn  and  slow,  with  a  numerous  train  of  mourners,  all  united  in  the  attestation  of 
high  esteem  and  affection  for  the  lamented  man  of  God.  We  are  witnesses,  and  God 
also,  how  piously,  and  justly,  and  unblamably  he  lived  among  us,  —  we  are  witnesses 
to  the  amiableness  of  his  natural  temper.  How  pleasing  his  condescension  and 
affability!  How  conspicuous  his  candor  and  impartiality,  even  in  circumstances  of 
peculiar  trial!  These,  added  to  a  strong  mind,  well  furnished  with  useful  learning, 
and  with  ample  resources  for  eloquence,  popularity,  and  pleasing  address,  rendered 
him  highly  esteemed  through  the  large  circle  of  his  acquaintance.  But,  alas !  all  these 
amiable  and  useful  qualities  could  not  exempt  him  from  the  fate  of  mortals. 

To  the  foregoing,  we  add.  several  letters  by  Dr.  Manning's  intimate 
friends,  announcing  his  death,  together  with  extracts  from  a  Com- 
mencement oration,  and  the  circular  letters  of  the  Warren  and  Phila- 
delphia Associations.  The  following  letter  is  addressed  to  the  Rev. 
Dr.  Hezekiah  Smith :  — 

63 


498  .  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  XIII. 

Boston,  July  30,  1791. 
Dear  Sir: 

I  am  sorry  to  be  the  messenger  of  news  that  will  give  you  pain,  but  you  must  know 
it.  Dr.  Manning  was  taken  with  a  fainting  fit  last  Lord's  Day  morning,  at  family 
prayer,  and  expired  yesterday  morning,  at  half-past  four  o'clock.  The  complaint  was 
of  the  apoplectic  kind.  He  had  no  senses  from  the  time  he  was  taken.  Great  the  loss 
to  his  amiable  wife,  great  to  the  College  and  Baptists  in  general.  But  the  Lord  reigns  ; 
submission  to  him  is  our  certain  duty.  We  must  immediately  look  around  for  a  person 
to  fill  his  place ;  but  where  to  find  him  I  know  not.  What  think  you  of  Mr.  Allison,  or 
Dr.  Jones?  Has  the  former  had  a  public  education?  Or  has  the  latter  the  various 
qualifications  for  a  President?  You  and  I  must  exert  ourselves  on  this  occasion. 
Friends  at  Providence  and  elsewhere  will  expect  it.  Write  freely  to  me  on  this  sub- 
ject. I  suppose  it  will  be  best  that  Mr.  Howell  be  desired  to  preside  at  the  next  Com- 
mencement, as  the  oldest  Fellow.    Peace  be  with  you.    Adieu. 

Yours, 

Samuel  Stillman. 

The  following  letter  to  the  Rev.  Dr.  Samuel  Jones  gives  particulars 
of  Manning's  death  and  funeral.  It  was  written,  it  will  be  observed,  in 
behalf  of  the  members  of  the  Corporation  of  the  College,  and  in  an 
informal  manner,  designates  Mr.  Jones  as  Manning's  successor  in  the 
presidency. 

Providence,  Aug.  3, 1791. 
Dear  Sir  : 

Before  these  lines  will  come  to  your  hands  you  will  doubtless  have  heard  the  melan- 
choly tidings  of  the  death  of  our  late  worthy  President  Manning.  He  departed  this 
life  about  four  o'clock  on  Friday  morning,  the  29th  ult.,  after  an  illness  of  only  five  days, 
during  which  time  he  discovered  little  or  no  signs  of  reason.  His  funeral  was  attended 
last  Saturday.  It  was  the  largest  and  most  solemn  that  I  have  seen  in  this  place.  I 
need  not  tell  you  that  his  death  is  universally  lamented  by  all  ranks  of  people,  but  the 
loss  is  more  severely  felt  by  the  Corporation  of  the  College,  and  by  the  students  under 
his  care.  As  he  was  the  founder  of  the  College,  and  celebrated  for  many  shining  abili- 
ties which  peculiarly  qualified  him  to  preside  in  it,  we  are  apprehensive  that  the  Institu- 
tion may  suffer  a  temporary  relapse,  unless  some  known  and  established  character  can 
be  induced  to  supply  the  vacancy  soon. 

At  a  meeting  of  as  many  of  the  Corporation  in  this  town  as  could  be  readily  convened 
to  take  into  consideration  measures  relative  to  the  ensuing  Commencement,  some  con- 


17S9-1791.  AND    MANNING.  499 

versation  passed  about  the  election  of  a  President,  when  it  was  the  voice  of  all  present 
that  I  should  write  to  you  on  the  subject  and  call  on  you  for  assistance  on  this  occasion, 
so  critical  to  the  interests  of  the  College.  It  is  our  unanimous  and  very  earnest 
request,  dear  sir,  that  you  will  come  to  our  help.  The  eyes  of  the  Corporation  seem 
fixed  on  you  for  a  successor  to  President  Manning. 

From  my  long  acquaintance  with  you,  I  have  not  the  least  doubt  of  your  disposition 
to  serve  the  best  interests  of  mankind.  A  door  seems  now  opened  in  divine  Providence 
to  call  forth  to  public  usefulness  those  great  and  very  useful  talents  I  know  you  possess. 
Let  me  entreat  you  to  consider  the  application  weightily.  I  am  sure  you  will  do  it 
sensibly.  I  am  here  to  request  a  line  from  you  in  answer,  by  the  first  post  after  the 
receipt  of  this  letter,  or  as  soon  as  you  find  it  convenient  to  give  us  an  answer  to  the 
subject  of  it,  and  I  have  it  in  charge  in  particular  and  very  urgently  to  request  your 
attendance  with  us  at  the  ensuing  Commencement. 

Pray  give  my  respects  to  Mrs.  Jones,  by  whom  I  trust  I  am  still  remembered,  and  to 
any  others  in  your  good  family  to  whom  I  may  be  known,  and  to  inquiring  friends. 
With  very  great  esteem,  I  remain,  dear  sir, 

Your  affectionate  friend  and  very  humble  servant, 

David  Howell. 

To  the  Rev.  Dr.  Rippon,  of  London,  the  Rev.  Isaac  Backus,  under 
date  of  Aug.  19,  1791,  writes :  — 

I  was  with  President  Manning  two  days  in  June  past,  and  when  I  parted  with  him, 
the  8th  of  that  month,  I  had  as  little  thought  of  its  being  the  last  parting  for  time,  as 
at  any  parting  we  ever  had.  But  near  night,  on  July  29, 1  received  a  line  from  Provi- 
dence, informing  me  of  his  decease  at  four  o'clock  that  morning.  I  went  there  the  first 
instant,  and  met  the  College  Corporation  the  next  day,  who  have  thought  of  Dr.  Jones 
for  his  successor,  if  he  can  be  obtained ;  but  we  have  no  idea  of  obtaining  any  man  who 
will  equal  President  Manning  in  all  respects,  at  least  soon.  His  extensive  knowledge, 
fervent  piety,  constant  study  to  be  serviceable  to  mankind,  —  his  easy  access  to  every 
class  of  people,  with  his  gift  of  governing  so  as  to  be  feared  and  loved  by  all,  where 
keen  envy  did  not  prevail,  —  rendered  him  the  most  accomplished  man  for  that  station 
of  any  one  I  ever  saw.  Yet,  in  the  midst  of  his  usefulness,  he  is  gone,  as  universally 
lamented  as  any  man  that  I  have  known. 

The  following  letter  to  Dr.  Rippon  from  Solomon  Drowne,  is  pre- 
served among  the  Drowne  papers.  After  alluding  to  Dr.  Manning's 
death,  it  gives  an  interesting  account  of  his  portrait,  and  of  the  College 
which  he  in  one  sense  founded  :  — 


500  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  XIII. 

A  stroke  somewhat  similar  to  that  which  deprived  you  of  the  excellent  Evans, 
though  slower  in  its  operation,  deprived  us  of  the  Father  of  our  College,  —  one  of  the 
best  of  mortals.  A  gloom  now  hangs  over  that  hill,  which  his  benignant  countenance 
once  irradiated.  On  this  occasion  we  may  apply  the  lines  of  your  illustrious  Shaks- 
peare,  "  He  was  a  man,  take  him  for  all  in  all,  we  ne'er  shall  look  upon  his  like  again." 
I  can  now  strike  hands  with  you  in  grief,  and  exchange  sigh  for  sigh.  But  in  these  dark 
dispensations  it  is  ours  to  humble  ourselves  and  learn  acquiescence. 

Doctor  Manning  was  thirty-two  years  old  when  his  picture  was  done.  You  will  see 
it  was  not  the  production  of  an  eminent  artist,  though  deemed  a  pretty  good  likeness  at 
that  time.  He  wore  his  own  graceful  hair,  and  there  was  a  dignity  in  his  port  and 
countenance,  which  that  picture  by  no  means  reaches.  Providence  College,  founded  in 
1765  (the  charter  dates  from  1764)  has  sprung  up  and  still  flourishes,  though  the  tem- 
pestuous billows  of  an  eight  years'  war  have  rolled  over  its  infancy.  It  is  one  of  those 
rare  institutions  that  unpatronized  by  the  great,  merely  by  the  generous  subscriptions 
of  private  citizens,  in  a  country  not  wealthy,  exhibits  to  the  world  a  noble  temple  of 
science,  evincing  at  once  its  founders'  love  of  literature,  and  their  invincible  persever- 
ance. Though  the  snakes  of  envy  attempted  to  crush  the  Institution  in  its  cradle,  yet 
from  its  own  native  hardihood  and  excellency,  it  rose  to  its  present  distinguished  sta- 
tion among  the  literary  luminaries  of  our  country.  On  an  eminence  east  of  the  town 
is  situated  the  magnificent  College  edifice,  commanding  an  extensive  and  picturesque 
view  of  the  adjacent  country,  the  Bay  with  the  islands  it  embosoms,  and  the  adjacent 
town. 

At  the  Commencement  in  1791,  an  "  Oration  on  the  Death  of  Rev. 
President  Manning  "  was  delivered  by  Simeon  Doggett,  of  the  class  of 
1788,  then  a  candidate  for  the  Master's  degree.  Mr.  Doggett  was  a 
tutor  in  the  College  from  1791  to  1796.  He  afterwards  had  the  charge 
of  an  academy  in  Taunton,  Mass.  He  was  pastor  of  the  Congregational 
church  in  Mendon,  Mass.,  from  1815  to  1831,  and  from  the  latter  year 
to  1846,  was  the  pastor  of  the  Congregational  church  in  Raynham.  He 
died  March  20,  1852,  in  the  eighty-seventh  year  of  his  age.  From  his 
oration  on  Manning,  which  is  preserved  in  manuscript  among  the  College 
archives,  we  present  extracts  :  — 

He  is  gone,  alas!  never  to  return.  No  more,  O  Manning!  must  thou  grace  that 
sacred  desk  with  thy  majestic  presence.  No  more  shall  the  temple  of  the  Lord  seem 
like  the  gates  of  heaven  from  the  sweet  droppings  of  thy  lips.  No  more  shall  Christian 
assemblies  be  moved,  be  pleased,  be  instructed,  be  enraptured  by  thy  inspired  tongue. 


1789-1791.  AND    MANNING.  501 

No  more  shalt  thou  lead  the  devout  heart  up  to  the  throne  of  God.  No  more  shall  thy 
conciliating  tongue  and  precious  counsels  be  heard  in  church  and  state.  Thy  placid 
countenance,  thy  pleasing  converse,  thy  soft  and  graceful  manners  shall  no  more  delight 
the  friendly  circle.  No  more  shall  you,  respected  patrons  of  yonder  seat  of  learning, 
boast  of  the  shining  character  of  your  President  and  friend.  No  more  shall  we,  my 
dear  elder  brothers,  sit  in  council  with  our  wise,  our  mild,  our  beloved  President.  .  .  . 
O,  relentless  Death!  —  not  even  the  worth  of  a  Manning  could  elude  thy  stroke.  But  in 
the  midst  of  his  usefulness,  when  that  nursery  of  science,  planted  and  reared  by  his 
fostering  hand,  extending  its  branches,  began  to  require  all  those  abilities  to  inspect 
and  preserve  it  which  were  exerted  to  rear  it;  when  it  was  under  his  watchful  eye  and 
industrious  hand,  flourishing  in  all  the  beauties  of  knowledge,  and  moulding  human 
nature  into  her  most  pleasing  forms ;  when  he  began  to  see  and  rejoice  in  the 
fruit  of  his  labors,  in  the  midst  of  all  his  glory,  cruel  Death!  thou  hast  suddenly 
snatched  him  away,  and  hurried  him  to  the  grave.  .  .  .  Though  these  his  exertions 
to  increase  knowledge  were  almost  unparalleled,  yet  merely  to  increase  knowledge  was 
not  his  end,  but  the  means,  the  end  of  which  was  to  regenerate  the  heart  and  to  advance 
the  Redeemer's  kingdom.  Hence,  while  engaged  to  promote  learning,  he  was  still  more 
engaged  to  promote  religion.  Of  this  all  his  pupils  are  witnesses  who  have  seen  his 
devotion  and  enjoyed  his  instructions.  How  naturally  at  our  College  exercises  would  a 
very  slight  connection  lead  his  discourse  to  moral  and  religious  subjects !  Upon  these 
subjects,  with  what  additional  ardor  would  he  discourse !  These  occasions  seemed  to  add 
new  life  to  his  faculties.  They  would  add  warmth  to  his  heart,  brightness  to  his  under- 
standing, and  eloquence  to  his  tongue.  And  still  more  did  his  devotion  ever  show  that 
his  heart's  desire  and  constant  prayer  to  God  was  that  true  religion  might  flourish. 
And  of  this  his  pupils  are  not  the  only  witnesses.  All  Christian  societies  within  his 
extensive  acquaintance,  especially  those  of  this  town,  are  also  witnesses.  It  was  this 
which  led  him  to  the  study  of  divinity,  and  finally  made  him  so  eminent  in  the  minis- 
try. It  was  this  which  caused  him,  like  the  primitive  apostles,  to  travel  through  all 
parts  of  the  country  to  instruct,  to  purify,  to  organize,  and  to  confirm  the  churcn.  .  . 
Perhaps  no  one  of  his  age  had  a  greater  influence  in  the  Redeemer's  kindgom ;  and  his 
usefulness  was  parallel  with  his  influence.  And  was  it  not  also  this  ardent  desire  for 
the  triumph  of  religion  that  inspired  him  with  such  distinguished  eloquence?  Few 
preachers  of  his  age  spoke  like  him.  He  moved,  he  pleased,  he  instructed  all  who 
heard  him.  Notwithstanding  the  diversity  of  dispositions,  and  the  indifference  of 
hearts  in  Christian  assemblies,  his  eloquence  made  its  way  to  all.  Sometimes  clothing 
himself  with  the  threatenings  of  the  law,  he  seemed  to  thunder  forth  all  the  terrors  of 
Mount  Sinai,  causing  the  most  hardened  and  stubborn  sinners  to  tremble  before  him. 
At  other  times,  putting  on  the  garment  of  mildness,  the  peace  of  the  gospel,  his  elo- 
quence breathed  naught  but  benevolence,  diffusing  tenderness,  and  melting  all  hearts 


502  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  XIII. 

into  grief  and  love.  Thus  following  this  great  man  from  his  first  appearance  upon  the 
stage  of  active  life  to  his  disappearance,  we  invariably  find  him  holding  in  his  left  hand 
the  classics,  in  his  right  the  Word  of  God,  with  his  eye  fixed  on  the  good  of  mankind, 
widely  diffusing,  as  he  passed  along,  knowledge,  and  religion,  and  happiness.  Here  we 
might  add  his  more  particular  character.  We  might  amplify  the  majestic  hut  mild 
beauties  of  his  person  and  appearance ;  the  vast  resources  of  his  mind ;  the  uncommon 
greatness  of  his  acquirements,  considering  the  activity  of  his  life;  his  remarkably 
amiable  disposition ;  his  astonishingly  popular  talents,  and  his  distinguished  and 
inflexible  virtue  and  piety.  .  .  .  Time  not  affording  me  the  pleasure  of  further 
addressing  the  particular  connections  of  this  great  man,  I  proceed  to  ask  whether  a 
character  so  distinguished,  so  useful,  so  amiable,  could  possibly  be  the  object  of  detrac- 
tion? Alas!  the  depravity  of  human  nature,  it  could,  it  was.1  But  mark  the  issue. 
Where  now  is  detraction  ?  Confounded  with  shame  and  remorse,  she  has  forever  hidden 
her  head.  The  universal  lamentation  at  his  death,  the  surprising  throng  of  mourners 
at  his  funeral,  and  the  universal  approbation  of  his  character,  have  eternally  stopped 
her  mouth,  and  reflected  her  deadly  shafts  back  upon  herself,  where  they  will  continue 
to  sting  like  serpents,  and  to  caution  her  to  be  careful  how  she  deals  with  real  merit. 

The  circular  letter  of  the  Warren  Association  alludes  to  the  death 
of  Manning  as  a  great  loss  in  Zion  :  — 

Should  we  close  this  letter  without  taking  notice  of  the  providence  of  God  in  the 
removal  of  two  of  our  ministers  by  death  the  year  past,  we  should  betray  a  criminal 
inattention.  The  one  is  Brother  Nathaniel  Green,  of  Charlton,  who  hath  long  sustained 
a  good  character  in  our  churches.  The  other  was  our  much  esteemed  Brother  James 
Manning,  D.  D.,  President  of  Rhode  Island  College,  whose  abilities  and  usefulness 
were  well  known  to  us  all,  and  whose  attention  to  the  interests  of  learning  and  religion 
justly  claim  our  esteem.  Oh  that  the  great  head  of  the  Church,  in  whom  are  all  gifts 
and  grace,  would  favor  us  with  other  persons  of  equal  accomplishments,  that  thereby 
the  breaches  in  the  walls  of  Zion  maybe  built  up. 

From  the  circular  letter  of  the  Philadelphia  Association  we  also  make 
an  extract :  — 


1  The  feeling  between  the  Federalists  and  the  Anti-Federalists,  as  they  were  called,  was  at  this 
time  exceedingly  bitter.  Dr.  Manning  being  an  acknowledged  leader  among  the  former,  would,  of 
course,  meet  with  opposition  and  even  hate  from  the  rival  party.  Again,  he  was  through  all  his 
connection  with  the  College  the  acknowledged  leader  among  the  Baptists  of  New  England,  who 
were  continually  opposed  by  the  Pedobaptists,  or  Standing  Order. 


1780-1791.  AND    MANNING.  503 

But  our  joys  abate  while  we  reflect  on  the  heavy  tidings,  so  generally  mentioned  in 
your  letters,  of  the  death  of  our  highly  esteemed  and  dearly  beloved  brother,  Dr. 
Manning;  who,  engaged  in  the  dearest  interests  of  religion,  of  science,  and  the  pros- 
perity of  his  country,  fell  from  the  zenith  of  glory  and  usefulness.  In  the  general  loss 
we  sustain  an  important  part.  No  longer  shall  we  enjoy  his  able  counsels,  his  divine 
and  persuasive  eloquence,  nor  his  personal  friendship.  But  while  we  trust  he  fell  to 
rise  to  higher,  to  celestial  glories,  and  joys  unspeakable,  resignation  becomes  us.  May 
the  Lord  sanctify  to  the  churches  and  ministers  of  Christ  the  awful  stroke,  enable  us  to 
feel  and  faithfully  discharge  the  duties  devolving  on  us,  and  imitate  his  amiable 
example. 

A  review  of  Dr.  Manning's  life,  as  presented  in  the  several  chap- 
ters of  our  work,  affords  a  pleasing  illustration  of  the  truth  which 
Cowper  has  so  well  expressed, — 

"  God  gives  to  every  man 
The  virtue,  temper,  understanding,  taste, 
That  lifts  him  into  life,  and  lets  him  fall 
Just  in  the  niche  be  was  ordained  to  fill." 

It  only  remains  to  add  a  few  particulars  relating  to  Manning's  per- 
sonal appearance,  habits,  character,  and  influence.  This  we  shall  do  in 
the  language  of  his  intimate  friend,  and  early  associate  in  the  instruc- 
tion of  the  College,  the  Hon.  David  Howell,  who  wrote  his  obituary 
notice,  and  also  penned  the  inscription  upon  the  stone  erected  by 
the  Trustees  and  Fellows  of  the  College  to  his  memory.  The  following 
extracts  from  this  obituary  were  originally  published  in  the  Providence 
Grazette  for  Saturday,  Aug.  6,  1791 :  — 

In  his  youth  he  was  remarkable  for  his  dexterity  in  athletic  exercises,  for  the  sym- 
metry of  his  body,  and  gracefulness  of  his  person.  His  countenance  was  stately  and 
majestic,  full  of  dignity,  goodness,  and  gravity ;  and  the  temper  of  his  mind  was  a 
counterpart  to  it.  He  was  formed  for  enterprise.  His  address  was  pleasing,  his  man- 
ner enchanting,  his  voice  harmonious,  and  his  eloquence  almost  irresistible. 

Having  deeply  imbibed  the  spirit  of  truth  himself,  as  a  preacher  of  the  gospel,  he 
was  faithful  in  declaring  the  whole  counsel  of  God.  He  studied  plainness  of  speech  and 
to  be  useful  more  than  to  be  celebrated.  The  good  order,  learning  and  respectability  of 
the  Baptist  churches  in  the  Eastern  States  are  much  owing  to  his  assiduous  attention  to 


504  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  XIII. 

their  welfare.    The  credit  of  his  name,  and  his  personal  influence  among  them,  have 
never,  perhaps,  been  exceeded  by  any  other  character. 

Of  the  College  he  must  be  considered,  in  one  sense,  as  the  founder.  He  presided 
with  the  singular  advantage  of  a  superior  personal  appearance,  added  to  all  his  shining 
talents  for  governing  and  instructing  youth.  From  the  first  beginning  of  his  Latin 
school  at  Warren,  through  many  discouragements  he  has,  by  constant  care  and  labor, 
raised  this  seat  of  learning  to  notice,  to  credit,  and  to  respectability  in  the  United 
States.  Perhaps  the  history  of  no  other  College  will  disclose  a  more  rapid  progress  or 
greater  maturity,  in  the  course  of  about  twenty-five  years. 

Although  he  seemed  to  be  consigned  to  a  sedentary  life,  yet  he  was  capable  of  more 
active  scenes.  He  had  paid  much  attention  to  the  government  of  his  country,  and  had 
been  honored  by  this  State  with  a  seat  in  the  Old  Congress.  In  state  affairs  he  discov- 
ered an  uncommon  degree  of  sagacity,  and  might  have  made  a  figure  as  a  politician. 

In  classical  learning  he  was  fully  competent  to  the  business  of  teaching,  although  he 
devoted  less  time  than  some  others  in  his  station  to  the  study  of  the  more  abstruse 
sciences.  In  short,  nature  seemed  to  have  furnished  him  so  completely,  that  little 
remained  for  art  to  accomplish.  The  resources  of  his  genius  were  great.  In  conversa- 
tion he  was  at  all  times  pleasant  and  entertaining.  He  had  as  many  friends  as  acquaint- 
ances, and  took  no  less  pains  to  serve  his  friends  than  to  acquire  them. 

His  death  is  a  loss,  not  to  the  College  or  church  only,  but  to  the  world.  He  is 
lamented  by  the  youth  under  his  care,  by  the  churches,  by  his  fellow-citizens;  and 
wherever  his  name  has  been  heard,  in  whatever  quarter  of  the  civilized  earth,  the 
friends  of  science,  of  virtue  and  humanity  will  drop  a  tender  tear  on  the  news  of  his 
death. 

His  amiable  lady,  the  wife  of  his  youth,  and  the  boast  of  her  sex,  with  all  her  forti- 
tude of  mind,  which  is  great,  must  have  sunk  under  the  distressing  loss  were  she  not 
sustained  by  divine  grace.  May  Heaven  continue  to  support  her,  for  earth  must  have 
lost  its  charms.  Few  persons  ever  enjoyed  a  more  excellent  constitution,  or  better 
health.  Increasing  corpulence,  occasioned  chiefly  by  his  confinement  to  the  labors  of 
his  station  (for  he  was  temperate  in  his  diet),  gave  him  some  complaints  of  ill-health  of 
late  years  ;  but  what  in  particular  furnished  him  with  a  singular  presentiment  of  his 
mortality,  is  unknown. 

The  following  is  the   inscription  penned  by  Judge   Howell,   and 
copied  from  his  tomb-stone  in  the  North  Burying  Ground  :  — 


1789-1791.  AND   MANNING.  505 

In  memory  of 

The  Rev.  James  Manning,  D.  D., 

President 

of  Rhode  Island  College. 

He  was  born  in  New-Jersey,  A.  D.  1738, 

Became  a  member  of  a  Baptist  Church,  A.  D.  1758, 

Graduated  at  Nassau  Hall,  A.  D.  1762, 

Was  ordained  a  Minister  of  the  Gospel,  A.  D.  1763, 

Obtained  a  Charter  for  the  College,  A.  D.  1765, ' 

Was  elected  President  of  it  the  same  year, 

And  was  a  Member  of  Congress,  A.  D.  1786. 

His  person  was  graceful, 
And  his  countenance  remarkably  expressive 
Of  sensibilty,  cheerfulness  and  dignity. 
The  variety  and  excellence  of  his  natural  abilities, 

Improved  by  education  and  enriched  by  science, 
Raised  him  to  a  rank  of  eminence  among  literary 

Characters. 

His  manners  were  engaging,  his  voice  harmonious, 

His  eloquence  natural  and  powerful. 

His  Social  Virtues,  Classic  Learning,  Eminent  Patriotism, 

Shining  talents  for  instructing  and  governing  youth, 

And  zeal  in  the  cause  of  Christianity, 

Are  recorded  on  the  tablets  of  many  hearts. 

He  died  of  an  apoplexy,  July  29,  1791, 

Aetat  53. 

The  Trustees  and  Fellows  of  the  College  have  erected 

This  monument. 

1793. 

The  likeness  of  President  Manning  accompanying  the  present  work 
was  engraved  from  an  original  portrait,  which  has  long  been  in  the 


1  It  is  a  matter  of  surprise  that  one  so  intimately  acquainted  with  Manning  as  was  Judge  Howell, 
and  connected  with  the  College  almost  from  the  beginning,  should  have  given  this  date  for  the 
Charter,  which,  as  we  have  seen,  was  granted  by  the  Legislature  at  the  February  session,  1764.  True 
it  was  not  signed  and  sealed  until  October  24, 1765 ;  but  the  Corporation  held  its  first  meeting  under 
the  Charter  in  September,  1764,  elected  its  officers,  and  transacted  business,  as  the  records  from 
which  we  have  in  a  previous  chapter  given  extracts,  fully  show. 

64 


506  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  XIII. 

possession  of  the  University.  It  was  painted  in  the  year  1770,  by 
Cosmo  Alexander,  a  Scotch  gentleman,  who  came  from  Edinburgh 
about  this  time,  and  is  said  to  have  given  Gilbert  Stuart  his  first  lessons 
in  drawing.  Dr.  Drowne,  in  his  letter  to  the  Rev.  Dr.  Rippon 
announcing  the  President's  decease,  has  given  a  good  description  of  the 
painting.  Mr.  Rippon,  in  his  correspondence  with  Manning,  had 
requested  the  loan  of  it  for  an  engraving  for  the  Baptist  Register.  Mr. 
Thomas  Mullett,  in  a  letter  addressed  -to  Manning,  dated  Bristol, 
October  5,  1791,  nearly  four  months  after  Manning's  decease,  thus 
writes  concerning  it :  —  "I  took  the  necessary  care  of  your  picture, 
delivered  it  to  Mr.  Rippon's  order,  and  your  letter  into  his  own  hands." 
The  engraving  appeared  in  the  first  volume  of  the  Register,  together 
with  Judge  Howell's  obituary  notice,  and  an  extract  from  the  funeral 
sermon  preached  by  the  Rev.  Prof.  Maxcy.  On  the  decease  of  Mrs. 
Manning  in  1815,  the  painting  came  into  the  possession  of  the  Univer- 
sity. A  second  and  larger  portrait,  painted  from  the  original  by  James 
S.  Lincoln,  a  Providence  artist,  at  the  expense  of  Messrs.  Brown  & 
Ives,  was  presented  to  the  Corporation  about  the  year  1840.  The  origi- 
nal remained  in  Mr.  Lincoln's  office  many  years,  covered  with  dust  and 
forgotten,  until  it  was  brought  to  the  attention  of  the  writer.  Through 
his  exertions  it  was  placed  in  the  hands  of  a  skilful  artist  to  be  restored, 
and  then  encased  in  an  elegant  frame.  It  now  graces  the  Collection  of 
Portraits  in  Sayles  Memorial  Hall. 

Our  task  is  done.  We  have  endeavored  to  trace  the  origin,  and  to 
exhibit  the  early  progress,  of  Rhode  Island  College,  or,  as  it  is  now 
called,  Brown  University.  So  far  as  possible,  we  have  allowed  the 
writers,  the  actors,  and  the  records  of  the  past,  to  tell  their  own  story 
in  their  own  way,  having  no  theories  to  advance,  and  no  interests  save 
those  of  truth  and  justice  to  subserve.  That  members  of  the  Philadel- 
phia Baptist  Association  planned  the  College  in  the  outset,  admits  not 
even  the  shadow  of  a  doubt.  It  was  designed,  in  the  language  of  the 
preface  to  Morgan  Edwards's  subscription  book,  "to  adorn  human 
nature,  and  promote  the  true  interests  and  happiness  of  mankind,"  by 
disseminating  sound  knowledge  and  useful  literature.     Its  main  design, 


1789-1791.  AND    MANNING.  507 

however,  was  to  secure  for  the  churches  an  educated  ministry.  For  this 
its  friends  toiled  and  prayed,  amidst  difficulties  and  discouragements, 
growing  out  of  indifference  on  the  one  hand,  and  opposition  on  the  other. 
Under  the  auspices  of  its  devoted  President  it  became  a  centre  of  influ- 
ence, and  a  rallying  point  for  the  denomination,  "greatly  promoting," 
says  Manning,  "  Baptist  principles,  and  the  spread  of  civil  and  religious 
liberty  throughout  New  England,  .  .  .  and  adding  respectability  to 
the  Baptist  profession." 

We  have  traced  the  career  of  Dr.  Manning  from  its  commencement 
to  its  close,  and,  so  far  as  our  materials  would  admit,  have  made  him  his 
own  biographer.  Our  readers  have  thus  obtained  a  more  correct  idea  of 
his  character  and  life  than  could  have  been  obtained  by  any  formal  deline- 
ation of  his  virtues  as  a  man,  or  of  his  genius  as  an  educator,  a  states- 
man, and  a  preacher.  Devotion  to  the  interests  of  the  College  appears 
to  have  been  the  animating  motive  of  his  conduct,  and  the  improvement 
and  elevation  of  the  Baptist  denomination  through  the  College,  the 
object  and  aim  of  his  entire  professional  life.  The  sentiment,  so  beauti- 
fully expressed  by  Dr.  South,  that  "  the  Spirit  always  guides  and 
instructs  before  he  saves  ;  and  as  he  brings  to  happiness  only  by  the 
ways  of  holiness,  so  he  never  leads  to  true  holiness  but  by  the  paths  of 
knowledge,"  was  by  no  means  an  universal  sentiment,  it  will  be 
observed,  in  the  days  of  Manning.  The  Baptists  as  a  denomination 
were  not  specially  friendly  to  learning,  and  the  provision  for  the  educa- 
tion of  their  clergy  was  exceedingly  limited.  To  the  work  of  removing 
existing  prejudices  against  collegiate  institutions,  and  of  securing  for 
the  denomination  to  which  he  was  attached  the  benefits  of  an  educated 
ministry,  he  devoted  his  best  energies.  His  mental  acquisitions,  his 
distinguished  piety,  his  great  ministerial  excellence,  which,  combined 
with  his  natural  gifts  and  endowments,  gave  him  so  rare  and  extensive 
an  influence  over  the  minds  of  men,  were  all  alike  consecrated  to  this 
one  cherished  object.  For  this  he  declined,  at  the  beginning  of  his  pub- 
lic life,  the  call  of  the  church  at  Charleston,  having  already  committed 
himself  to  the  interests  of  the  College.  For  this  he  resigned  his  pas- 
toral charge  at  Warren,  greatly  to  the  surprise  and  the  regret  of  his 


508  BROWN   UNIVERSITY  Chap.  XIII. 

people.  For  this  he  perse veringly  labored  amidst  the  discouragements 
of  poverty,  the  opposition  of  enemies,  the  indifference  of  friends,  and 
the  conflicts  of  war.  To  benefit  the  College  he  left  its  quiet  shades,  and 
the  pulpit  where  his  labors  had  been  honored  and  blest,  and  entered  the 
arena  of  political  strife  ;  and  when  his  object  was  attained,  so  far  as  it 
could  be  through  his  own  personal  exertions,  he  returned  from  the  halls 
of  Congress  to  his  accustomed  duties,  resisting  all  the  allurements  of 
political  life  and  the  public  distinctions  to  which  his  talents  would  natu- 
rally have  entitled  him.  And  toward  the  close  of  his  career,  although 
in  the  midst  of  gracious  manifestations  of  the  Divine  presence,  and 
enjoying  the  emoluments  of  a  large  and  flourishing  church  and  society, 
which  had  been  built  up  mainly  through  his  exertions,  he  again  and 
again  requested  his  people  to  provide  a  successor  in  the  pastorate,  in 
order  that  he  might  give  himself  more  exclusively  to  the  care  of  the 
College,  and  to  the  great  work  of  laying  broad  and  deep  the  foundations 
for  an  educated  Baptist  ministry.  In  all  this  "he  labored,"  says  Pro- 
fessor Goddard,  "  not  for  himself,  but  for  others,  and  in  language  breath- 
ing a  holier  inspiration  than  that  of  poetry,  may  be  conveyed  the  gran  d 
moral  of  his  life  :  — 

'  Love  thyself  last ; 
Let  all  the  ends  thou  aim'st  at  be  thy  country's, 
Thy  God's  and  truth's.'  " 

The  narrative  has,  in  several  instances,  presented  illustrations  of 
sectarian  bitterness,  of  which  Manning  and  his  associates  were  some- 
times the  objects,  and  also  of  the  unfair  dealings  to  which  the  College 
in  its  infancy  was  subjected,  but  it  is  only  as  a  part  of  the  history  of 
the  times,  and,  we  trust,  only  in  the  spirit  of  candor  and  historical 
fidelity.  The  animosities  and  strifes  of  a  hundred  years  and  more  ago 
have  long  since  been  buried,  and  both  the  College  and  its  self-sacrificing 
founders  are  enshrined  in  the  reverence  and  affection  of  all,  of  every 
denomination,  who  have  shared  in  the  manifold  benefits  they  have 
conferred  upon  mankind.  Ma}r  the  record  here  made  of  the  conse- 
crated benevolence  and  the  persevering  efforts  of  our  fathers  stimulate 


1789-1791.  AND    MANNING.  509 

the  patrons  and  friends  of  Brown  University,  which  at  its  centennial 
anniversary  in  1864  entered  upon  the  second  century  of  its  existence, 
to  renewed  exertions  on  its  behalf ;  and  may  all  its  scattered  sons,  and 
the  religious  denomination  especially  whose  present  prosperity  is  so 
largely  due  to  his  intelligent  devoted  labors,  hold  in  grateful  remem- 
brance the  virtues,  the  talents,  and  the  piety  of  James  Manning. 

"  Peace  to  the  just  man's  memory, —  let  it  grow 
Greener  with  years,  and  blossom  through  the  flight 
Of  ages  ;  let  the  mimic  canvas  show 
His  calm  benevolent  features  ;  let  the  light 
Stream  on  his  deeds  of  love,  that  shun'd  the  sight 
Of  all  but  heaven ;  and,  in  the  book  of  fame, 
The  glorious  record  of  his  virtues  write, 
And  hold  it  up  to  men,  and  bid  them  claim 
A  palm  like  his,  and  catch  from  him  the  hallow'd  flame." 


Appendix. 

HISTORY  OF  THE  CHARTER. 

1763-1896. 

History  of  the  Charter  one  of  struggle  against  opposing  influences  —  Professor  Knowles 
on  Roger  "Williams  —  Origin  of  the  College  to  be  found  in  connection  with  Hopewell 
Academy  and  the  Philadelphia  Association  —  Bishop  Berkeley  and  the  College  — 
Morgan  Edwards's  Materials  toward  a  History  of  the  Baptists  in  Rhode  Island  — 
Manuscript  in  the  Cabinet  of  the  Rhode  Island  Historical  Society  —  Collected  by  the 
author  in  1771  —  In  the  possession  of  Manning,  Backus,  and  Benedict  — Published  as 
part  of  volume  six  of  the  Collections  of  the  Society  —  Appendix  giving  the  history 
of  the  College — Manning's  Narrative  of  the  Charter  —  Extract  from  Dr.  Cutting's 
article  in  New  York  Recorder — Prof.  Kingsley's  life  of  Dr.  Stiles  —  Petition  presented 
to  the  General  Assembly  in  August,  1663  —  Daniel  Jenckes's  name  not  included 
among  the  petitioners — Narrative  continued  —  Dr.  Stiles  and  the  Charter  —  Charter 
found  to  be  at  variance  with  the  original  design,  and  action  on  it  postponed  —  Appli- 
cation made  to  the  Philadelphia  Association  "  where  the  thing  took  its  rise  "  —  Com- 
mittee sent  to  Newport  from  Philadelphia  —  Statement  of  the  Rev.  Samuel  Jones, 
chairman  —  Alterations  made  in  Dr.  Stiles's  draft  of  the  Charter  by  the  Committee  — 
Account  of  Judge  Jenckes  —  His  narrative  of  the  Charter  —  Charter  finally  passed 
by  the  General  Assembly  at  the  February  session,  1764 — Summary  of  the  main 
points  in  the  narratives  of  Manning  and  Jenckes  —  The  original  copy  of  the  Charter 
presented  to  the  General  Assembly  in  August,  1763,  and  afterwards  lost,  found 
among  the  archives  of  Dr.  Stiles's  church,  and  presented  by  the  Rev.  A.  H.  Dumont  to 
the  Rev.  Dr.  Sprague  of  Albany  —  Now  preserved  among  the  archives  of  the  College 
Library  —  Letters  from  Dr.  Sprague  on  the  subject  to  the  writer —  The  Stiles  Charter 
published  in  full  in  the  appendix  to  the  "  Life,  Times,  and  Correspondence  of  Man- 
ning "  —  Letter  from  Morgan  Edwards  respecting  the  Charter,  and  the  opposition 
of  Presbyterians  or  Congregationalists  —  Extract  from  the  second  volume  of 
Backus's  Church  History,  published  in  1784  —  Extract  from  his  third  volume,  pub- 
lished in  1796  —  Leading  features  of  the  Charter  finally  passed  by  the  Legislature  — 
Liberal  in  all  its  provisions — The  College  and  Bishop  Berkeley — Charter  in  full 
from  the  original  edition  published  before  1765 —  Provision  exempting  from  taxation 
the  President,  Professors,  and  the  College  estate  a  subject  of  controversy  and  dispute 
in  1772, 1773,  and  1774 — Controversy  renewed  in  1862 —  Action  of  the  Legislature,  the 
Corporation  consenting,  in  1863 — Action  of  the  Corporation  —  Happy  settlement  of 
the  question  —  President  and  Professors  exempted  from  taxation  to  the  amount  of 
ten  thousand  dollars  —  Controversy  respecting  exemption  from  taxation  again 
renewed  —  Question  for  final  decision  submitted  to  the  Supreme  Court — Names  of 
the  Trustees  and  Fellows  in  1770,  and  in,  1896,  in  parallel  columns. 


HISTORY   OF   THE    CHARTER.  511 

The  history  of  the  Charter  of  Brown  University  forms  a  most 
important  part  of  the  early  history  of  the  College ;  we  may  be  par- 
doned therefore  for  devoting  to  it  a  separate  chapter  of  our  work. 
Other  writers  have  done  the  same  in  like  circumstances.  Professor 
Tyler,  in  his  "History  of  Amherst  College,"  published  in  1873, 
devotes  twenty-five  pages  of  his  elaborate  work  to  a  history  of  the 
charter,  which  was  granted  by  the  Legislature  of  Massachusetts  after 
years  of  struggle  and  delay,  by  a  vote  of  one  hundred  and  fourteen 
to  ninety-five.  Opposition  to  "Orthodoxy"  by  the  "Liberals,"  so 
called,  appears  to  have  been  the  main  cause  why  the  charter  of 
Amherst  was  so  long  refused.  As  has  already  been  stated,  the  history 
of  our  own  charter  is  one  of  struggle  against  opposing  influences,  aris- 
ing in  part  from  the  sectarian  feeling  so  prevalent  throughout  New 
England  a  century  and  a  half  ago,  which  appears  to  have  been 
particularly  bitter  towards  the  denomination  of  Christians  under  whose 
auspices  the  College  was  founded.  The  Life,  Times,  and  Corres- 
pondence of  Manning  abounds  in  illustrations  of  this  feeling  towards 
the  Institution  over  which  he  presided,  and  also  ecclesiastical  oppres- 
sion, to  resist  which  was  one  of  the  main  causes  that  led  to  the  forma- 
tion of  the  Warren  Association.  So  also  the  pages  throughout  of 
Backus's  Church  History,  Hezekiah  Smith's  Diary,  Semple's  History 
of  Virginia,  etc. 

In  the  light  of  an  advancing  civilization  all  this  has  now  passed 
away :  if  occasionally  brought  to  remembrance,  it  is  only,  it  is  to  be 
hoped,  in  the  spirit  of  kindness,  as  an  impressive  admonition  to  the 
fuller  exercise  of  that  charity  which  "  beareth  all  things."  A  faithful 
narrative  must  of  necessity  reflect  somewhat  upon  the  character  of 
great  and  good  men,  whose  names  have  passed  into  history,  and  whose 
memories  are  precious.  On  this  point  we  may  be  allowed  to  quote  the 
remarks  of  the  lamented  Professor  Knowles,  in  his  preface  to  the 
"Memoir  of  Roger  Williams  "  :  —  "  We  must  not,"  he  says,  "in  order 
to  promote  or  defend  religion,  attempt  to  conceal  events  which  history 
has  already  recorded,  and  much  less  to  palliate  conduct  which  we  cannot 
justify.     Let  us  rather  confess,  with  frankness,  and  humility,  our  own 


512  APPENDIX. 

faults,  and  those  of  our  fathers ;  learn  wisdom  from  past  errors  ;  and 
bring  ourselves  and  others,  as  speedily  as  possible,  to  the  adoption  of 
those  pure  principles  by  which  alone  Christianity  can  be  sustained  and 
diffused.  The  Book  of  God  records,  among  its  salutary  lessons,  the 
mistakes  and  sins  of  good  men." 

The  origin  of  the  College  in  connection  with  the  Hopewell  Acad- 
emy, and  the  Philadelphia  Association,  has  been  fully  stated  in  the  first 
part  of  our  work.  In  these  latter  days  this  origin  has  sometimes  been 
overlooked  by  a  class  of  men  who  ascribe  it  rather  to  the  liberal  and 
far  reaching  views  of  scholars  and  statesmen  in  Rhode  Island,  who  had 
long  felt  the  need  of  an  institution  of  learning,  and,  it  is  claimed,  had 
been  educated  to  such  views  by  the  teachings  and  silent  influence  of 
Bishop  Berkeley,  who,  thirty  years  previous  to  the  time  of  which  we 
write,  had  resided  for  a  brief  period  in  Newport.  Indeed,  it  has  been 
gravely  asserted  that  references  to  the  University  as  a  distinct  Baptist 
institution  are  unwarranted  by  the  facts,  and  that  efforts  to  endow  it 
as  such  are  inconsistent  with  its  "liberal  and  comprehensive  charter." 
In  giving  the  history  of  this  charter,  therefore,  we  shall  allow  the  lead- 
ing writers  and  actors  to  tell  their  own  story  in  their  own  way,  leaving 
it  for  the  candid  reader  to  decide  as  to  its  truthfulness,  and  bearings  on 
questions  in  controversy.  Of  necessity  we  must  repeat  some  facts 
which  have  already  been  stated. 

In  the  cabinet  of  the  Rhode  Island  Historical  Society  is  a  quarto 
manuscript  volume,  written  in  a  print  hand,  by  the  Reverend  Morgan 
Edwards,  entitled,  "Materials  toward  a  History  of  the  Baptists  in 
Rhode  Island  "  ;  forming  one  of  a  series  of  volumes  which  the  author 
had  prepared,  or  was  intending  to  prepare,  for  each  one  of  the  thirteen 
colonies.  The  first  of  this  series  entitled,  "  Materials  toward  a  History 
of  the  Baptists  in  Pennsylvania,"  was  published  in  1770.  It  is  a  small 
duodecimo  volume  of  great  value  and  rarity.  A  second  volume  relating 
to  New  Jersey  was  published  in  1792.  Still  another  relating  to  Dela- 
ware, has  recently  appeared  in  print  under  the  auspices  of  the  Ameri- 
can Baptist  Publication  Society.  Mr.  Edwards  journeyed,  says  Cath- 
cart,  "  from  New  Hampshire  to  Georgia,  gathering  facts  for  a  history 


HISTORY   OF   THE    CHARTER.  513 

of  the  Baptists,  and  these  materials,  printed  or  penned,  are  the  most 
valuable  Baptist  records  in  our  country.  They  show  immense  pains- 
taking, they  are  remarkably  accurate,  and  they  treat  of  points  of  great 
value." 

The  materials  for  this  volume  were  collected  in  the  Fall  of 
1771,  while  Edwards  was  in  Providence,  attending  the  Commence- 
ment of  the  College.  He  interviewed,  says  the  late  Moses  Brown  who 
accompanied  him  in  his  visits,  ' '  all  the  elderly  people  he  could  find 
here."1  For  some  reason,  owing  perhaps  to  the  disturbed  state  of  the 
country  at  the  time,  and  the  Revolutionary  War  which  followed,  they 
were  never  published.2  Afterwards  they  were  used  by  Backus,  who 
obtained  them  from  President  Manning  for  the  preparation  of  his  his- 
tory. Manning  obtained  them  from  Edwards.  This  we  learn  from  a 
letter  from  Edwards  to  Manning,  in  which,  under  date  of  August  18, 
1788,  he  writes  :  —  "  Some  years  ago  I  sent  you  a  manuscript;  whether 
you  received  it  or  not  I  cannot  say.  It  was  a  collection  of  some  his- 
torical facts  relative  to  the  Baptists.  If  you  have  the  book,  please 
return  it  to  me  as  soon  as  conveniency  offers."  The  book  was  never 
returned.  Backus  used  it  in  his  Church  History,  the  first  volume  of 
which  appeared  in  1777,  the  second  in  1784,  and  the  third  in  1796. 
Manning  died  in  1791,  Edwards  in  1795,  and  Backus  in  1806.  After 
the  death  of  Backus  this  volume,  with  other  papers,  came  into  the 
hands  of  David  Benedict,  known  in  later  years  as  the  "  Baptist  Histo- 
rian." Many  years  ago  Dr.  Benedict  wisely  placed  it  in  the  archives 
of  the  Rhode  Island  Historical  Society  for  preservation  and  future  use. 

An  Appendix  to  this  remarkable  volume  gives  the  history  of  the 
College  from  the  beginning  down  to  the  year  1771.  This  Staples  has 
incorporated  in  his  "Annals  of  Providence."  A  part  is  reproduced  in 
"Life,  Times,  and  Correspondence  of  Manning,"  published  in  1864. 
The  entire  manuscript,  edited  by  the  late  Rev.  Edwin  M.  Stone,  was  pub- 


1  See  letter  from  Moses  Brown  to  Dr.  Francis  Wayland,  published  in  "  Documentary  History 
of  Brown  University,"  pp.  207-210. 

*  In  fact  the  work,  which  the  author  designates  as  his  third  volume,  was  never  completed,  the 
manuscript  ending  abruptly  with  an  account  of  the  church  in  Cranston.  Only  the  churches  of 
Providence,  Newport,  Warren,  Greenwich,  and  Cranston  are  included  in  the  work. 

65 


514  APPENDIX. 

lished  in  1867,  forming  a  part  of  volume  six  of  the  Collections  of  the 
Rhode  Island  Historical  Society.     Edwards  thus  begins  his  history:  — 

•  Young  indeed  the  Institution  is,  and  therefore  short  would  its  history  be,  had  it 
received  its  existence,  locality,  endowment,  and  permanency  like  other  institutions  of 
the  same  nature;  but  contrarywise,  some  peculiar  circumstances  attend  each,  which 
infer  the  interposition  of  Providence,  and  bespeak  it  to  be  a  thing  of  God  and  not  of 
man  only.  The  first  mover  for  it,  in  1762,  was  laughed  at  as  the  projector  of  a  thing 
impracticable.  Nay,  many  of  the  Baptists  themselves  discouraged  the  design,  prophe- 
sying evil  to  the  churches  in  case  it  should  take  place,  from  an  unhappy  prejudice 
against  learning,  and  threatened,  not  only  non-concurrence,  but  opposition.  Neverthe- 
less, a  young  Jerseyman,  who  is  now  at  the  head  of  the  Institution,  went  to  the  Rhode 
Island  Government  and  made  the  design  known.  The  reason  of  his  attempt  in  this 
Province  was,  as  has  been  observed,  that  the  Legislature  is  here  chiefly  in  the  hands  of 
Baptists,  and  therefore  it  was  the  likeliest  place  to  have  a  Baptist  college  established 
by  law.  The  remainder  of  what  I  intend  to  say  on  this  head,  shall  be  in  the  words  of 
President  Manning,  to  which  I  shall  add  the  history  of  the  first  Charter  by  Daniel 
Jenckes,  Esq.,  who  both,  for  obvious  reasons,  think  it  necessary  to  have  them  pub- 
lished. 

President  Manning's  Narrative  is  as  follows  :  — 

Manning's  Narrative. 

In  the  month  of  July,  1763,  we1  arrived  in  Newport,  and  made  a  motion  to  several 
gentlemen  of  the  Baptist  denomination,  whereof  Colonel  Gardner,  the  Deputy  Gov- 
ernor, was  one,  relative  to  a  seminary  of  polite  literature,  subject  to  the  government  of 
the  Baptists.  The  motion  was  properly  attended  to,  which  brought  together  about 
fifteen  gentlemen  of  the  same  denomination  at  the  Deputy's  house,  who  requested  that 
I  would  draw  a  sketch  of  the  design  against  the  day  following.  That  day  came,  and 
the  said  gentlemen,  with  other  Baptists,  met  in  the  same  place,  when  a  rough  draft  was 
produced  and  read,  the  tenor  of  which  was,  that  the  institution  was  to  be  a  Baptist  one, 
but  that  as  many  of  other  denominations  should  be  taken  in  as  was  consistent  with  the 
said  design.2     Accordingly,  the  Hon.  Josias    Lyndon,  and    Col.   Job    Bennet,  were 


1  Mr.  Manning,  it  will  be  remembered,  was  accompanied  on  his  journey  to  Halifax  by  the  Rev. 
John  Sutton,  a  member  with  him  of  the  Scotch  Plains  phurch. 

*"  Never,"  says  the  late  Rev.  Dr.  Cutting,  in  an  article  in  the  New  York  Recorder,  published 
Sept.  20, 1854,  which  we  here  quote,  "  were  men  more  decided  in  religious  faith  than  the  settlers  of 
Rhode  Island.    It  was  their  positive  and  zealous  traits  which  from  the  four  quarters  of  the  earth 


HISTORY    OF    THE    CHARTER.  515 

appointed  to  draw  a  Charter,  to  be  laid  before  the  next  General  Assembly,  with  a  peti- 
tion that  they  should  pass  it  into  a  law.  But  the  said  gentlemen,  pleading  unskilful- 
ness  touching  an  affair  of  the  kind,  requested  that  their  trusty  friend,  Rev.  Ezra,  now 
Dr.  Stiles,  might  be  solicited  to  assist  them.  This  was  opposed  by  me,  as  unwilling  to 
give  the  Doctor  any  trouble  about  an  affair  of  other  people ;  but  they  urged  that  his 
love  of  learning  and  Catholicism  would  induce  him  readily  to  give  his  assistance. 
Accordingly,  their  proposal  was  consented  to,  and  his  assistance  obtained ;  or,  rather, 
the  drafting  of  the  Charter  was  left  entirely  to  him,  after  being  told  that  the  Baptists 
were  to  have  the  lead  in  the  institution,  and  the  government  thereof,  forever;  and  that 
no  more  of  other  denominations  were  to  be  admitted  than  would  be  consistent  with 
that.1    The  Charter  was  drawn,  and  a  time  and  place  were  appointed  for  the  parties 


sent  them  thither  for  shelter,  and  there  they  contended  with  each  other  like  earnest  men.  And  yet 
they  practised  mutual  tolerance,  because  the  rights  of  conscience  were  inviolable,  and  charity  was 
a  duty  and  a  grace. 

"  We  suppose  this  to  be  the  true  spirit  of  Brown  University  in  its  relations  to  religion.  Provid- 
ing in  its  Charter  for  a  majority  of  Baptists  in  its  Corporation,  it  embraces  in  certain  proportions, 
likewise,  Episcopalians,  Quakers,  and  Congregationalists ;  not  because  the  differences  between 
Baptists,  Episcopalians,  Quakers,  and  Congregationalists  are  not  of  importance,  but  because  the 
things  which  they  hold  in  common,  and  the  spirit  of  their  common  faith,  furnish  ample  ground  for 
cooperation  in  the  cause  of  '  polite  literature.'  It  is  to  the  honor  of  the  Baptists  that,  when,  by  the 
intolerance  of  other  colonies,  they  were  driven  to  Rhode  Island  to  establish  their  College,  they 
proceeded  at  once,  and  of  their  own  motion,  to  call  in  the  counsels  of  gentlemen  of  other  denomi- 
nations, and  to  admit  them  to  a  share  in  the  government,  though  their  catholicity  had  well-nigh 
cost  them  the  total  loss  of  all  which  they  had  undertaken.  They  did  this,  not  to  merge  their  faith 
in  a  common  indifferentism,  but  to  illustrate  a  comprehensive  charity.  They  had  a  '  main  design,' 
and  a  subordinate  and  collateral  one.  The  '  main  design '  was  a  Baptist  college,  especially  for  the 
education  of  their  ministry ;  subordinate  to  this,  and  consistent  with  it,  was  the  design  of  an  insti- 
tution which,  enlisting  a  common  interest,  should  confer  common  blessings  upon  other  denomina- 
tions and  upon  the  State.  Such  a  scheme  was  at  the  time  utterly  without  a  parallel,  and  must  have 
been  regarded  in  the  other  colleges  with  something  of  the  amazement  with  which  the  inhabitants 
of  Massachusetts  Bay  had  looked,  at  an  earlier  day,  upon  the  broad  religious  liberty  of  Rhode 
Island  and  the  Providence  Plantations.  In  this  original  spirit,  as  we  believe,  should  the  University 
be  administered  forever;  men  of  diverse  faiths  working  together,  not  because  of  indifferentism, 
but  of  charity, — not  as  the  less  Baptists,  Episcopalians,  Quakers,  and  Congregationalists,  but  as 
men  of  common  interests  in  a  work  which  honors  and  blesses  all.  It  would  be  a  shame  u  such  an 
institution  should  not  be,  as  always  it  has  been,  in  the  highest  and  best  sense  catholic.  In  our 
view,  if  its  catholicity  degenerated  to  indifferentism,  it  would  cease  to  represent  the  spirit  and  the 
designs  of  its  founders." 

1  Professor  Kingsley,  in  his  Life  of  Dr.  Stiles,  states  that  "  a  committee  of  Baptists  and  Congre- 
gationalists was  appointed  to  draft  a  charter  of  a  college ;  and  of  this  body,  Mr.  Stiles  and  Mr. 
William  Ellery  were  designated  to  prepare  such  an  instrument  for  their  consideration."  "  It  is 
highly  probable,"  he  further  adds,  "from  internal  evidence,  that  the  charter  was  drawn  princi- 
pally by  Mr.  Stiles ;  Mr.  Ellery  having  little  concern  in  preparing  it,  except  to  see  to  the  correct- 
ness of  the  legal  language.  Whoever  drew  it,  he  had  obviously  before  him  the  charter  of  Yale 
College,  and  was  familiar  with  the  questions  which  had  arisen  with  respect  to  them.  The  privi- 
leges secured  to  the  University  by  this  Charter  are  very  ample ;  and  the  language  of  the  several 
provisions  is  remarkably  full,  precise,  and  explicit.  It  is,  undoubtedly,  in  many  respects,  one  of  the 
best  college  charters  in  New  England." 

From  Professor  Kingsley's  statements,  it  would  appear  that  Baptists  and  Congregationalists 


516  APPENDIX. 

concerned  to  meet  and  hear  it  read.  But  the  vessel  in  which  I  was  to  sail  for  Halifax 
going  off  that  day  prevented  my  heing  present  with  them  long  enough  to  see  whether 
the  original  design  was  secured :  and  as  the  Corporation  was  made  to  consist  of  two 
branches,  Trustees  and  Fellows,  and  these  branches  were  to  sit  and  act  by  distinct  and 
separate  powers,  it  was  not  easy  to  determine,  by  a  transient  hearing,  what  those  powers 
might  be.  The  Trustees  were  presumed  to  be  the  principal  branch  of  authority ;  and 
as  nineteen  out  of  thirty-five  were  to  be  Baptists,  the  Baptists  were  satisfied,  without 
sufficient  examination  into  the  authority  vested  in  the  Fellowship,  which  afterwards 
appeared  to  be  the  soul  of  the  Institution,  while  the  Trusteeship  was  only  the  body. 
Placing,  therefore,  an  entire  confidence  in  Dr.  Stiles,  they  agreed  to  join  in  a  petition  to 
the  Assembly  to  have  the  Charter  confirmed  by  authority. 

The  following  is  the  petition  to  which  Manning  in  his  narrative 
refers,  copied  from  the  original  document,  now  on  file  in  the  archives 
of  the  College  Library.  The  signatures  to  the  document  are  gen- 
uine :  — 

To  the  Honorable  the  General  Assembly  of  His  Majesty's  Colony  of  Rhode 
Island,  to  be  held  at  Newport,  on  the  first  Monday  of  August,  A.  D.  1763, 
by  Adjournment. 

The  Petition  of  Divers  of  the  Inhabitants  of  sald  Colony. 
Whereas,  Institutions  for  liberal  education  are  highly  beneficial  to  society  by 
forming  the  rising  generation  to  virtue,  knowledge,  and  useful  literature,  and  thus 
preserving  in  a  community  a  succession  of  men  qualified  for  discharging  the  offices  of 
life  with  usefulness  and  reputation,  and  have  always  merited  and  received  the  public 
attention  and  encouragement  of  every  wise,  polite,  and  well  regulated  state :  And 
whereas  a  public  school  or  seminary  erected  for  this  purpose  within  this  Colony,  to 
which  the  youth  may  freely  resort  for  education  in  the  vernacular  and  learned  lan- 
guages, and  instruction  in  the  liberal  arts  and  sciences,  would  be  for  the  general 
advantage  and  honor  of  this  government:  And  whereas,  there  is  a  confessed  absence 
of  polite  and  useful  learning  in  this  Colony,  your  petitioners,  affected  with  a  deep 


■were  alike  interested  in  the  movement,  and  that  a  joint  committee  representing  the  two  denomina- 
tions was  appointed  to  draft  the  Charter.  From  the  statements,  however,  of  Backus,  Edwards, 
Manning,  and  Jenckes,  it  is  evident  that  Baptists  alone  were  the  originators  of  the  undertaking; 
that  Baptists  alone  met  at  the  Deputy  Governor's  house  in  Newport,  in  July,  1763;  that,  of  their 
number,  Lyndon  and  Bennet  were  appointed  to  draft  a  Charter  in  accordance  with  a  plan 
sketched  by  Manning;  that  these  gentlemen,  "  pleading  unskilfulness,"  requested  that  Dr.  Stiles 
"  might  be  solicited  to  assist  them ; "  and  that  this  was  at  first  opposed  by  Manning,  who  was 
"  unwilling  to  give  the  Doctor  trouble  about  an  affair  of  other  people." 


HISTORY    OF    THE    CHARTER.  517 

sense  thereof,  and  prompted  alone  by  motives  drawn  from  the  public  good,  and 
desirous,  as  far  as  in  them  lies,  to  subserve  the  polite  interests  of  this,  His  Majesty's 
Colony,  and  solicitous  for  cultivating  the  morals  and  informing  the  knowledge  of  the 
rising  generation,  upon  which  foundation  the  harmony,  good  order,  and  reputation  of 
society  depend  —  Humbly  show,  that  for  the  good  intents  and  purposes  above  men- 
tioned they  have  concerted  and  planned  the  Charter  herewith  presented,  and  the  same, 
having  carefully  considered  and  revised,  do  propose  and  submit  it  to  the  consideration 
of  this  honorable  Assembly,  requesting  your  Honors  that,  out  of  your  great  regard 
for  useful  literature,  and  the  good  morals  of  the  youth  of  this  Colony,  and  others 
that  may  resort  to  this  same  for  the  advantages  of  education,  you  would  give  your 
assent  to  and  grant  and  confirm  the  aforesaid  Charter,  with  all  its  powers,  privileges, 
and  immunities,  as  amply  and  fully  as  in  said  Charter  is  specified  and  expressed : 
And  your  petitioners  as  in  duty  bound  wijl  ever  pray. 

Nicholas  Tillinghast,  Charles  Wickham,  Silas  Cooke,  Peter  Mumford,  Samuel 
Fowler,  Joseph  Clarke,  Thomas  Rodman,  Thomas  Wickham,  Jr.,  Benj.  Mason,  Henry 
"Ward,  John  Bowers,  Oliver  Arnold,  Wm.  Burroughs,  Stanley  Wyatt,  Wm.  Taggart, 
Samuel  "Ward,  Job  Bennet,  Joshua  Clarke,  Gardner  Thurston,  Josias  Lyndon,  John 
Wheaton,  Wm.  Ellery,  Jr.,  Jona.  Willson,  Gideon  Cornell,  Martin  Howard,  Israel 
Brayton,  Paul  Coffin,  Charles  Bardin,  John  Treby,  Benj.  Sherburne,  Sylvester  Child, 
Caleb  Gardner,  Jona.  Nichols,  Shubael  Barr,  Nicholas  Hart,  Jun.,  Jona.  Easton,  Jona. 
Otis,  J.  Gardner,  Jos.  Sanford,  John  Tillinghast,  Nicholas  Easton,  Joshua  Saunders, 
James  Tanner,  John  Tanner,  Robert  Stevens,  Samuel  Greene,  Joseph  G.  Wanton, 
David  Moore,  Samuel  Lyndon,  Elnathan  Hammond,  Nathan  Rice,  James  Gardner, 
Clarke  Brown,  Benj.  Hall,  Ezek  Burroughs,  Joseph  Rodman,  Jona.  Rogers,  Cromel 
Child,  Robert  Potter,  Wm.  Vernon,  Wm.  Rogers. 

The  name  of  Daniel  Jenckes,  it  will  be  observed,  does  not  appear 
among  the  foregoing  signatures.  He  was  requested  while  in  the  Coun- 
cil Chamber,  to  sign  the  petition,  as  he  himself  states,  by  Capt.  William 
Rogers.  Of  course  he  refused  to  sign,  after  reading  the  Charter,  and 
seeing  that  it  did  not  answer  the  original  design  of  the  movers. 

Manning's  Narrative  Continued. 

The  petition  was  preferred,  and  cheerfully  received,  and  the  Charter  read;  after 
which  a  vote  was  called  for,  and  urged  by  some  to  pass  into  a  law.  But  this  was 
opposed  by  others,  particularly  Daniel  Jenckes,  Esq.,  member  for  Providence,  who 
contended  that  the  Assembly  required  more  time  to  examine  whether  it  was  agreeable 
to  the  design  of  the  first  movers  for  it,  and  therefore  prayed  the  House  to  have  the 


518  APPENDIX. 

perusal  of  it,  while  they  adjourned  for  dinner.  This  was  granted,  with  some  opposi- 
tion. Then  he  asked  the  Governor,  who  was  a  Baptist,  whom  they  intended  to  invest 
with  the  governing  power  in  said  Institution?  The  Governor  answered,  "The  Bap- 
tists, hy  all  means."  Then  Mr.  Jenckes  showed  him  that  the  Charter  was  so  artfully 
constructed  as  to  throw  the  power  into  the  Fellows'  hands,  whereof  eight  out  of  twelve 
were  Presbyterians,  usually  called  Congregationalists,  and  that  the  other  four  might 
be  of  the  same  denomination,  for  aught  that  appeared  in  the  Charter  to  the  contrary. 
Convinced  of  this,  Governor  Lyndon  immediately  had  an  interview  with  Dr.  Stiles,  the 
Presbyterian  minister  of  Newport,  and  demanded  why  he  had  perverted  the  design  of 
the  Charter.  The  answer  was,  "  I  gave  you  timely  warning  to  take  care  of  yourselves, 
for  that  we  had  done  so  with  regard  to  our  society;"1  and  finally  observed,  that  "he 
was  not  the  rogue."  When  the  Assembly  was  convened  again,  the  said  Jenckes  moved 
that  the  affair  might  be  put  off  to  the  next  session ;  adding,  that  the  motion  for  a  Col- 
lege originated  with  the  Baptists,  and  was  intended  for  their  use,  but  that  the  Charter 
in  question  was  not  at  all  calculated  to  answer  their  purpose  ;  and  since  the  committee 


1  In  Professor  Kingsley's  Life  of  Dr.  Stiles,  to  which  we  have  already  alluded,  we  find  it  stated 
that  the  project  of  a  College  in  Rhode  Island  had  heen  the  subject  of  serious  deliberation  a  con- 
siderable time  before  the  Charter  was  actually  granted  by  the  Legislature,  and  in  this  matter  Dr. 
Stiles  had  taken  a  prominent  part,  collecting  statistics,  etc.  His  plan  was,  to  unite  several  denom- 
inations of  Christians  in  the  enterprise,  both  in  America  and  in  Great  Britain,  and  thus,  by  proper 
care,  make  the  dissenting  interest  eventually  exceed  the  Episcopal  establishment.  The  whole 
number  of  churches  of  the  Congregational,  Presbyterian,  and  Baptist  denominations,  not  only  in 
the  Colonies,  but  in  Great  Britain  and  Ireland,  he  ascertained  to  be  three  thousand  six  hundred 
and  thirty-eight.  "He  supposed  that  all  these  churches  might  be  induced  to  contribute  to  the 
establishment  and  support  of  an  institution  which  would  so  greatly  subserve  their  interests." 
The  arrival  at  Newport  of  Mr.  Manning,  and  the  proposition  made  hy  him  for  the  establishment 
of  a  Baptist  college,  interfered,  of  course,  with  his  cherished  views  and  plans.  It  is  therefore  not 
surprising  that  he  should  have  been  unwilling  to  see  them  defeated,  without  a  struggle  on  his  part 
to  carry  them  into  effect.  We  can  understand  how  an  attempt  should  have  been  made,  either  by 
Dr.  Stiles  or  his  associates,  in  drafting  an  act  of  incorporation  for  a  College  in  Rhode  Island,  to 
pay  special  "  regard  "  to  the  interests  of  their  own  "  society."  That  there  was  disappointment  on 
both  sides,  and  at  the  time  mutual  recriminations,  is  evident  from  the  narrative.  Under  similar 
circumstances  there  doubtless  would  be  again,  human  nature  being  very  much  the  same  now  as  in 
the  days  of  our  ancestors.  It  is  due  to  Dr.  Stiles,  to  state  that  he  afterwards  cherished  friendly 
feelings  towards  the  Institution.  Having  been  elected  to  a  Fellowship  in  the  College,  and  solicited 
by  repeated  deputations  from  the  Corporation  to  accept  the  trust,  he  thus  writes  to  the  Chancellor 
and  Trustees :  "  I  was  too  sincere  a  friend  to  literature  not  to  have  taken  a  part  in  the  Institution 
at  first,  upon  my  nomination  in  the  Charter,  had  I  not  been  prevented  by  reasons  which  a  subse- 
quent immediate  election  could  not  remove."  One  of  the  reasons  assigned  in  this  letter,  as  stated 
by  Dr.  Manning,  in  a  letter  to  the  Rev.  John  Ryland,  dated  May  20, 1773,  was  "  the  offence  he  should 
give  his  brethren  should  he  accept  it."  Whatever  the  reasons  were,  they  still  influenced  him  to- 
decline  the  office  to  which  he  was  invited,  with  suitable  acknowledgments  of  the  politeness  and 
respect  with  which  he  was  treated  on  this  occasion.  His  letter  concludes  with  the  catholic  and 
pious  wish  that  "the  Father  of  lights,  from  whom  comes  down  every  good  and  perfect  gift,  may 
excite  the  public  munificence,  and  raise  up  benefactors,  through  whose  liberalities  this  Institution 
shall  be  completed  with  an  ample  endowment."    (Holmes's  Life  of  President  Stiles,  page  117.) 


HISTORY    OF   THE    CHARTER.  519 

intrusted  with  this  matter  by  the  Baptists  professed  they  had  been  misled,  not  to  say 
imposed  upon,  it  was  necessary  that  the  Baptists  in  other  parts  of  the  Colony  should 
be  consulted  previous  to  its  passage  into  a  law,  especially  as  few,  if  any  of  them  except 
himself ,  had  seen  it ;  and  he  prayed  that  he  might  have  a  copy  for  the  said  purpose, 
which  he  promised  to  return.  All  which  was  granted.  When  the  Charter  came  to  be 
narrowly  inspected,  it  was  found  to  be  by  no  means  answerable  to  the  design  of  the  agi- 
tators and  the  instructions  given  the  committee.  Consequently,  application  was  made 
to  the  Philadelphia  Association,  where  the  thing  took  its  rise,  to  have  their  mind  on 
the  subject,  who  immediately  sent  two  gentlemen1  hither  to  join  with  the  Baptists  of 
this  Colony  in  making  such  alterations  and  amendments  as  were  to  them  specified 
before  their  departure.  When  they  arrived,  Dr.  Eyres2  of  Newport  was  added  to  the 
committee,  and  they  happily  drafted  the  present  Charter,  and  lodged  it,  with  a  new 
petition,  in  proper  hands.  The  most  material  alterations  were,  appointing  the  same 
number  of  Baptists  in  the  Fellowship  that  had  been  appointed  of  the  Presbyterians,  by 
Dr.  Stiles ;  settling  the  presidency  in  the  Baptist  society ;  adding  three  Baptists  to  the 
Trustees,  and  putting  more  Episcopalians  than  Presbyterians  in  the  Corporation." 

Among  the  alterations  not  here  enumerated  by  Manning,  were, 
electing  the  President  by  the  Corporation  instead  of  exclusively  by 
the  Trustees  ;  providing  for  convoking  an  assembly  of  the  Corporation 
on  twenty  days  notice  instead  of  six ;  making  five  a  quorum  of  the 
Board  of  Fellows  instead  of  eight ;  and  striking  out  the  clause  making 
the  places  of  Trustees  or  Fellows  who  should  remove  out  of  the  State, 
vacant.     By  confining  membership  in  the  Corporation  to  persons  resid- 


1  On  the  margin  of  the  manuscript,  in  the  handwriting  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Jones,  who  was  Morgan 
Edwards's  intimate  friend,  is  the  following,  namely,  "  Why  their  names  are  not  mentioned,  I  can- 
not say.  However,  there  was  no  one  sent  but  myself,  although  Mr.  Robert  Strettle  Jones  was  so 
kind  as  to  bear  me  company  to  Rhode  Island  on  the  occasion.  — Samuel  Jones."  Mr.  Jones,  it 
will  be  remembered,  in  connection  with  Mr.  Edwards,  had  been  intrusted  by  the  Association  with 
the  business  in  general  of  founding  a  Baptist  college  or  university.  He  had,  at  this  date,  but 
recently  been  ordained  in  Philadelphia.  He  was  a  young  man  of  liberal  education,  and  a  ready 
and  skilful  writer ;  hence  his  special  fitness  for  the  duty  assigned  |him  in  this  emergency.  The 
following  extract  from  notes  to  a  century  sermon  delivered  by  him  before  the  Philadelphia  Baptist 
Association,  Oct.  6, 1807,  nearly  fifty  years  afterwards,  shows  the  manner  in  which  he  performed 
his  mission :  "  In  the  fall  of  1763,  the  writer  of  these  sheets,  on  request,  repaired  to  Newport  in 
Rhode  Island,  and  new-modelled  a  rough  draft  they  had  of  a  Charter  of  incorporation  for  a  Col- 
lege, which  soon  after  obtained  legislative  sanction." 

2  Thomas  Eyres,  a  physician,  the  first  secretary  of  the  Corporation,  and  a  Fellow  of  the  College 
from  1764  until  his  death  in  1788.  He  was  graduated  at  Yale  College,  in  the  Class  of  1754.  His 
father,  Elder  Nicholas  Eyres,  was  pastor  of  the  Second  Baptist  Church  in  Newport  from  1731  until 
his  death,  Feb.  13, 1759. 


520  APPENDIX. 

ing  within  the  limits  of  the  Colony,  the  original  Charter  excluded  the 
originators  and  founders  of  the  College.  Hence,  in  the  list  of  names 
proposed  by  Dr.  Stiles  to  be  incorporated,  the  following,  which  we  find 
in  the  printed  Charter,  as  suggested  by  the  committee,  are  omitted, 
namely,  Rev.  Morgan  Edwards,  Rev.  Samuel  Jones,  Rev.  James  Man- 
ning, Rev.  Isaac  Eaton,  Rev.  John  Gano,  Rev.  Samuel  Stillman,  Rev. 
Jeremiah  Condy,  and  Robert  Strettle  Jones,  Esq.  The  names  of 
Hezekiah  Smith,  Isaac  Backus,  William  Williams,  John  Davis,  Russell 
Mason,  Nathan  Spear,  and  others  from  out  of  the  State,  who  rendered 
such  signal  service  in  the  early  history  of  the  College,  would  also 
have  been  excluded  from  membership  in  the  Corporation  by  the  Char- 
ter as  originally  drafted. 

The  Hon.  Judge  Jenckes,  to  whom  Manning  refers  in  his  Narrative, 
was,  as  we  have  already  stated,  a  wealthy  merchant  of  Providence,  and 
a  patron  both  of  the  College  and  the  church,  having  continued,  says 
the  record,  a  member  of  the  latter  forty-eight  years  "without  censure." 
Benedict  in  the  first  volume  of  his  "  History  of  the  Baptist  Denomina- 
tion," has  devoted  several  pages  to  an  account  of  the  Jenckes  family. 
Joseph,  his  great  ancestor,  migrated  from  Buckinghamshire  in  England, 
and  became  the  founder  of  Pawtucket.  Each  of  his  four  sons  was 
prominent  in  the  history  of  the  Colony.  Joseph,  the  eldest,  of  "happy 
memory,"  was  "an  active  and  ornamental  member  of  the  Baptist 
church,"  for  several  years  Governor  of  the  Colony,  and  at  one  time  a 
Representative  at  the  Court  of  St.  James.  The  second  son,  Nathaniel, 
became  the  military  leader  of  all  the  forces  in  the  Colony.  The  fourth 
son,  William,  became  a  Chief  Justice,  and  died  at  the  advanced  age  of 
ninety-one.  The  third  son,  Ebenezer,  father  of  Judge  Jenckes,  was 
in  1719  ordained  as  pastor  of  the  Church ;  which  office  he  held  until 
his  death  in  1726.  "He  was,"  says  Benedict,  "a  man  of  parts  and  real 
piety.  He  refused  every  public  office  but  the  Surveyorship  of  Provi- 
dence." Judge  Jenckes  was  for  many  years  a  member  of  the  General 
Assembly,  and  his  name  frequently  appears  in  connection  with  the 
most  important  committees.  In  1723  he  is  designated  in  the  Colonial 
Records,  as  Daniel  Jenckes,  Jr.,  "freeman  of  this  Colony  from  Provi- 


HISTOKY    OF    THE    CHARTER.  521 

dence."  In  1733  his  name  appears  as  "  Lieut.  Daniel  Jenckes,  Deputy 
from  Smithfield."  ( Smithfield  was  until  1730  a  part  of  Providence.) 
In  1757  he  is  designated  as  "  Chief  Justice  of  the  Inferior  Court  of 
Common  Pleas,  and  General  Sessions  of  the  Peace,  within  and  for  the 
County  of  Providence."  This  position  he  held  until  his  decease. 
Evidently  he  was  a  leading  and  influential  citizen  of  Providence, 
respected  and  esteemed  in  the  community  in  which  he  lived.  The  follow- 
ing appears  in  the  columns  of  the  Providence  Grazette  for  Aug.  31, 1771 :  — 

In  Town  Meeting.  Daniel  Jenckes,  Esq.,  who  had  been  a  member  of  the  General 
Assembly,  with  little  intermission,  for  forty  years  past,  and  a  Representative  of  this 
Town  near  thirty  years,  desired  leave,  on  account  of  his  advanced  age,  to  withdraw 
himself  from  that  office.  He  was  unanimously  excused,  and  the  meeting  unanimously 
ordered  the  Moderator  to  return  their  hearty  thanks  to  Mr.  Jenckes,  for  the  many  and 
important  services  he  had  rendered  his  country  in  general,  and  this  Town  in  particu- 
lar, during  the  long  time  he  had  been  continued  their  Representative;  which  was  then 
done  in  open  Town  Meeting. 

Judge  Jenckes  was  one  of  the  original  Trustees  of  the  College.  He 
attended  with  great  regularity  all  the  meetings  of  the  Corporation, 
serving  on  important  committees,  and  contributing  liberally  for  the 
support  of  the  infant  Seminary.  He  gave,  says  Benedict,  one  thousand 
dollars  toward  the  erection  of  the  college  building,  and  another  thou- 
sand for  the  meeting-house.  He  died  July  7,  1774,  in  the  seventy-third 
year  of  his  age.  His  daughter  Rhoda  was  the  wife  of  Nicholas  Brown, 
Manning's  intimate  friend  and  associate,  and  the  mother  of  Hon. 
Nicholas  Brown,  from  whom  the  University  derives  its  name.  She  was 
also  the  mother  of  Mrs.  Hope  Ives,  after  whom  "Hope  College"  was 
named.  From  her  sprang  the  Ives,  Gammell,  and  Goddard  families,  so 
prominent  in  the  more  recent  history  of  the  city,  and  the  University. 
Jenckes's  history  of  the  Charter,  which  "for  obvious  reasons"  Edwards 
states,  he  desired  to  have  published,  reads  as  follows :  — 

Jenckes's  History  of  the  Charter. 

While  I  attended  the  business  of  the  Assembly,  held  August,  1763,  Capt.  William 
Rogers  came  to  the  Council  Chamber  and  presented  me  with  a  paper,  with  a  design  I 
66 


522  APPENDIX. 

should  sign  it ;  adding,  that,  as  it  was  a  petition  for  a  Baptist  college,  he  knew  I  would 
not  refuse.  Business  not  permitting  me  to  attend  to  it  immediately,  I  requested  he 
would  leave  with  me  the  petition  and  Charter.  Meanwhile,  the  sergeant  made  procla- 
mation requiring  the  members  to  take  their  seats.  In  my  seat  I  began  to  read  the 
papers,  but  had  not  done  before  the  petition  and  Charter  were  called  for,  which  I  gave 
to  the  sergeant,  and  he  to  the  speaker  at  the  board.  The  petition  being  read,  a  motion 
was  made  to  receive  it,  and  grant  the  Charter.  After  some  time  I  stood  up  to  oppose, 
proceeding  immediately  on  the  petition,  giving  my  reason  in  words  to  this  effect :  "  I 
understood  that  the  College  in  question  was  sought  for  by  the  Baptists ;  and  that  it  was 
to  be  under  their  government  and  direction,  with  the  admission  only  of  a  few  of  other 
religious  denominations  to  share  with  them  therein,  that  they  might  appear  as  catholic 
as  could  be,  consistent  with  their  main  design ;  but,  on  the  contrary,  I  perceived  by 
glancing  over  the  Charter,  while  I  sat  in  my  place  just  now,  that  the  main  power  and 
direction  is  vested  in  twelve  Fellows,  and  that  eight  out  of  the  twelve  are  to  be  Presby- 
terians; and  that  the  others  may  or  may  not  be  of  the  same  denomination;  but  of 
necessity,  none  of  them  are  to  be  Baptists.  If  so,  there  is  treachery  somewhere,  and  a 
design  of  grossly  imposing  on  the  honest  people  who  first  moved  for  the  Institution.  I 
desire,  therefore,  that  the  matter  may  lie  by  till  the  afternoon."  This  was  granted.  In 
the  afternoon  the  matter  was  resumed,  with  a  seeming  resolution  in  some  to  push  it 
through  at  all  events ;  but  I  had  influence  enough  to  stop  proceedings  then  also.  That 
evening  and  the  next  morning,  I  made  it  my  business  to  see  Governor  Lyndon  and 
Col.  Bennet,  and  to  inform  them  of  the  construction  of  the  Charter.  They  could  not 
believe  me,  for  the  confidence  they  had  in  Dr.  Stiles's  honor  and  integrity,  until  seeing 
convinced  them ;  what  reflections  followed  may  be  better  concealed  than  published. 
However,  we  all  agreed  to  postpone  passing  the  Charter  into  a  law,  and  did  effect  our 
purpose  for  that  session,  notwithstanding  the  attempts  of  Mr.  Ellery  and  others  of  the 
Presbyterians  to  the  contrary.  Before  the  breaking  up  of  the  Assembly,  the  House,  at 
my  request,  directed  the  speaker  to  deliver  the  Charter  to  me,  after  I  had  made  a 
promise  it  should  be  forthcoming  at  the  next  meeting  of  the  Assembly. 

I  took  the  Charter  to  Providence,  and  showed  it  to  many  who  came  to  my  house ; 
others  borrowed  it  to  peruse  at  home.  Meanwhile,  the  messengers  from  the  Philadel- 
phia Association  arrived  in  Newport,  which  occasioned  the  committee  of  Newport  to 
send  to  me  for  the  Charter.  I  asked  for  it  of  Dr.  Ephraim  Bowen,  who  had  borrowed  it 
last.  The  Doctor  said  he  lent  it  to  Samuel  Nightingale,  Esq.  Search  was  made  for  it 
there,  but  it  could  not  be  found ;  neither  do  I  know  to  this  day  what  became  of  it. 
When  the  next  General  Assembly  met  (last  "Wednesday  in  October,  1763,)  the  second 
Charter  was  presented ;  which  was  much  faulted,  and  opposed  by  the  gentry  who  con- 
cerned themselves  so  warmly  about  the  other.  And  one  in  particular  demanded  that 
the  first  Charter,  which  had  been  intrusted  to  me,  might  be  produced.    Then  I  related, 


HISTORY    OF    THE    CHARTER.  523 

as  above,  that  it  was  lost,  and  the  manner  how  it  was  lost;  hut  the  party,  instead  of 
believing  this,  rudely  suggested  that  I  had  secreted  the  Charter,  and  in  the  face  of  the 
court  charged  me  with  a  breach  of  trust ;  which  brought  on  very  disagreeable  alterca- 
tions and  bickerings,  until,  at  last,  I  was  necessitated  to  say,  that  "  if  there  had  been 
any  foul  doings,  it  was  amongst  them  of  their  own  denomination  at  Providence." 
Their  clamors  continued;  and  we  gave  way  to  them  that  session  for  peace  sake. 
Meanwhile,  Dr.  Bowen,  who  is  a  man  of  strict  honor  and  integrity,  used  all  means  to 
recover  the  former  Charter,  posting  an  advertisement  in  the  most  public  places  in 
town,  and  making  diligent  inquiry ;  but  to  no  purpose.  At  the  next  Assembly,  which 
met  in  February,  1764,  the  new  Charter  was  again  brought  on  the  carpet ;  and  the  same 
clamor  against  it,  and  unjust  reproaches  against  me,  were  repeated.  It  was  said  that 
the  new  Charter  was  not  like  the  old,  and  was  constructed  to  deprive  the  Presbyterians 
of  the  benefit  of  the  Institution.  To  which  it  was  replied,  "  that  it  was  agreeable  to  the 
designs  of  the  first  undertakers,  and  if  calculated  to  deprive  the  Presbyterians  of  the 
power  they  wanted,  it  was  no  more  than  what  they  themselves  had  attempted  to  do  to 
the  Baptists."  After  much  and  warm  debate,  the  question  was  put  and  carried  in  favor 
of  the  new  Charter,  by  a  great  majority.1 

This  Charter  Edwards  designates  as   "a  brand  plucked  from  the 
burning."     From  the  foregoing  Narrative  and  History  it  appears  :  — 

1.  That  Manning  made  a  motion  to  several  Baptist  gentlemen  of  New- 
port, including  Deputy  Governor  Gardner,  relative^  to  a  Seminary  of 
Polite  Literature,  subject  to  the  government  of  the  Baptists ;  and  that 
this  motion  properly  attended  to  brought  together  about  fifteen  gentle- 
men of  this  denomination  at  the  Deputy's  house,  who  requested  Man- 
ning to  draw  up  or  prepare  a  sketch  of  the  design  for  the  next  day. 

2.  That  the  next  day  the  said  gentlemen,  with  other  Baptists  met  in 
the  same  place,  when  a  rough  draft  or  plan  was  produced  and  read,  the 
tenor  of  which  was,  that  the  Institution  was  to  be  a  Baptist  College, 
but  that  other  denominations  were  to  be  included  in  its  government, 
as  many  as  might  be  consistent  with  the  general  design.  3.  That  the 
Hon.  Josias  Lyndon  and  Col.  Job  Bennet  were  appointed  to  draw  up  a 
Charter  in  accordance  with  the  said  plan,  to  be  laid  before  the  next 


1  According  to  the  original  copy  of  the  Charter  in  the  office  of  the  Secretary  of  State,  it  passed 
the  House  on  the  2d  of  March,  1764,  "  nemine  contradicente."  The  day  following,  March  3d,  it  was 
read  in  the  Senate,  and  the  action  of  the  House  concurred  with,  "  nemine  contradicente."  Signed 
by  Josias  Lyndon,  Clerk  of  the  House,  Henry  Ward,  Secretary  of  the  Senate. 


524  APPENDIX. 

General  Assembly,  with  a  petition  that  it  might  be  made  a  law.  4. 
That  the  said  Lyndon  and  JBennet  pleading  unskilfulness,  solicited  and 
obtained  the  assistance  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Ezra  Stiles,  afterwards  the  dis- 
tinguished President  of  Yale  College.  5.  That  the  drafting  of  the 
Charter  was  left  entirely  to  Dr.  Stiles,  and  that  he  in  turn  was  assisted 
by  the  Hon.  William  Ellery,  afterwards  known  as  one  of  the  Signers 
of  the  Declaration  of  Independence.  6.  That  the  Charter  was  accord- 
ingly drawn,  and  a  time  and  place  were  appointed  for  the  parties  con- 
cerned to  meet  and  hear  it  read.  7.  That  Manning,  being  obliged  to 
leave  on  that  day  for  Halifax,  the  vessel  being  ready  to  sail,  was  unable 
to  be  with  the  committee  long  enough  to  see  whether  the  original  design* 
was  secured,  and  that  the  Baptists,  being  satisfied  without  sufficient 
examination  into  the  authority  vested  in  the  Fellowship,  and  reposing 
entire  confidence  in  Dr.  Stiles,  agreed  to  join  in  a  petition  to  the  Gen- 
eral Assembly  to  have  the  Charter  confirmed  by  authority.  8.  That 
the  petition  and  Charter  were  accordingly  presented  to  the  General 
Assembly  in  August,  1763,  but  that  action  thereon  was  postponed 
until  the  next  session  through  the  influence  of  the  Hon.  Judge  Jenckes, 
notwithstanding  the  attempts  of  Mr.  Ellery  and  others  of  the  Presby- 
terians (Congregationalists)  to  the  contrary.  9.  That  the  Charter 
was  found  on  inspection  to  be  so  drawn  as  to  vest  the  main  power  and 
direction  of  the  Institution  in  a  Board  of  twelve  Fellows,  eight  of 
whom  were  to  be  Presbyterians  (Congregationalists)  and  the  other 
four  of  the  same  denomination,  for  aught  that  appeared  to  the  con- 
trary ;  and  that  in  general  it  did  not  answer  to  the  original  design. 
10.  That  in  this  emergency,  "  application  was  made  to  the  Philadelphia 
Association,  where  the  thing  took  its  rise,  to  have  their  mind  on  the 
subject."  11.  That  they  immediately  sent  to  Newport  the  Rev.  Samuel 
Jones,  who  was  accompanied  by  Robert  Strettle  Jones,  and  that  when 
they  arrived,  Doct.  Thomas  Eyres,  of  Newport,  was  added  to  the  com- 
mittee. 12.  That,  meanwhile,  the  copy  of  the  Charter,  the  one  pre- 
sented to  the  General  Assembly  in  August,  which  had  been  entrusted 
by  that  body  to  Judge  Jenckes,  was  lost.  13.  That  the  committee 
found  at  Newport  the  original  draft,  which  they  happily  remodelled ; 


HISTORY    OF    THE    CHARTER.  525 

and  that  the  most  material  alterations  were,  appointing  the  same  num- 
ber of  Baptists  in  the  Fellowship  that  had  been  appointed  by  Dr.  Stiles 
of  the  Presbyterians ;  settling  the  Presidency  in  the  Baptist  Society ; 
adding  three  Baptists  to  the  Trustees ;  putting  more  Episcopalians  than 
Presbyterians  in  the  Corporation ;  and  extending  the  membership  of  the 
Corporation  to  persons  residing  out  of  the  Colony  or  State.  14.  That 
the  Charter  thus  amended  was  finally  enacted,  after  protracted  opposi- 
tion on  the  part  of  the  Presbyterians,  at  a  session  of  the  General  Assem- 
bly held  in  East  Greenwich,  on  the  last  Monday  in  February,  1764.1 

It  is  not  a  little  remarkable  that  the  copy  of  the  Charter  presented 
to  the  General  Assembly  in  August,  1763,  which  was  entrusted  by  that 
Body  to  Judge  Jenckes,  and  was  afterwards  lost,  should  have  come  to 
light  in  the  year  of  the  celebration  of  the  one  hundredth  anniversary  of 
the  College.  It  is  now  handsomely  bound,  and  lodged  among  the 
archives  of  the  Library.  For  generations  it  slept  among  the  old  papers 
of  the  church  over  which  Dr.  Stiles  was  pastor ;  then  it  found  its  way 
into  the  hands  of  the  late  Rev.  Dr.  William  B.  Sprague,  the  great  col- 
lector of  autographs,  who  generously  presented  it  to  the  University, 
upon  being  made  acquainted  with  its  historical  value.2     The  place  of  its 


1  The  following  memorandum,  found  among  the  papers  of  Dr.  Stiles,  and  quoted  hy  Dr.  Sears  in 
an  appendix  to  his  centennial  discourse,  gives  Dr.  Stiles's  version  of  the  Charter:  —  "A  Charter 
draughted  by  a  committee  of  Baptists  and  Presbyterians,  for  a  College  in  Rhode  Island,  was  pre- 
ferred to  the  Assembly,  August,  1763,  read  and  continued.  After  this  the  Baptists  deserted  the 
Presbyterians,  and  prepared  the  same  Charter,  with  the  alteration  of  the  proportions  of  the 
denominations  in  the  Corporation.  This  passed  the  Assembly  at  their  session  at  Greenwich,  by 
adjournment  last  Thursday,  February,  1764."     ( That  is,  at  the  February  session.) 

2  As  this  document  confirms  and  establishes  beyond  question  the  accuracy  of  Manning,  Edwards, 
and  Jenckes  in  their  statements,  the  reader  may  be  interested  to  know  further  particulars  of  its 
recovery.  In  1843  the  late  Judge  Staples  published  his  "  Annals  of  the  Town  of  Providence."  In 
this  volume  appeared  for  the  first  time  in  print  the  narratives  respecting  the  early  history  of  the 
College.  They  attracted  much  attention.  Previous  to  this  time  the  Rev.  A.  H.  Dumont,  of  New- 
port, had  informed  Judge  Staples  that  the  missing  Charter  was  among  the  archives  of  the  church 
over  which  Dr.  Stiles  had  been  pastor.  Information  of  this  fact  was  communicated  to  the  writer, 
while  preparing  his  life  of  Manning,  who  at  once  corresponded  with  the  Rev.  Dr.  Charles  H.  Mal- 
com.  an  intimate  friend  of  Mr.  Dumont.  From  him  he  learned  that  it  was  in  the  possession  of  the 
Rev.  Dr.  Sprague.  The  following  are  the  replies  to  letters  addressed  to  Dr.  Sprague  on  the  subject : 


Albany,  23d  January,  1864. 
Reuben  A.  G-ctild,  Esq. — My  Dear  Sir  :    I  herewith  send  you  the  document  you  ask  for,  which 
I  certainly  reckon  among  the  most  curious  of  my  American  autographs.    I  frankly  confess  that  it 
would  cost  me  no  small  sacrifice  to  part  with  it  ;  and  yet  if  you  and  President  Sears  should  think 


526  APPENDIX. 

deposit  clears  Judge  Jenckes  of  the  charge  brought  against  him  by  one 
of  the  "  gentry."  Into  whose  hands  it  fell  after  it  was  lent  to  Mr- 
Jabez  Bowen,  and  by  him  to  a  third  person,  must  now,  of  course,  be  a 
matter  of  conjecture.  It  is  certain  that  in  some  way  it  came  into  the 
possession  of  Dr.  Stiles,  for  upon  the  back  of  it,  in  his  own  clear  and 
distinct  handwriting,  are  the  following  remarks  : 

Fob  the  Kev.  Dr.  Charles  Chauncy,  Boston:  —  This  Charter  was  presented  to  the 
Assembly  August,  1763;  re-copied,  with  some  alterations  by  the  Baptists,  in  October ; 
and  passed  the  Assembly  February,  1764.    Principal  alterations  were : 

1.  By  omitting  "  To  all  people,  etc.,  Greeting,"  in  the  initiatory  address,  the  subse- 
quent insertion  in  the  body  of  the  Charter,  "  Now,  therefore,  know  ye,"  is  an  impropri- 
ety in  clerkship. 

2.  The  Baptists  have  shown  a  greater  affection  for  all  other  denominations  than  for 
the  Congregationalists. 

3.  Instead  of  eight  or  a  majority  of  Congregationalists  in  the  branch  of  the  Fellow- 
ship, according  to  the  original  agreement,  they  have  inserted  eight  Baptists ;  thus 
assuming  a  majority  of  about  two-thirds  in  both  branches,  hereby  absorbing  the  whole 
power  and  government  of  the  College,  and  thus,  by  the  immutability  of  the  numbers, 
establishing  it  a  party  College  more  explicitly  and  effectually  than  any  college  upon  the 
continent.    This  is  the  most  material  alteration. 

4.  Most  of  what  is  contained  between  the  marginal  crotchets  in  page  six  is  omitted  ; 
and  the  whole  paragraph  for  securing  the  freedom  of  education  with  respect  to  religion, 
so  mutilated  as  effectually  to  enable  and  empower  the  Baptists  to  practice  the  arts  of 
insinuation  and  proselyting  upon  the  youth  by  private  instruction,  without  the  request 
of  the  parents. 

What    "original  agreement"  was  violated  by  the  adoption  of  the 
present  Charter  ;  in  what  respects  Rhode  Island  College  was  established 


it  specially  important  that  it  should  be  deposited  in  the  archives  of  the  College,  and  that  it  should 
be  the  original  rather  than  a  copy,  I  might  possibly  muster  magnanimity  enough  to  yield  it,  though 
in  that  case  I  should  wish  it  to  be  considered  as  an  offering  from  the  excellent  friend  who  gave  it  to 
me  rather  than  from  myself. 

Ever,  my  dear  sir,  faithfully  yours,  W.  B.  Sprague. 


Albany,  1  February,  1864. 
Reuben  A,  Guild,  Esq.— 3/?/  Dear  Sir:    After  what  you  say  of  the  value  of  the  document  I 
sent  you,  to  your  University,  I  cheerfully  make  it  over  to  you,  to  be  transmitted,  through  the 
archives,  to  posterity.    Your  intimation  in  respect  to  giving  me  something  in  exchange  for  it,  I 
duly  appreciate,  but  greatly  prefer  that  it  should  be  considered  an  out  and  out  gift. 

Very  faithfully  yours,  W.  B.  Sprague. 


HISTORY    OF    THE    CHARTER.  527 

"a  party  College  more  explicitly  and  effectually  than  any  college  upon 
the  continent,"  (referring,  of  course,  to  the  six  colleges  in  existence  in 
the  year  1764) ;  and  how  the  paragraph  pertaining  to  religious  freedom 
and  sectarian  differences  of  opinion  "enables  and  empowers  the  Bap- 
tists to  practice  the  arts  of  insinuation  and  proselyting,"  we  leave  to 
the  judgment  and  candor  of  our  readers  to  decide. 

The  appendix  to  "  Life,  Times,  and  Correspondence  of  James  Man- 
ning ' '  contains  this  Stiles  Charter,  if  we  may  so  designate  it,  copied  in 
full  from  the  original  document,  and  in  a  parallel  column,  the  changes 
and  additions  made  by  the  Philadelphia  committee.  The  "rough 
draft"  which  the  committee  remodelled  "in  the  fall  of  1763,"  was  the 
original  draft  made  by  Dr.  Stiles,  in  his  own  handwriting,  which  Man- 
ning was  unable  to  hear  read,  his  vessel  being  about  to  sail.  This  is  also 
preserved  on  file  among  the  College  papers.  It  does  not  differ  materi- 
ally from  the  one  presented  to  the  Legislature  in  August,  1763,  the  hand- 
writing in  both  being  the  same.  The  second  copy  is  on  larger  and  better 
paper,  and  is  written  with  more  care,  with  reference  to  its  being  a  legis- 
lative document. 

The  following  letter,  which  forms  a  part  of  the  Appendix  to  "  Mate- 
rials towards  a  History  of  the  Baptists  in  Rhode  Island,"  and  appears  to 
have  been  addressed  by  Edwards  to  Manning  soon  after  the  removal  of 
the  College  to  Providence,  may  with  propriety  be  introduced  here, 
although  portions  of  it  belong  to  a  later  period.  His  allusions  to  the 
opposition  of  the  Presbyterians  (Congregationalists)  to  the  College, 
correspond  to  statements  made  by  Manning,  Brown,  Backus,  and 
others,  as  recorded  throughout  in  the  pages  of  the  present  work, 
and  also  in  the  "Life,  Diary,  Letters,  and  Addresses  of  Hezekiah 
Smith."  Manning  was  evidently  expecting  the  friendship  and  help  of 
members  of  the  Standing  Order  in  the  adjoining  Colonies,  had  not  the 
Baptists  complained  in  newspapers  of  the  oppression  of  their  brethren, 
and  threatened  to  carry  their  complaints  to  the  Throne  in  case  they 
should  be  longer  continued.     Part  of  the  letter  reads  as  follows :  — 

"  I  should  not  have  ventured  to  oppose  my  opinions  to  yours,  had  not  facts,  recent 
facts,  decided  the  matter  in  my  favor ;  and  shown  that  the  goodness  and  candor  of  the 


528  APPENDIX. 

President  have  imposed  on  his  judgment.  Remember  you  not  the  first  Charter? 
Whilst  the  Baptist  college  Was  yet  in  embryo  they  very  disingenuously  opposed  it,  as 
such,  and  continued  to  make  it  their  own,  since  which  disappointment,  Dr.  Stiles  would 
have  nothing  to  do  with  it,  though  courted  again  and  again  to  accept  even  a  Fellowship 
therein.  And  when  the  present  Charter  was  presented  to  the  Assembly  at  South 
Kingstown,  remember  you  not  what  clamor  they  raised  against  it  there?  And  what 
stout  opposition  they  made  to  the  passage  of  it,  insomuch  that  its  friends  thought  it  best 
to  desist  ?  And  how  they  triumphed  afterwards  ?  And  when  the  affair  was  brought 
on  again  at  East  Greenwich,  the  next  session,  you  can  never  forget  with  what  heat  and 
coarse  expressions  the  same  oppositions  were  renewed,  nor  the  mortification  and 
murmurings  which  the  passing  of  it  occasioned.  It  is  true,  while  the  Charter  lay 
dormant  they  remained  easy ;  and,  as  you  say,  appeared  well  pleased  when  you  had  set 
it  on  foot  at  "Warren.  But  the  reason  of  that  is  obvious.  They  knew  that  while  the 
College  stood  friendless  and  moneyless,  as  it  then  did,  they  should  have  the  pleasure  to 
see  it  fall,  and  to  mock  those  who  began  to  build  a  tower  and  were  not  able  to  finish  it. 
But  seemed  they  good  humored  when  money  came  thither  from  Europe  ?  Or  did  they 
look  as  the  man  of  Bristol  did,  at  your  first  Commencement,  and  put  the  same  invid- 
ious construction  upon  everything,  that  he  did  on  the  complacence  you  showed  him 
that  day?  Their  good  affection  toward  the  College  edifice  was  but  varnish;  for  while 
with  specious  arguments  they  would  have  it  here,  and  anon  there,  and  then,  in  another 
place,  they  were  only  working  to  prevent  it  being  anywhere ;  and  as  soon  as  it  had  a 
locality,  and  the  beginning  of  its  existence  at  Providence,  did  they  not,  with  some 
misled  Baptists,  attempt  to  get  another  college,  to  destroy  yours,  and  actually  carried 
their  design  through  the  Lower  House  ?  This  also  failing,  what  remains  but  to  prevent 
youth  from  resorting  to  it.  Their  slandering  the  officers  of  instruction,  as  insufficient ; 
the  town  where  it  is  in,  as  a  lawless  place;  the  college,  as  wanting  government;  their 
representing  it  as  a  nest  of  Anabaptists,  calculated  to  make  proselytes ;  their  visiting 
grammar  schools,  and  tampering  with  masters  and  parents ;  their  scolding  Presbyte- 
rian youth,  when  they  enter  with  you,  as  your  neighbor  Rowley  did,  who  is  capable  of 
nothing  but  what  is  gross  and  indelicate ;  their  refusing  to  pay  subscriptions,  etc.  —  are 
all  intended  to  hurt  what  they  could  neither  prevent  nor  destroy.  Think  you  that 
their  present  opposition  to  the  College  is  the  effect  of  those  newspaper  complaints,  and 
threatening  of  Presbyterian  oppression  in  New  England  ?  Why,  then,  did  they  oppose 
it  before  those  complaints  and  threatenings  had  existence  ?  Think  you  they  will  be 
friends  should  we  desist  from  these  complaints  and  court  their  favor?  It  cannot  be, 
except  God  should  once  teach  them  to  love  their  neighbors  as  themselves,  and  do  as 
they  would  be  done  by.  Destroying  the  Baptist  college  will  pacify  them,  and  nothing 
else.  The  existence  of  that  on  the  hill  of  Providence  is  a  Mordecai  in  the  gate.  I  told 
you,  long  ago,  that  if  you  could  not  do  without  the  Presbyterians,  you  could  not  do  at 


Isaac  Backus. 


HISTORY   OF   THE    CHARTER.  529 

all.  I  need  not  inform  you  that  while  I  deal  in  generals  I  except  the  honest,  the 
trusty,  and  the  good ;  and  some  such  Presbyterians  I  have  met  with  in  their  connec- 
tions with  this  College.    God  send  us  more  such  and  mend  the  rest. 

We  may  be  allowed  to  introduce  in  this  connection  an  extract  from 
the  second  volume  of  Backus's  "History  of  the  Baptists  in  New  Eng- 
land," published  in  1784,  while  Manning,  Edwards,  Stiles,  Ellery,  and 
other  parties  referred  to  were  living.  It  gives  in  brief  the  reasons  for 
founding  a  Baptist  College,  the  agency  of  the  Philadelphia  Association 
in  the  matter,  and  the  story  of  the  Charter.  The  accuracy  of  Backus 
as  an  historian  has  never,  we  believe,  been  questioned.  His  work  has 
long  been  regarded  as  a  standard  authority  on  the  subjects  of  which  it 
treats.  Bancroft  awards  to  him  the  highest  praise.  In  a  letter  to  the 
writer  dated  Newport,  Rhode  Island,  Sept.  25,  1885,  acknowledging 
the  receipt  of  a  copy  of  "  Chaplain  Smith  and  the  Baptists,"  he  thus 
expresses  himself: — "I  look  always  to  a  Baptist  historian  for  the 
ingenuousness,  clear  discernment,  and  determined  accuracy  which  form 
the  glory  of  their  great  historian,  Backus."  Being  in  the  prime  and 
vigor  of  life  when  the  College  was  established,  and  an  active  Trustee 
from  the  beginning  until  1799,  a  period  of  thirty-four  years,  being 
moreover  the  agent  of  the  churches,  and  an  intimate  friend  of  Man- 
ning, Stillman,  and  Smith,  the  three  great  denominational  leaders,  he 
was  undoubtedly  familiar  with  all  the  facts  pertaining  to  the  origin  and 
early  progress  of  the  College  :  — 

Extract  from  Backus. 
The  Covenant  of  Circumcision  gave  those  who  were  born  in  it  a  right  to  treat  all 
others,  both  as  to  worship  and  commerce,  as  no  others  had  any  right  to  treat  them.  A 
right  to  office  also  in  that  church  was  hereditary.  When  our  Saviour  came  he  fulfilled 
the  law  both  moral  and  ceremonial,  and  abolished  those  hereditary  distinctions  among 
mankind.  But  in  the  centuries  following,  deceitful  philosophy  took  away  the  name 
which  God  has  given  to  the  Covenant  (Acts  vii.  8)  and  added  the  name  grace  to  it; 
from  whence  came  the  doctrine,  that  dominion  is  founded  in  grace.  And  although  this 
latter  name  has  been  exploded  by  many,  yet  the  root  of  it  has  been  tenaciously  held  fast 
and  taught  in  all  colleges  and  superior  places  of  learning,  as  far  as  Christianity  has 
extended,  until  the  present  time;  whereby  natural  affection,  education,  temporal 
67 


530  APPENDIX. 

interest,  and  self  righteousness,  the  strongest  prejudices  in  the  world,  have  all  con- 
spired to  bind  people  in  that  way,  and  to  bar  their  minds  against  equal  liberty  and 
believer's  baptism.  But  the  writings  of  our  learned  ministers  in  England  have  com- 
municated much  light  in  this  country ;  to  which  more  was  added  by  the  travels  and 
labors  of  our  Southern  fathers  and  brethren.  And  hereby  the  Philadelphia  Association 
obtained  such  an  acquaintance  with  our  affairs,  as  to  bring  them  to  an  apprehension 
that  it  was  practicable  and  expedient  to  erect  a  college  in  the  Colony  of  Rhode  Island, 
under  the  chief  direction  of  the  Baptists ;  wherein  education  might  be  promoted  and 
superior  learning  obtained,  free  of  any  sectarian  religious  tests.  And  Mr.  James  Man- 
ning, who  took  his  first  degree  in  New  Jersey  College  in  September,  1762,  was  esteemed 
a  suitable  leader  in  this  important  work.  Therefore,  on  a  voyage  to  Halifax,  in  July, 
1763,  he  called  in  at  Newport,  and  proposed  the  affair  to  the  Honorable  Samuel  Ward, 
John  Gardner,  Josias  Lyndon,  and  other  Baptist  gentlemen  and  friends ;  who  readily 
concurred  therewith,  and  entered  upon  the  use  of  means  to  accomplish  it.  And  not- 
withstanding secret  contrivances  and  some  open  attempts  against  it,  an  ample  Charter 
for  the  purpose  was  granted  by  their  Legislature,  in  February,  1764.  In  the  summer 
following  Mr.  Manning  removed  to  "Warren,  to  preach  to  a  society  newly  formed  there, 
and  to  begin  the  School.  In  September,  1765,  he  was  chosen  President  of  the  College, 
and  on  Sept.  7,  1769,  seven  young  gentlemen  took  their  first  degrees  therein ;  and  it  was 
removed  to  Providence  the  next  spring,  where  a  further  account  of  it  may  be  given 
hereafter. 

In  the  third  volume  of  Backus's  History,  published  in  1796,  after 
the  death  of  Manning,  Edwards,  and  Stiles,  the  author  recapitulates, 
■entering  more  into  detail,  as  follows :  — 

The  uppermost  party  among  Christians  have  ever  had  the  command  of  all  colleges 
to  educate  religious  teachers,  as  well  as  other  men  of  superior  learning,  until  very 
lately.  Even  in  1780,  no  ministers  but  Congregational  ministers  were  allowed  to  be 
Overseers  of  the  University  of  Cambridge,  by  the  Massachusetts  constitution  of 
government.  And  great  sums  have  been  given  to  that  University  by  the  Government, 
from  time  to  time,  ever  since  it  began  in  1638.  But  as  Providence  and  Rhode  Island 
Colony  was  planted  by  men  who  were  banished  from  the  Massachusetts,  because  they 
conscientiously  dissented  from  the  use  of  force  in  religious  affairs,  and  that  Colony 
suffered  amazingly  from  neighbor  colonies  for  more  than  an  hundred  years,  the  people 
have  grown  up  with  great  prejudices  against  colleges,  and  against  obeying  the  laws  of 
Christ  for  the  support  of  his  ministers.  But  as  a  minister  hath  died  this  year  (Dr. 
Manning),  who  has  done  much  towards  removing  these  prejudices,  I  shall  give  a 
.concise  account  of  the  affair.    Mr.  Isaac  Eaton,  who  was  pastor  of  the  Baptist  church 


HISTORY    OF    THE    CHARTER.  531 

at  Hopewell,  in  New  Jersey,  from  1748  to  1772,  set  up  a  school  for  the  education  of  youth 
for  the  ministry,  as  well  as  for  other  callings,  in  1756,  and  kept  it  for  eleven  years.  One 
of  his  scholars  was  Mr.  James  Manning,  who  went  from  his  school  to  the  college  at 
Princeton,  where  he  took  his  first  degree  in  Septemher,  1762.  And  as  the  Philadelphia 
Association  were  for  erecting  a  college  in  Rhode  Island  Government,  they  fixed  their 
eyes  upon  a  proper  leader  in  the  affair.  He  therefore  called  in  at  Newport  on  his 
voyage  to  Halifax,  in  July,  1763,  and  proposed  the  matter  to  a  number  of  gentlemen, 
who  readily  concurred  therewith ;  and  as  they  had  a  high  opinion  of  a  learned  Con- 
gregational minister  among  them,  they  desired  him  to  make  a  draft  of  a  Charter  for  a 
college  in  that  Government.  It  was  proposed  to  take  in  some  members  of  the  several 
denominations  among  them,  but  that  the  Baptists  should  always  be  the  majority  of  the 
Corporation.  He  drew  a  Charter,  which  appeared  to  be  upon  this  plan,  and  it  was 
introduced  into  their  Legislature ;  but  a  Baptist  gentleman  discerned  that  there  was  a 
doer  left  open  for  the  Congregational  denomination  to  become  the  majority  hereafter. 
Therefore  the  Charter  was  not  then  passed  into  a  law ;  and  when  their  Legislature  met 
again,  the  Charter  was  not  to  be  found.  When  this  was  heard  of  at  Philadelphia,  two 
gentlemen  were  sent  from  thence,  who  assisted  in  drawing  a  new  Charter,  which  was 
established  by  the  Legislature  of  Rhode  Island,  in  February,  1764. 

This  "new  Charter,"  which  was  finally  granted  by  the  General 
Assembly,  is  now,  and  must  forever  continue  to  be  (according  to  the 
decision  of  the  Supreme  Court  of  the  United  States  in  the  celebrated 
Dartmouth  College  case,  which  Daniel  Webster  so  ably  defended),  the 
unalterable  constitution  of  the  College  or  University.  By  it  the  Corpor- 
ation is  made  to  consist  of  two  branches  ;  namely,  that  of  the  Trustees 
and  that  of  the  Fellows,  with  distinct,  separate,  and  respective  powers. 
The  Trustees  are  thirty-six  in  number,  of  whom  twenty-two  are  for- 
ever to  be  elected  of  the  denomination  called  Baptists,  or  Antipedo- 
baptists,  five  of  the  denomination  called  Friends,  or  Quakers,  five  of  the 
denomination  called  Episcopalians,  and  four  of  the  denomination  called 
Congregationalists.  These  were  the  denominations  of  New  England 
more  than  a  century  ago.  The  number  of  the  Fellows,  including  the 
President,  who  must  always  be  a  Fellow,  is  twelve,  of  whom  eight  are 
forever  to  be  elected  of  the  denomination  called  Baptists,  and  .the  rest 
indifferently  of  any  or  all  denominations.  The  President  must  forever 
be  a  Baptist.  Once  in  three  years  the  Corporation,  at  its  annual  meet- 
ing, must  choose  from  among  the   Trustees  a  Chancellor  of  the  Uni- 


532  APPENDIX. 

versity,  and  a  Treasurer ;  and  from  among  the  Fellows,  a  Secretary. 
The  office  of  the  Chancellor  is  merely  to  preside  as  moderator  of  the 
Trustees ;  the  President,  or,  in  his  absence,  the  senior  Fellow,  being 
the  moderator  of  the  Fellows.  The  instruction  and  immediate  govern- 
ment of  the  College  is  in,  and  must  forever  continue  to  rest  in  the  Presi- 
dent and  Fellows,  or  Fellowship,  to  whom,  as  a  "learned  faculty," 
belongs  exclusively  the  privilege  of  adjudging  and  conferring  the  aca- 
demical degrees. 

This  Charter,  although  it  secures  to  the  Baptists  the  control  of  the 
College,  recognizes  repeatedly,  and  in  most  unequivocal  terms,  the 
grand  principles  of  religious  freedom,  for  which  the  descendants  of 
Roger  Williams,  and  all  true  Baptists  of  every  age,  have  always  reso- 
lutely contended.     Its  provisions  on  this  point  read  as  follows :  — 

And,  furthermore,  it  is  hereby  enacted  and  declared,  That  into  this  liberal  and 
catholic  Institution  shall  never  be  admitted  any  religious  tests ;  but,  on  the  contrary, 
all  the  members  hereof  shall  forever  enjoy  full,  free,  absolute,  and  uninterrupted  lib- 
erty of  conscience:  and  that  the  places  of  professors,  tutors,  and  all  other  officers,  the 
President  alone  excepted,  shall  be  free  and  open  for  all  denominations  of  Protestants ; 
and  that  youth  of  all  religious  denominations  shall  and  may  be  freely  admitted  to  the 
equal  advantages,  emoluments,  and  honors  of  the  College,  or  University,  and  shall 
receive  a  like  fair,  generous,  and  equal  treatment  during  their  residence  therein  —  they 
conducting  themselves  peaceably,  and  conforming  to  the  laws  and  statutes  thereof;  and 
that  the  public  teaching  shall,  in  general,  respect  the  sciences;  and  that  the  sectarian 
differences  of  opinions  shall  not  make  any  part  of  the  public  and  classical  instruction ; 
although  all  religious  controversies  may  be  studied  freely,  examined,  and  explained  by 
the  President,  professors,  and  tutors,  in  a  personal,  separate,  and  distinct  manner,  to 
the  youth  of  any  or  each  denomination ;  and,  above  all,  a  constant  regard  shall  be  paid 
to,  and  effectual  care  taken  of,  the  morals  of  the  College. 

The  statutes  of  the  College  have  been  framed  from  time  to  time  in 
accordance  with  the  spirit  of  this  Charter.  So  long  ago  as  1783,  those 
students  who  regularly  observed  the  seventh  day  as  the  Sabbath,  were 
exempted  from  the  operation  of  the  law  which  required  every  student, 
as  a  moral  duty,  to  attend  public  worship  on  the  first  day  of  the  week. 
Those    who  statedly  attended   the   Friends'1  meeting   were  expressly 


HISTORY    OF   THE    CHARTER.  533 

"permitted  to  wear  their  hats  within  the  college  walls,"  etc.,  and 
"young  gentlemen  of  the  Hebrew  persuasion"  were  formally  exempted 
from  the  operation  of  the  law  which  commanded,  on  penalty  of  expul- 
sion, that  no  student  should  deny  the  divine  authority  of  the  Old  and 
New  Testaments.  And  yet  more  ;  in  1770  the  Corporation  declared,  as 
appears  from  the  records,  that  "the  children  of  Jews  may  be  admitted 
into  this  Institution,  and  entirely  enjoy  the  freedom  of  their  own  relig- 
ion, without  any  constraint  or  imposition  whatever."  These  provisions 
of  the  Charter,  and  of  the  statutes  of  the  College,  manifest,  says  a  dis- 
tinguished writer,1  a  "  delicate  regard  for  the  rights  of  conscience,  for 
which,  it  is  believed,  hardly  a  parallel  can  be  found  in  the  history  of 
similar  institutions." 

And  to  "this  liberal  and  catholic  Institution"  the  youth  of  all 
religious  denominations  have  freely  resorted  during  nearly  a  century 
and  a  half  for  their  education.  Truly  might  Daniel  Webster  say,  in 
his  celebrated  speech  in  the  case  of  Stephen  Girard's  will,  — "  The 
Baptist  College  in  Rhode  Island  receives  and  educates  youth  of  all 
religious  sects  and  all  beliefs."  Not  a  few  of  the  prominent  religious 
teachers  and  theologians  connected  with  our  various  Christian  sects  or 
societies,  throughout  the  land,  have  received  their  permanent  serious 
impressions  during  the  revivals  of  religion  with  which  the  College,  or 
University,  has,  from  its  beginning,  been  graciously  visited. 

Brown  University,  it  is  stated,  in  a  brief  account  of  the  "  rise  and 
constitution  of  the  University,"  published  in  the  recent  annual  Cata- 
logues, "  owes  its  origin  to  the  happy  convergence  of  two  separate 
lines  of  influence."  One  of  these  "lines  of  influence"  was  the 
"Philadelphia  Baptist  Association,  under  whose  auspices  the  Hopewell 
Academy  had  already  been  established."  This  the  candid  reader  of 
the  pages  of  our  narrative  will  readily  admit.  The  other  "line  of 
influence,"  the  account  states,  was  the  residence,  in  Newport,  of  the 


i  William  Giles  Goddard,  LL.  D.,  a  graduate  of  the  College  in  the  Class  of  1812,  Professor  of 
Moral  Philosophy  and  Metaphysics  from  1825  until  1834,  Professor  of  Rhetoric  from  1834  until  1842, 
member  of  the  Board  of  Fellows  and  Secretary  of  the  Corporation  from  1843  until  1846,  and  a 
worshipper  at  St.  John's  Episcopal  Church. 


534  APPENDIX. 

celebrated  Bishop  Berkeley,  from  1729  until  1731,  making  it  "impos- 
sible that  the  suggestion  of  a  college  for  Rhode  Island  should  be  strange 
or  unwelcome  to  thoughtful  people  in  that  Colony."  The  distinguished 
Dean  of  Derry  resided  on  a  farm  which  he  purchased,  in  the  neighbor- 
hood of  the  town,  returning  to  his  native  land  in  September,  1731, 
thirty-two  years  before  the  arrival  in  Newport  of  Manning  and  Sutton, 
on  their  mission  of  the  College.  He  had  conceived  the  benevolent 
project  of  converting  the  savages  of  America  to  Christianity  by  means 
of  an  Episcopal  College  to  be  erected  in  one  of  the  isles  of  Bermuda, 
and  he  came  to  Rhode  Island  to  carry  this  project  into  effect.  Failing 
in  his  object  he  returned  to  Ireland,  after  deeding  his  farm  to  Yaje 
College,  and  making  its  library  a  present  of  one  thousand  volumes. 
How  much  influence  Berkeley  thus  had  in  founding  a  Baptist  College 
for  the  special  education  of  youth  for  the  ministry,  does  not,  to  the 
mind  of  the  writer,  at  least,  appear. 

The  first  edition  of  the  Charter  was  printed  in  Newport,  by  Samuel 
Hall,  under  the  direction  of  Doct.  Thomas  Eyres,  A.  M.,  Secretary  of 
the  Corporation.  It  is  a  small  folio  in  size,  on  excellent  paper,  with- 
out date,  and  without  the  signatures  of  the  Governor  and  Secretary 
of  the  Colony.1  Mr.  Hall,  -the  successor  of  Anne  Franklin,  widow  of 
James  Franklin,  was  a  printer  in  Newport  from  1763  until  1768,  and  did 
work  that  attracted  attention  for  its  excellence.  Doct.  Eyres,  it  will  be 
remembered,  was  one  of  the  committee  that  remodeled  the  Stiles  draft. 
An  octavo  edition  was  reprinted  for  Blyth  &  Beevor,  No.  87  Cornhill, 
London.  A  copy  of  each  of  these  original  editions  is  carefully  pre- 
served in  the  College  Library.  From  this  first  edition,  which  may  be 
supposed  to  be  correct,  we  print  as  follows  :  — 


1  Notk.  The  Charter  was  signed  and  sealed  on  the  twenty-fourth  day  of  October,  1765.  This 
first  edition  was  probably  published  some  time  before  this  date,  inasmuch  as  the  signatures  of  the 
Governor  and  Secretary  are  wanting.  At  the  first  meeting  of  the  Corporation  held  in  Newport, 
in  September,  1764,  it  was 

Resolved,  "  That  the  Charter  of  incorporation  be  inserted  in  the  beginning  of  the  records  of  this 
Corporation,  and  be  there  duly  authenticated."  This  was  done  several  years  later  on ;  meanwhile 
the  Charter,  it  appears,  was  printed  and  circulated  among  the  members. 


HISTORY    OF    THE    CHARTER.  535 

Charter  of  Brown  University. 

At  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Governor  and  Company  of  the  English  Colony  of 
Rhode  Island  and  Providence  Plantations,  in  New  England,  in  America,  begun  and 
holden  by  adjournment,  at  East  Greenwich,  within  and  for  the  Colony  aforesaid,  on 
the  last  Monday  in  February,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  One  Thousand  Seven  Hundred 
and  Sixty-four,  and  fourth  of  the  Reign  of  his  most  sacred  Majesty,  George  the  Third, 
by  the  grace  of  God,  King  of  Great  Britain,  and  so  forth. 

An    Act 

FOR  THE 

Establishment 

of  A 

College 

or 

University 

"Within  this  Colony. 

Whereas  institutions  for  liberal  education  are  highly  beneficial  to  society,  by 
forming  the  rising  generation  to  virtue,  knowledge,  and  useful  literature ;  and  thus 
preserving  in  the  community  a  succession  of  men  duly  qualified  for  discharging  the 
offices  of  life  with  usefulness  and  reputation ;  they  have  therefore  justly  merited  and 
received  the  attention  and  encouragement  of  every  wise  and  well-regulated  State: 
And  whereas  a  public  school  or  seminary,  erected  for  that  purpose  within  this  Colony, 
to  which  the  youth  may  freely  resort  for  education  in  the  vernacular  and  learned  lan- 
guages, and  in  the  liberal  arts  and  sciences,  would  be  for  the  general  advantage  and 
honor  of  the  government:  And  whereas  Daniel  Jenckes,  Esq.,  Nicholas  Tillinghast, 
Esq.,  Nicholas  Gardiner,  Esq.,  Col.  Josias  Lyndon,  Col.  Elisha  Reynolds,  Peleg 
Thurston,  Esq.,  Simon  Pease,  Esq.,  John  Tillinghast,  Esq.,  George  Hazard,  Esq.,  Col. 
Job  Bennet,  Nicholas  Easton,  Esq.,  Arthur  Fenner,  Esq.,  Mr.  Ezekiel  Gardner,  Mr. 
John  "Waterman,  Mr.  James  Barker,  Jun.,  Mr.  John  Holmes,  Solomon  Drown,  Esq., 
Mr.  Samuel  "Winsor,  Mr.  Joseph  Sheldon,  Charles  Rhodes,  Esq.,  Mr.  Nicholas  Brown, 
Col.  Barzillai  Richmond,  Mr.  John  Brown,  Mr.  Gideon  Hoxsey,  Mr.  Thomas  Eyres, 
Mr.  Thomas  Potter,  Jun.,  Mr.  Peleg  Barker,  Mr.  Edward  Thurston,  Mr.  "William  Red- 
wood, Joseph  Clarke,  Esq.,  Mr.  John  G.  "Wanton,  and  Mr.  Thomas  Robinson,  with 
many  other  persons,  appear  as  undertakers  in  the  valuable  design:  And  thereupon 
a  petition  hath  been  preferred  to  this  Assembly,  praying  that  full  liberty  and  power 
may  be  granted  unto  such  of  them,  with  others,  as  are  hereafter  mentioned,  to  found, 
endow,  order,  and  govern  a  College  or  University  within  this  Colony ;  and  that,  for 
the  more  effectual  execution  of  this  design,  they  may  be] incorporated  into  one  body 


536  APPENDIX. 

politic,  to  be  known  in  the  law,  with  the  powers,  privileges,  and  franchises  necessary 
for  the  purposes  aforesaid. 

Now  therefore  know  ye,  That  being  willing  to  encourage  and  patronize  such  an 
honorable  and  useful  institution,  we,  the  said  Governor  and  Company,  in  General 
Assembly  convened,  do,  for  ourselves  and  our  successors,  in  and  by  virtue  of  the  power 
and  authority  within  the  jurisdiction  of  this  Colony,  to  us  by  the  Royal  Charter  granted 
and  committed,  enact,  grant,  constitute,  ordain,  and  declare,  and  it  is  hereby  enacted, 
granted,  constituted,  ordained,  and  declared,  that  the  Hon.  Stephen  Hopkins,  Esq.,  the 
Hon.  Joseph  Wanton,  Jun.,  Esq.,  the  Hon.  Samuel  Ward,  Esq.,  the  Hon.  William 
Ellery,  Esq.,  John  Tillinghast,  Esq.,  Simon  Pease,  Esq.,  James  Honyman,  Esq., 
Nicholas  Easton,  Esq.,  Nicholas  Tillinghast,  Esq.,  Darius  Sessions,  Esq.,  Joseph 
Harris,  Esq.,  Francis  Willett,  Esq.,  William  Logan,  Esq.,  Daniel  Jenckes,  Esq., 
George  Hazard,  Esq.,  Nicholas  Brown,  Esq.,  Jeremiah  Niles,  Esq.,  Joshua  Babcock, 
Esq.,  Mr.  John  G.  Wanton,  the  Rev.  Edward  Upham,  the  Rev.  Jeremiah  Condy,  the 
Rev.  Marmaduke  Brown,  the  Rev.  Gardner  Thurston,  the  Rev.  Ezra  Stiles,  the  Rev. 
John  Graves,  the  Rev.  John  Maxson,  the  Rev.  Samuel  Winsor,  the  Rev.  John  Gano, 
the  Rev.  Morgan  Edwards,  the  Rev.  Isaac  Eaton,  the  Rev.  Samuel  Stillman,  the  Rev. 
Samuel  Jones,  the  Rev.  James  Manning,  the  Rev.  Russel  Mason,  Col.  Elisha  Reynolds, 
Col.  Josias  Lyndon,  Col.  Job  Bennet,  Mr.  Ephraim  Bowen,  Joshua  Clarke,  Esq.,  Capt. 
Jonathan  Slade,  John  Taylor,  Esq.,  Mr.  Robert  Strettell  Jones,  Azariah  Dunham,  Esq., 
Mr.  Edward  Thurston,  Jun.,  Mr.  Thomas  Eyres,  Mr.  Thomas  Hazard,  and  Mr.  Peleg 
Barker,  or  such  or  so  many  of  them  as  shall,  within  twelve  months  from  the  date 
hereof,  accept  of  this  trust,  and  qualify  themselves  as  hereinafter  directed,  and  their 
successors,  shall  be  forever  hereafter  one  body  corporate  and  politic,  in  fact  and  name, 
to  be  known  in  law  by  the  name  of,  Trustees  and  Fellows  of  the  College,  or 
University,  in  the  Emglish  Colony  of  Rhode  Island,  and  Providence  Plantations, 
in  New  England,  in  America;  the  Trustees  and  Fellows,  at  any  time  hereafter, 
giving  such  more  particular  name  to  the  College,  in  honor  of  the  greatest  and  most 
distinguished  benefactor,1  or  otherwise,  as  they  shall  think  proper;  which  name,  so 
given,  shall,  in  all  acts,  instruments,  and  doings  of  the  said  body  politic,  be  super- 
added to  their  corporate  name  aforesaid,  and  become  a  part  of  their  legal  appellation, 
by  which  it  shall  be  forever  known  and  distinguished:  And  that,  by  the  same  name, 
they  and  their  successors,  chosen  by  themselves,  as  hereafter  prescribed,  shall,  and 
may,  have  perpetual  succession;  and  shall,  and  may,  be  persons  able  and  capable,  in 
the  law,  to  sue  and  to  be  sued,  to  plead  and  to  be  impleaded,  to  answer  and  to  be 


i  September  6, 1804,  "  Voted,  That  this  College  be  called  and  known  in  all  future  time  by  the 
name  of  Brown  University,  in  Providence,  in  the  State  of  Rhode  Island  and  Providence  Planta 
tions." 


HISTOKY    OF    THE    CHARTER.  537 

answered  unto,  to  defend  and  to  be  defended  against,  in  all  and  singular  suits,  causes, 
matters,  actions,  and  doings,  of  what  kind  soever:  And  also  to  have,  take,  possess, 
purchase,  acquire,  or  otherwise  receive  and  hold  lands,  tenements,  hereditaments, 
goods,  chattels,  or  other  estates ;  of  all  which  they  may,  and  shall,  stand  and  he  seized, 
notwithstanding  any  misnomer  of  the  College,  or  Corporation  thereof;  and  by  what- 
ever name,  or  however  imperfectly  the  same  shall  he  described  in  gift,  bequest,  and 
assignment,  provided  the  true  intent  of  the  assigner  or  benefactor  be  evident :  Also 
the  same  to  grant,  demise,  aliene,  lease,  use,  manage,  and  improve,  according  to  the 
tenor  of  the  donations,  and  to  the  purposes,  trusts,  and  uses,  to  which  they  shall  be 
seized  thereof.  And  full  liberty,  power,  and  authority  are  hereby  granted  unto  the 
said  Trustees  and  Fellows,  and  their  successors,  to  found  a  College  or  University 
within  this  Colony,  for  promoting  the  liberal  arts  and  universal  literature:  And  with 
the  moneys,  estates,  and  revenues,  of  which  they  shall  from  time  to  time  become 
legally  seized  as  aforesaid,  to  endow  the  same :  And  erect  the  necessary  buildings  and 
edifices  thereof  on  such  place  within  this  Colony  as  they  shall  think  convenient:  And 
generally  to  regulate,  order,  and  govern  the  same,  appoint  officers,  and  make  laws,  as 
hereinafter  prescribed;  and  hold,  use,  and  enjoy  all  the  liberties,  privileges,  exemp- 
tions, dignities,  and  immunities,  enjoyed  by  any  College  or  University  whatever. 

And  furthermore,  that  the  said  Trustees  and  Fellows,  and  their  successors,  shall, 
and  may,  forever  hereafter  have  a  public  seal,  to  use  for  all  causes,  matters,  and  affairs 
whatever,  of  them  and  their  successors,  and  the  same  seal  to  alter,  break,  and  make 
anew,  from  time  to  time,  at  their  will  and  pleasure ;  which  seal  shall  always  be  depos- 
ited with  the  President,  or  senior  Fellow. 

And  furthermore,  by  the  authority  aforesaid,  it  is  hereby  enacted,  ordained  and 
declared,  that  it  is  now,  and  at  all  times  hereafter  shall  continue  to  be,  the  unalterable 
constitution  of  this  College,  or  University,  that  the  Corporation  thereof  shall  consist  of 
two  branches,  to  wit:  That  of  the  Trustees,  and  that  of  the  Fellowship,  with  distinct, 
separate,  and  respective  powers:  And  that  the  number  of  the  Trustees  shall,  and 
may  be  thirty-six ;  of  which  twenty-two  shall  forever  be  elected  of  the  denomination 
called  Baptists,  or  Antipedobaptists ;  five  shall  forever  be  elected  of  the  denomination 
called  Friends,  or  Quakers ;  four  shall  forever  be  elected  of  the  denomination  called 
Congregationalists,  and  five  shall  forever  be  elected  of  the  denomination  called  Epis- 
copalians: And  that  the  succession  in  this  branch  shall  be  forever  chosen  and  filled 
up  from  the  respective  denominations  in  this  proportion,  and  according  to  these  num- 
bers: which  are  hereby  fixed,  and  shall  remain  to  perpetuity  immutably  the  same. 
And  that  the  said  Stephen  Hopkins,  Joseph  "Wanton,  Samuel  "Ward,  William  Ellery, 
John  Tillinghast,  Simon  Pease,  James  Honyman,  Nicholas  Easton,  Nicholas  Tilling- 
hast,  Darius  Sessions,  Joseph  Harris,  Francis  Willett,  Daniel  Jenckes,  George  Hazard, 
68 


538  APPENDIX. 

Nicholas  Brown,  Jeremiah  Niles,  John  G.  "Wanton,  Joshua  Clarke,  Gardner  Thurston, 
John  Graves,  John  Maxson,  John  Gano,  Samuel  Winsor,  Isaac  Eaton,  Samuel  Still- 
man,  Russel  Mason,  Elisha  Reynolds,  Josias  Lyndon,  Joh  Bennet,  Ephraim  Bowen, 
John  Taylor,  Jonathan  Slade,  Robert  Strettell  Jones,  Azariah  Dunham,  Edward 
Thurston,  Jr.,  and  Peleg  Barker,  or  such,  or  so  many  of  them  as  shall  qualify  them- 
selves as  aforesaid,  shall  he,  and  they  are  hereby  declared  and  established  the  first  and 
present  Trustees.  And  that  the  number  of  the  Fellows,  inclusive  of  the  President 
(who  shall  always  be  a  Fellow),  shall  and  may  be  twelve;  of  which,  eight  shall  be  for- 
ever elected  of  the  denomination  called  Baptists,  or  Antipedobaptists ;  and  the  rest 
indifferently  of  any  or  all  denominations.  And  that  the  Rev.  Edward  Upham,  the 
Rev.  Jeremiah  Condy,  the  Rev.  Marmaduke  Brown,  the  Rev.  Morgan  Edwards,  the 
Rev.  Ezra  Stiles,  the  Rev.  Samuel  Jones,  the  Rev.  James  Manning,  William  Logan, 
Esq.,  Joshua  Babcock,  Esq.,  Mr.  Thomas  Eyres,  and  Mr.  Thomas  Hazard,  or  such,  or 
so  many  of  them  as  shall  qualify  themselves  as  aforesaid,  shall  be,  and  they  are  hereby 
declared  the  first  and  present  Fellows  and  Fellowship,  to  whom  the  President,  when 
hereafter  elected  (who  shall  forever  be  of  the  denomination  called  Baptists,  or  Anti- 
pedobaptists), shall  be  joined  to  complete  the  number. 

And  furthermore,  it  is  declared  and  ordained,  that  the  succession  in  both  branches 
shall  at  all  times  hereafter  be  filled  up  and  supplied  according  to  these  numbers,  and 
this  established  and  invariable  proportion  from  the  respective  denominations  by  the 
separate  election  of  both  branches  of  this  Corporation,  which  shall  at  all  times  sit  and 
act  by  separate  and  distinct  powers ;  and  in  general,  in  order  to  the  validity  and  con- 
summation of  all  acts,  there  shall  be  in  the  exercise  of  their  respective,  separate,  and 
distinct  powers,  the  joint  concurrence  of  the  Trustees  and  Fellows,  by  their  respective 
majorities,  except  in  adjudging  and  conferring  the  academical  degrees,  which  shall 
forever  belong,  exclusively,  to  the  Fellowship  as  a  learned  faculty. 

And  furthermore,  it  is  constituted,  that  the  instruction  and  immediate  government 
of  the  College  shall  forever  be,  and  rest  in  the  President  and  Fellows,  or  Fellowship. 

And  furthermore,  it  is  ordained,  that  there  shall  be  a  general  meeting  of  the  Cor- 
poration on  the  first  Wednesday  in  September  annually,  within  the  College  edifice,  and 
until  the  same  be  built,  at  such  place  as  they  shall  appoint,  to  consult,  advise,  and 
transact  the  affairs  of  the  College  or  University:  At  which,  or  at  any  other  time,  the 
public  Commencement  may  be  held  and  celebrated.  And  that  on  any  special  emergen- 
cies, the  President,  with  any  two  of  the  Fellows,  or  any  three  of  the  Fellows,  exclusive 
of  the  President,  may  convoke,  and  they  are  hereby  empowered  to  convoke,  an  assem- 
bly of  the  Corporation  on  twenty  days'  notice;  And  that,  in  all  meetings,  the  major 
vote  of  those  present  of  the  two  branches  respectively,  shall  be  deemed  their  respective 
majorities  aforesaid:  Provided,  That  not  less  than  twelve  of  the  Trustees,  and  five  of 
the  Fellows,  be  a  quorum  of  their  respective  branches.    That  the  President,  or,  in  his 


HISTORY    OF    THE    CHARTER.  539 

absence,  the  Senior  Fellow  present,  shall  always  he  Moderator  of  the  Fellows:  That 
the  Corporation,  at  their  annual  meetings,  once  in  three  years,  or  oftener  in  case  of 
death  or  removal,  shall,  and  may  choose  a  Chancellor  of  the  University,  and  Treasurer, 
from  among  the  Trustees,  and  a  Secretary  from  among  the  Fellows:  That  the  nomina- 
tion of  the  Chancellor  shall  he  in  the  Trustees,  whose  office  shall  be  only  to  preside  as 
a  Moderator  of  the  Trustees ;  and  that  in  his  absence,  the  Trustees  shall  choose  a 
Moderator  for  the  time  being,  by  the  name  of  Vice-Chancellor :  And  at  any  of  their 
meetings,  duly  formed  as  aforesaid,  shall,  and  may  be  elected  a  Trustee  or  Fellow,  or 
Trustees  or  Fellows,  in  the  room  of  those  nominated  in  this  Charter,  who  may  refuse  to 
accept,  or  in  the  room  of  those  who  may  die,  resign,  or  be  removed. 

Andfurthermore.it  is  enacted,  ordained,  and  declared,  That  this  Corporation,  at  any 
of  their  meetings,  regularly  convened  as  aforesaid,  shall  and  may  elect  and  appoint  the 
President  and  Professors  of  languages,  and  the  several  parts  of  literature:  And  upon 
the  demise  of  him  or  them,  or  either  of  them,  their  resignation  or  removal  from  his  or 
their  office,  for  misdemeanor,  incapacity  or  unfaithfulness  (for  which  he  or  they  are 
hereby  declared  removable  by  this  Corporation)  others  to  elect  and  appoint  in  their 
room  and  stead :  And  at  such  meeting,  upon  the  nomination  of  the  Fellows,  to  elect  and 
appoint  tutors,  stewards,  butlers,  and  all  such  other  officers  usually  appointed  in 
colleges  or  universities,  as  they  shall  find  necessary,  and  think  fit  to  appoint  for  pro- 
moting liberal  education,  and  the  well  ordering  the  affairs  of  this  College;  and  them 
or  any  of  them,  at  their  discretion,  to  remove,  and  substitute  others  in  their  places. 
And,  in  case  any  President,  Trustee  or  Fellow  shall  see  cause  to  change  his  religious 
denomination,  the  Corporation  is  hereby  empowered  to  declare  his  or  their  place  or 
places  vacant,  and  may  proceed  to  fill  up  it  or  them  accordingly,  as  before  directed, 
otherwise  each  Trustee  and  Fellow,  not  an  officer  of  instruction,  shall  continue  in  his 
office  during  life  or  until  resignation.  And  further,  in  case  either  of  the  religious 
denominations  should  decline  taking  a  part  in  this  catholic,  comprehensive  and  liberal 
Institution,  the  Trustees  and  Fellows  shall  and  may  complete  their  number,  by  electing 
from  their  respective  denominations,  always  preserving  their  respective  proportions 
herein  before  prescribed  and  determined:  And  all  elections  shall  be  by  ballot,  or 
written  suffrage :  And  that  a  quorum  of  four  Trustees  and  three  Fellows  may  transact 
any  business,  excepting  placing  the  College  edifice,  election  of  Trustees,  President,  Fel- 
lows and  Professors,  that  is  to  say,  so  that  their  act  shall  be  of  force  and  validity  until 
the  next  annual  meeting,  and  no  longer. 

And  it  is  further  enacted  and  ordained  by  the  authority  aforesaid,  That  each  Trustee 
and  Fellow,  as  well  those  nominated  in  this  Charter,  as  all  that  shall  hereafter  be  duly 
elected,  shall,  previous  to  their  acting  in  a  corporate  capacity,  take  the  engagement  of 
allegiance  prescribed  by  the  law  of  this  Colony  to  His  Majesty,  King  George  the  Third, 
his  heirs  and  rightful  successors  to  the  crown  of  Great  Britain,  which  engagement  shall 


/ 


540  APPENDIX. 

be  administered  to  the  present  Trustees  and  Fellows,  by  the  Governor  or  Deputy  Gov- 
ernor of  this  Colony,  and  to  those  from  time  to  time  hereafter  elected  by  their  respect- 
ive Moderators,  who  are  hereby  empowered  to  administer  the  same. l 

And  still  more  clearly  to  define  and  ascertain  the  respective  powers  of  the  two 
branches,  on  making  and  enacting  laws,  it  is  further  ordained  and  declared,  That  the 
Fellowship  shall  have  power,  and  are  hereby  empowered  from  time  to  time,  and  at  all 
times  hereafter,  to  make,  enact,  and  publish,  all  such  laws,  statutes,  regulations,  and 
ordinances,  with  penalties,  as  to  them  shall  seem  meet,  for  the  successful  instruction 
and  government  of  said  College  or  University,  not  contrary  to  the  spirit,  extent,  true 
meaning  and  intention  of  the  acts  of  the  British  Parliament,  or  the  laws  of  this  Colony; 
and  the  same  laws,  statutes,  and  ordinances,  to  repeal :  "Which  laws,  and  the  repeals 
thereof,  shall  be  laid  before  the  Trustees,  and  with  their  approbation  shall  be  of  force 
and  validity,  but  not  otherwise.  And  further,  the  Trustees  and  Fellows,  at  their 
meetings  aforesaid,  shall  ascertain  the  salaries  of  the  respective  officers,  and  order  the 
moneys  assessed  on  the  students  for  tuition,  fines,  and  incidental  expenses,  to  be  col- 
lected by  the  Steward,  or  such  other  officer  as  they  shall  appoint  to  collect  the  same ; 
and  the  same,  with  their  revenues,  and  other  College  estates  in  the  hands  of  the 
Treasurer,  to  appropriate  in  discharging  salaries  and  other  College  debts :  And  the 
College  accounts  shall  be  annually  audited  and  adjusted  in  the  meeting  of  the  Cor- 
poration. 

And  furthermore,  it  is  hereby  enacted  and  declared,  That  into  this  liberal  and 
catholic  Institution  shall  never  be  admitted  any  religious  tests:  But  on  the  contrary, 
all  the  members  hereof  shall  forever  enjoy  full,  free,  absolute,  and  uninterrupted 
liberty  of  conscience :  And  that  the  places  of  Professors,  Tutors,  and  all  other  officers, 
the  President  alone  excepted,  shall  be  free  and  open  for  all  denominations  of  Protes- 
tants :  And  that  youth  of  all  religious  denominations  shall  and  may  be  freely  admitted 
to  the  equal  advantages,  emoluments,  and  honors  of  the  College  or  University;  and 
shall  receive  a  like  fair,  generous,  and  equal  treatment,  during  their  residence  therein, 
they  conducting  themselves  peaceably,  and  conforming  to  the  laws  and  statutes  thereof. 
And  that  the  public  teaching  shall,  in  general,  respect  the  sciences ;  and  that  the  sec- 
tarian differences  of  opinions  shall  not  make  any  part  of  the  public  and  classical 
instruction:  Although  all  religious  controversies  may  be  studied  freely,  examined, 
and  explained  by  the  President,  Professors,  and  Tutors,  in  a  personal,  separate,  and 


1  September  4, 1782,  the  Corporation  by  vote  omitted  from  the  engagement  the  acknowledgment 
of  allegiance  to  the  British  crown. 

The  present  form  of  engagement  is  as  follows;  You  [person's  name]  being  elected  a  member  of 
this  Corporation  to  the  place  of  [Fellow  or  Trustee]  do  solemnly  engage  true  allegiance  to  bear  to 
the  United  States  of  America,  and  faithf  nlly  to  discharge  the  duties  of  your  present  appointment-: 
And  this  engagement  you  make  and  give  on  the  peril  of  the  penalty  of  perjury. 


HISTORY    OF    THE    CHARTER.  541 

distinct  manner,  to  the  youth  of  any  or  each  denomination:  And  above  all,  a  constant 
regard  be  paid  to,  and  effectual  care  taken  of  the  morals  of  the  College.  ^^ 

And  furthermore,  for  the  honor  and  encouragement  of  literature,  we  constitute  and 
declare  the  Fellowship  aforesaid,  a  learned  faculty ;  and  do  hereby  give,  grant  unto, 
and  invest  them,  and  their  successors,  with  full  power  and  authority,  and  they  are 
hereby  authorized  and  empowered,  by  their  President,  and  in  his  absence,  by  the 
senior  Fellow,  or  one  of  the  Fellows  appointed  by  themselves  at  the  anniversary  Com- 
mencement, or  at  any  other  times,  and  at  all  times  hereafter,  to  admit  to,  and  confer 
any  and  all  the  learned  degrees,  which  can  or  ought  to  be  given  and  conferred  in  any 
of  the  colleges  or  universities  in  America ;  or  any  such  other  degrees  of  literary  honor 
as  they  shall  devise,  upon  any  and  all  such  candidates  and  persons  as  the  President 
and  Fellows,  or  Fellowship,  shall  judge  worthy  of  the  academical  honors:  Which 
power  of  conferring  degrees  is  hereby  restricted  to  the  learned  faculty,  who  shall  or 
may  issue  diplomas,  or  certificates,  of  such  degrees,  or  confer  degrees  by  diplomas,  and 
authenticate  them  with  the  public  seal  of  the  Corporation,  and  the  hands  of  the  Presi- 
dent and  Secretary,  and  of  all  the  Professors,  as  witnesses,  and  deliver  them  to  the 
graduates  as  honorable  and  perpetual  testimonies. 

And  furthermore,  for  the  greater  encouragement  of  the  Seminary  of  learning,  and 
that  the  same  may  be  amply  endowed  and  enfranchised  with  the  same  privileges, 
dignities,  and  immunities  enjoyed  by  the  American  colleges,  and  European  univer- 
sities, We  do  grant,  enact,  ordain,  and  declare,  and  it  is  hereby  granted,  enacted, 
ordained,  and  declared,  That  the  College  estate,  the  estates,  persons,  and  families  of 
the  President  and  Professors,  for  the  time  being,  lying,  and  being  within  the  Colony, 
with  the  persons  of  the  Tutors  and  students,  during  their  residence  at  the  College, 
shall  be  freed  and  exempted  from  all  taxes,  serving  on  juries,  and  menial  services: 
And  that  the  persons  aforesaid  shall  be  exempted  from  bearing  arms,  impresses,  and 
military  services,  except  in  case  of  an  invasion. 

And  furthermore,  for  establishing  the  perpetuity  of  this  Corporation,  and  in  case 
that  at  any  time  hereafter,  through  oversight,  or  otherwise  through  misapprehensions 
and  mistaken  constructions  of  the  powers,  liberties,  and  franchises,  herein  contained, 
any  laws  should  be  enacted,  or  any  matters  done  and  transacted  by  this  Corporation 
contrary  to  the  tenor  of  this  Charter,  it  is  hereby  enacted,  ordained,  and  declared, 
That  all  such  laws,  acts,  and  doings,  shall  be  in  themselves  null  and  void:  Yet,  never- 
theless, the  same  shall  not,  in  any  courts  of  law,  or  by  the  General  Assembly,  be 
deemed,  taken,  interpreted,  or  adjudged,  into  an  avoidance,  defeasance,  or  forfeiture 
of  this  Charter;  but  that  the  same  shall  be,  and  remain  unhurt,  inviolate,  and  entire, 
unto  the  said  Corporation,  in  perpetual  succession ;  which  Corporation  may,  at  all 
times,  and  forever  hereafter,  proceed,  and  continue  to  act:  And  all  their  acts,  con- 
formable to  the  powers,  tenor,  true  intent  and  meaning  of  the  Charter,  shall  be,  and 


542  APPENDIX. 

remain  in  full  force  and  validity ;  the  nullity  and  avoidance  of  any  such  illegal  acts  to 
the  contrary  in  any  wise  notwithstanding. 

And  lastly,  We,  the  Governor  and  Company  aforesaid,  do,  for  ourselves  and  our 
successors,  forever  herehy  enact,  grant,  and  confirm  unto  the  said  Trustees  and  Fel- 
lows, and  to  their  successors,  That  this  Charter  of  incorporation,  and  every  part 
thereof,  shall  be  good  and  available  in  all  things  in  the  law,  according  to  our  true 
intent  and  meaning:  And  shall  be  construed,  reputed,  and  adjudged,  in  all  cases  most 
favorably  on  the  behalf  and  for  the  best  benefit  and  behoof  of  the  said  Trustees  and 
Fellows,  and  their  successors,  so  as  most  effectually  to  answer  the  valuable  ends  of 
this  useful  Institution. 

In  full  testimony  of  which  grant,  and  of  all  the  articles  and  matters  therein  con- 
tained, the  said  Governor  and  Company  do  hereby  order,  That  this  act  shall  be  signed 
by  the  Governor  and  Secretary,  and  sealed  with  the  public  seal  of  this  Colony,  and 
registered  in  the  Colony's  records :  And  that  the  same,  or  an  exemplification  thereof, 
shall  be  a  sufficient  warrant  to  the  said  Corporation  to  hold,  use,  and  exercise  all  the 
powers,  franchises  and  immunities  herein  contained. 

To  this  copy  of  the  first  edition  of  the  Charter  we  add  as  follows  :  — 

Signed  and  sealed  at  Newport,  the  twenty-fourth  day  of  October,  in  the  year  of  our 

Lord  one  thousand  seven  hundred  and  sixty-five,  and  in  the  fifth  year  of 

[l.  s.]    His  Majesty's  reign,  George  the  Third,  by  the  grace  of  God,  of  Great  Britain, 

etc.    King. 

Samuel  Ward,  Governor. 

Edward  Thurston,  Jr.,  Secretary. 

The  provision  in  the  Charter,  exempting  "from  all  taxes,  the 
estates,  persons,  and  families  of  the  President  and  Professors,  for  the 
time  being,  lying  and  being  within  the  Colony,"  has  given  rise  from 
time  to  time  to  unhappy  discussions,  and  alienated,  doubtless,  the  sym- 
pathies of  many  from  the  College,  or  University.  It  was  so  in  the 
beginning.  Backus,  referring  to  the  incorporation  of  the  ' '  Benevolent 
Congregational  Society,"  in  1770,  and  of  the  desire  to  introduce  tax 
and  compulsion  for  the  support  of  public  worship,  thus  states  the  facts 
in  reference  to  the  Charter :  — 

But  as  the  College  in  that  town  was  formed  upon  another  plan,  the  ministers 
refused  to  encourage  it.    And  though  its  Charter,  granted  by  their  Legislature,  explic- 


HISTORY    OF    THE    CHARTER.  543 

itly  exempts  the  persons  and  estates  of  the  President  and  Professors  of  the  College 
"from  all  taxes,"  yet  the  vote  of  a  town  meeting  in  Providence  was  procured,  in 
August,  1772,  to  limit  the  meaning  of  those  words  to  Colony  taxes  only.  And  because 
the  Baptist  assessors  in  1773,  left  said  officers  out  of  their  town  tax,  a  town  meeting  was 
called  Feb.  7,  1774,  which  censured  those  assessors  therefor,  and  published  their 
resolves  in  the  Gazette  against  extending  that  law  to  town  taxes.  It  is  hoped  that 
many  who  were  active  in  that  affair  are  now  convinced  of  their  error,  and  are  sensible 
that  they  did  not  then  show  the  regard  they  ought  to  have  done  both  to  liberty  and  to 
learning. 

The  "Baptist  Assessors"  to  whom  Backus  refers,  were  Joseph 
Brown,  Christopher  Sheldon,  and  Nathaniel  Wheaton,  who  omitted  to 
assess  President  Manning  and  Professor  Howell,  on  the  ground  that 
they  were  legally  and  properly  exempted  by  the  Charter.  Thereupon  a 
protracted  discussion  ensued,  which  was  carried  on  in  the  columns  of 
the  Providence  G-azette,  to  which  the  reader  is  referred.  The  articles 
may  be  found  in  the  weekly  issues  for  February  5th,  February  12th, 
April  16th,  April  30th,  and  May  28th,  1774.  Among  the  College 
archives  we  find  the  following,  which  illustrates  the  feeling  that  many 
entertained  on  the  subject :  — 

In  order  to  give  satisfaction  to  the  town  of  Providence,  we  whose  names  are  under- 
written do  declare  and  make  known,  that  it  is  our  real  sentiment  that  the  College 
estate  within  this  town  (the  edifice  itself,  the  President's  house  and  garden,  and  the 
land  appropriated  to  the  use  of  a  yard  to  the  College  excepted),  together  with  the  per- 
sons and  estates  of  the  President  and  Professors,  are  in  law  and  justice  bound  to  pay 
their  equal  proportion  of  the  town  rates.  Therefore  we  do  publicly  and  solemnly 
promise  unto  the  freemen  of  the  town  now  in  town  meeting  assembled,  that  we  will, 
both  in  our  public  and  private  capacities,  exert  ourselves  to  the  utmost  of  our  abilities, 
to  cause  for  the  future  all  taxes  that  shall  be  levied  on  the  persons  and  estates  aforesaid 
by  this  town,  to  be  punctually  paid.  In  witness  whereof,  we  have  hereunto  set  our 
hands  in  Providence,  this  19th  day  of  April,  1774. 

The  original  document,  of  which  the  foregoing  is  a  copy,  is  signed 
by  Thomas  Greene,  a  Quaker,  or  Friend,  who  was  elected  a  Trustee  in 
September,  1769.  No  allusion  to  the  subject  appears  in  the  records  of 
the  Corporation.     Backus  refers  to  a  town  meeting  on  the  7th  of  Feb- 


544  APPENDIX. 

ruary,  when  the  assessors  were  censured,  and  Mr.  Greene  here  refers  to 
another  meeting  on  the  19th  of  April  following.  Much  bitterness  and 
no  little  personal  feeling  were  without  doubt  developed.  Fortunately- 
wise  counsels  eventually  prevailed,  and  the  action  of  the  "  Baptist 
Assessors"  was  sustained,  and  followed  in  succeeding  years.  The  war 
with  the  mother  country,  which  soon  broke  out,  and  the  great  personal 
influence  which  Manning  exerted  over  all  classes  of  men,  contributed 
not  a  little,  perhaps,  to  this  result.  The  estates,  persons,  and  families 
of  the  Presidents  and  Professors  have  thus  been  exempt  from  taxation 
from  the  beginning  down  to  the  present  day.  All  other  college  officers, 
however,  including  Tutors,  Instructors,  Assistant  Professors,  Regis- 
trars, Stewards,  and  Librarians,  have  paid  taxes  in  accordance  with  the 
letter  of  the  law. 

Of  late  years  this  controversy  in  regard  to  the  taxation  of  the 
President  and  Professors  has  been  revived.  Finally,  during  the  prog- 
ress of  the  recent  Civil  War,  a  bill  was  introduced  into  the  General 
Assembly  to  repeal  this,  to  many  minds  objectionable  provision  of  the 
Charter.  President  Sears,  it  was  well  known,  favored  some  movement 
of  the  kind,  having  a  regard  for  the  future  good  of  the  Institution 
over  which  he  presided,  rather  than  his  owd  immediate  advantage.  He 
argued,  and  with  reason,  that  wealthy  Professors,  who  were  abundantly 
able  to  pay  their  taxes,  were  mainly  benefited  by  the  exemption,  and 
not  those  who  had  but  little,  if  any,  property  to  be  taxed.  A  public 
institution,  he  moreover  contended,  under  a  Republican  form  of  gov- 
ernment like  our  own,  could  not  really  thrive  without  the  good  will  of 
the  public  upon  whose  benefactions  and  sympathies  it  was  dependent. 
On  the  other  hand,  it  was  contended  that  the  General  Assembly  had 
never  made  any  appropriation  for  the  College,  which  had  conferred 
great  and  lasting  benefits  both  upon  the  City  and  State,  and  that  any 
movement  on  the  part  of  the  assembled  legislators  to  interfere  with  the 
chartered  rights  and  privileges  which  the  Professors  had  enjoyed  for  a 
century,  would  be  ungrateful  and  unjust.  By  wise  concessions  and 
judicious  action  on  the  part  of  the  Corporation,  the  excitement  and  ill 
feeling  incident  to  the  discussion  of  this  question  were  allayed,  and  the 


HISTORY   OF   THE    CHARTER.  545 

most  friendly  relations  between  the  College  and  the  public  at  large 
were  established.  The  President  and  Professors  generously  waived 
their  rights  under  the  Charter,  and  empowered  the  Trustees  and  Fel- 
lows to  adopt  any  measures  that  might  forward  the  interests  of  the 
University.  A  Committee  of  the  Corporation,  in  conference  with  a 
Committee  of  the  Legislature,  secured  the  passage  of  an  act,  by  which, 
property  not  exceeding  ten  thousand  dollars  in  amount  was  exempted 
from  taxation.  The  validity  of  this  act  was  made  to  depend  on  the 
assent  of  the  Corporation,  so  that  the  inviolability  of  the  Charter  was 
thus  recognized  and  preserved.  In  this  form  it  secured  a  unanimous 
vote  in  the  General  Assembly,  and  also  in  a  very  large  meeting  of  the 
Corporation  convened  expressly  for  this  purpose.  It  is  now,  there- 
fore, a  law.  So  important  a  movement  is  worthy  of  special  mention, 
and  we  proceed,  therefore,  to  give  at  length  the  details. 

By  a  resolution  of  the  City  Council  of  Newport,  passed  on  the  4th 
of  March,  1862,  their  State  Senator  was  instructed  to  procure  the  alter- 
ation or  repeal  of  so  much  of  the  Charter  of  Brown  University  as 
exempts  the  property  of  the  President  and  Professors  from  taxation  ; — 
the  Council  stating  that  in  their  opinion,  there  was  no  justifiable  reason 
for  such  an  exemption,  especially  at  a  time  when  all  kinds  of  property 
were  necessarily  and  heavily  taxed  for  the  support  of  Government  and 
the  preservation  of  the  Union.  The  reason  for  this  action,  it  may  be 
added,  was  the  refusal  of  one  of  the  Professors,  whose  wife  owned  a 
large  property  in  Newport,  and  spent  her  summers  there,  to  pay  the 
taxes  assessed,  on  the  ground  of  his  position  as  a  College  officer.  The 
resolution  was  presented  to  the  Senate  on  the  day  following,  and  refer- 
red to  the  Committee  on  the  Judiciary  for  consideration.  This  Commit- 
tee, at  a  special  meeting  of  the  General  Assembly,  submitted  to  the 
Senate,  on  the  26th  of  August,  1862,  a  lengthy  report,  drawn  up  by  the 
late  Hon.  Elisha  R.  Potter,  of  South  Kingstown,  together  with  an  act 
or  bill  for  repealing  the  objectionable  clause  in  the  Charter,  which  act 
reads  as  follows  :  — 

69 


546  APPENDIX. 

An  Act  to  amend  the  Charter  of  Brown  University  by  repealing  so  much  thereof 
as  exempts  the  estates,  persons,  and  families  of  the  President  and  Profess- 
ors FROM   TAXATION. 

Whereas,  In  times  of  public  danger  all  persons  ought  to  bear  their  share  of  the 
public  burdens  in  proportion  to  their  ability,  and  this  General  Assembly  have  full  con- 
fidence in  the  patriotism  of  the  said  President  and  Professors,  and  in  their  willingness 
to  bear  their  proper  share  of  the  taxation  necessary  for  the  preservation  of  our  Union 
and  Constitution,  therefore, 
It  is  enacted  by  the  General  Assembly  as  follows :  — 

So  much  of  the  Act  'entitled,  "  An  Act  for  the  establishment  of  a  College  or  Univer- 
sity within  this  Colony,"  passed  at  the  February  session,  A.  D.,  1764,  as  exempts  the 
estates,  persons,  and  families  of  said  Institution,  now  known  as  Brown  University,  from 
taxation,  is  hereby  repealed. 

The  Act  was  passed  in  the  Senate,  and  the  Report,  entitled,  "  Right 
.of  a  Legislature  to  grant  a  perpetual  exemption  from  taxation,"  was 
ordered  to  be  printed.  In  the  House,  however,  after  a  spirited  debate, 
the  matter  was  referred  to  the  Committee  on  the  Judiciary,  with  instruc- 
tions from  the  chairman,  the  late  Hon.  Richard  Ward  Greene,  LL.D., 
of  Warwick,  to  present  the  whole  subject  to  the  Corporation  of  the 
University,  of  which  he  himself  was  a  member,  at  the  approaching 
annual  meeting.  This  he  accordingly  did,  and  on  the  4th  of  September, 
the  Corporation  referred  the  subject  to  a  Select  Committee  of  five,  with 
instructions  to  report  at  a  special  meeting  to  be  held  on  the  21st  of  Janu- 
ary, 1863.  This  Committee  consisted  of  Doct.  Samuel  Boyd  Tobey, 
Chancellor;  Hon.  John  Kingsbury,  LL.D.,  Secretary;  Hon.  William 
Samuel  Patten  ;  Hon.  Isaac  Davis,  LL.D. ;  and  Hon.  Benjamin  Babcock 
Thurston.  They  prepared  an  elaborate  and  comprehensive  report, 
which  was  presented  at  the  special  meeting.  The  Corporation,  however, 
after  a  lengthy  session,  adjourned  without  action,  leaving  the  matter 
still  in  the  hands  of  the  Committee.  Meanwhile  the  House  of  Repre- 
sentatives, on  the  9th  of  February,  1863,  passed  the  following  Act, 
emanating,  it  is  understood,  from  the  Select  Committee  of  the  Corpora- 
tion, the  Senate,  two  days  afterwards,  unanimously  concurring  in  the 
same :  — 


HISTORY   OF   THE    CHARTER.  547 

An  Act  to  Limit  the  Exemption  from  Taxation  of  the  Estates,  Persons,  and 

Families  of  the  President  and  Professors  of  Brown  University. 
It  is  enacted  by  the  General  Assembly  as  follows :  — 

Section  1.  The  Corporation  of  Brown  University  in  Providence  consenting  hereto, 
That  the  estates,  persons,  and  families  of  the  President  and  Professors  for  the  time 
being  of  said  University,  and  of  their  successors  in  office,  shall  not  hereafter  be  freed 
or  exempted  from  taxes  for  more  than  the  amount  of  ten  thousand  dollars  for  each  of 
such  officers,  his  estate,  person,  and  family  included. 

Sec.  2.  The  vote  of  said  Corporation,  under  the  seal  and  certified  by  the  Secretary 
thereof,  declaring  that  the  Corporation  being  authorized  by  the  President  and  Pro- 
fessors of  said  University,  does,  in  behalf  of  the  President  and  Professors  and  in 
behalf  of  said  Corporation,  consent  to  this  Act,  shall  be  deemed  and  taken  to  be  proof 
of  their  consent  thereunto,  when  said  vote  shall  have  been  filed  in  the  office  of  the 
Secretary  of  State. 

The  Corporation  of  the  University,  at  a  second  special  meeting, 
held  Wednesday,  February  11th,  which  was  largely  attended,  adopted 
the  following  by  a  unanimous  vote :  — 

Whereas,  The  General  Assembly  of  the  State  of  Rhode  Island,  at  its  present  ses- 
sion on  the  11th  day  of  February,  1863,  has  passed  an  Act,  the  principal  section  of  which 
is  in  the  following  words,  viz. :  — 

"  Section  1.  The  Corporation  of  Brown  University  in  Providence,  consenting  hereto, 
That  the  estates,  persons,  and  families  of  the  President  and  Professors  for  the  time 
being,  and  of  their  successors  in  office,  shall  not  hereafter  be  freed  and  exempted  from 
taxes,  for  more  than  the  amount  of  ten  thousand  dollars  for  each  of  such  officers,  his 
estate,  person,  and  family  included." 

And  Whereas,  The  Institution  of  Brown  University  was  established  by  its  founders, 
was  incorporated  with  liberal  franchises  by  the  State,  has  been  maintained  solely  by 
private  benefactions,  all  uniting  for  the  same  noble  object,  that  is,  to  create  and  pro- 
mote a  Seminary  of  religion  and  learning  within  this  State,  whose  beneficent  influences 
should  be  diffused,  at  home  and  abroad,  through  all  time. 

And  Whereas,  These  influences  can  and  will  be  most  happily  diffused  and  contin- 
ued by  a  cordial  good  will  and  a  harmonious  co-operation  between  the  General  Assem- 
bly and  citizens  of  this  State  and  the  University. 

And  Whereas,  The  General  Assembly  by  its  act  aforesaid,  has  expressed  the  opinion 
that  the  President  and  Professors  should  bear  a  portion  of  the  burdens  of  taxation  from 
which  they  are  exempted  by  our  Charter,  and  has  made  the  validity  of  its  said  Act  to 


548  APPENDIX. 

depend  upon  the  consent  of  this  Corporation  thereto,  thereby  affirming  and  maintain- 
ing the  inviolability  of  said  Charter, 

Therefore,  in  order  to  manifest  our  cordial  compliance  with  a  reasonable  wish  of  the 
General  Assembly,  as  expressed  in  said  Act, 

It  is  hereby  voted  and  declared  by  the  Corporation  of  Brown  University,  that  being 
authorized  by  the  President  and  Professors  of  said  University,  this  Corporation  does, 
in  behalf  of  the  President  and  Professors,  and  in  behalf  of  said  Corporation,  consent  to 
the  said  Act,  passed  by  the  General  Assembly  of  the  State  of  Rhode  Island  at  its  pres- 
ent session,  as  aforesaid;  and  the  Secretary  of  this  Corporation  is  hereby  instructed  to 
file  a  copy  of  this  vote,  under  the  seal  of  the  Corporation,  and  certified  by  himself,  in 
the  office  of  the  Secretary  of  State,  as  proof  of  the  consent  of  this  Corporation  thereto. 

Thus  a  vexed  and  difficult  question  was,  for  the  time  being,  happily- 
settled,  and  the  Charter  itself  was  preserved  intact.  The  removal,  in 
consequence,  of  long  existing  prejudices,  arising  in  part  no  doubt  from 
the  misuse  of  what  was  intended  as  an  eleemosynary  provision  for  the 
encouragement  of  learning,  rather  than  a  basis  for  the  exemption  from 
taxation  of  large  estates,  was  an  auspicious  omen  for  the  future.1     That 


1  The  question  of  taxation  has  recently  come  up  in  a  new  form.  The  Assessors  of  taxes  of  the 
city  of  Providence,  assuming  that  the  Corporation  of  Brown  University  ought  not  to  be  exempt 
from  taxation  on  its  business  investments,  levied  in  1895  a  tax  on  the  Lyman  estate  adjoining  the 
McNeil  building  on  Westminster  Street,  which,  at  the  regular  city  rate  for  that  year,  amounted 
to  two  thousand  four  hundred  and  ninety-one  dollars.  A  petition  for  the  remission  of  this  tax 
was  considered  by  the  City  Council  Committee  on  Claims,  and  the  petitioners,  representing  the 
Corporation  of  the  University,  were  given  leave  to  withdraw.  The  Lyman  estate  was  again  taxed 
in  1896.  The  Corporation  having  paid  the  said  tax  under  protest,  thereupon  brought  action 
against  the  city,  and  the  case  was  heard  before  the  Appellate  Division  of  the  Supreme  Court  on 
Monday,  Nov.  16, 1896.  Mr.  Arnold  Green  appeared  for  the  Corporation,  and  the  City  Solicitor,  Mr. 
Francis  Colwell,  appeared  in  behalf  of  the  city.  Mr.  Green  stated  that  the  property  was  pur- 
chased some  six  years  ago  as  an  investment,  and  that  it  had  never  since  been  taxed  until  in  1895. 
He  claimed  that  if  the  city  had  a  right  to  tax  the  building  in  question,  it  had  a  right  to  tax  all  the 
University  property;'— which  right,  if  enforced,  would  imperil  the  usefulness,  if  not  the  very 
existence  of  the  Institution,  which  was  unable  with  its  present  funds  to  meet  current  expenses 
without  help.  The  endowment  fund,  he  claimed,  was  simply  a  fund  for  running  the  University, 
and  could  be  expended  in  investment  as  well  as  in  erecting  further  College  buildings.  City 
Solicitor  Colwell  was  not  ready  to  submit  his  brief,  but  stated  that  within  twenty  days  he  would 
attempt  to  prove  that  the  building  in  question  was  not  a  part  of  the  "  College  Estate."  Leave 
was  given  him  to  prepare  and  submit  his  brief  at  his  convenience.  This  he  did  early  in  January, 
in  the  form  of  a  printed  quarto  pamphlet  of  nineteen  pages.  The  defendant  contends  that  it  is 
illegal  to  exempt  the  Lyman  estate  property  from  taxation  in  view  of  Article  1,  Section  2,  of  the 
Constitution  of  Rhode  Island,  adopted  November  5, 1842,  which  provides  that  "  the  burdens  of  the 
State  ought  to  be  fairly  distributed  among  its  citizens."    He  further  contends  that  the  exemption 


HISTORY    OF    THE    CHARTER. 


549 


the  University  may  keep  on  the  even  tenor  of  her  way,  diffusing 
throughout  the  State  and  land  religion  and  sound  learning,  and  that 
the  citizens  without  distinction  of  party  or  sect,  may  continue  to  honor 
and  cherish  her  as  "their  own,"  is  a  consummation  most  earnestly  to 
be  desired  by  all  her  graduates  and  friends. 

The  following  list  of  the  names  of  the  members  of  the  Corporation 
at  the  time  of  the  removal  of  the  College  to  Providence,  classified 
according  to  the  religious  denominations  which  they  represented,  as 
specified  in  the  Charter,  and  also  the  names  and  residences  of  the 
present  members,  may  fitly  close  this  Chapter :  — 


Trustees,  1770. 


Hon.  Samuel  Ward,  Westerly. 

Judge  DanielJenckes,  Esq.,  Providence. 

Nicholas  Brown,  Esq.,  Providence. 

Rev.  Gardner  Thurston,  Newport. 

Rev.  John  Maxson,  Newport. 

Rev.  John  Gano,  New  York. 

Rev.  Samuel  Winsor,  Johnston. 

Hon.  Josias  Lyndon,  Newport. 

Simon  Pease,  Esq.,  Newport. 

Rev.  Joshua  Clarke,  Hopkinton. 

Col.  Job  Bennet,  Newport. 

Peleg  Barker,  Esq.,  Newport. 

Rev.  Russell  Mason,  Swansea. 

Rev.  Isaac  Backus,  Middleborough. 

Col.  Sylvester  Child,  Warren. 

John  Tanner,  Esq.,  Newport. 

Joseph  Brown,  Esq.,  Providence. 

Nathan  Spear,  Esq.,  Boston. 

Capt.  John  Warren,  Newport. 

William  Brown,  Esq.,  Swansea. 


John  Tillinghast,  Esq.,  Newport. 
Hon.  Nicholas  Cooke,1  Providence. 


1  Note.  Mr.  Cooke,  as  has  already  been  stated 
in  a  previous  Chapter,  was  elected  as  a  Baptist 
trustee,  although  a  member  of  Mr.  Snow's 
church.  Upon  his  death  in  1783,  the  Hon.  Wel- 
come Arnold,  a  prominent  member  of  the  Chari- 
table Baptist  Society,  was  elected  in  his  place. 

FEIENDS. 

Hon.  Stephen  Hopkins,  Providence. 
John  G.  Wanton,  Esq.,  Newport. 
Nicholas  Easton,  Esq.,Middletown. 
Edward  Thurston,  Jr.,  Newport. 
Thomas  Greene,  Esq.,  Providence. 

EPISCOPALIANS. 

Gov.  Joseph  Wanton,  Newport. 
Hon.  James  Honeyman,  Newport. 
George  Hazard,  Esq.,  Newport. 
Joseph  Russell,  Esq.,  Providence. 
(One  vacancy.) 


in  the  College  Charter  should  be  construed  strictly,  and  should  not  be  held  to  include  anything 
beyond  the  estate  on  which  the  University  is  located.  He  submits  that  the  exemptions  contained 
in  the  Charter,  while  harmless  if  held  to  be  repealable,  constitute,  if  unrepealable,  an  abrogation 
of  the  powers  of  government  which  should  be  held  to  be  void,  or  certainly  voidable  by  subsequent 
act  of  the  General  Assembly,  or  of  the  sovereign  people.  The.  final  decision  of  the  Court  at  the 
present  writing  has  not  been  announced. 


550 


APPENDIX. 


CONGREGATION  ALISTS . 

Ephraim  Bowen,  M.  D.,  Providence. 
Hon.  Darius  Sessions,  Providence. 
Hon.  James    Helme,  Esq.,   South  Kings- 
town. 

(One  vacancy.) 

Hon.  Stephen  Hopkins,  Chancellor. 
Thomas  Eyres,  M.  D.,  Secretary. 
Col.  Job  Bennet,  Treasurer. 

Trustees,  1897. 


Marshall  Woods,  A.  M.,  Providence. 

Hon.  William  Sprague,  A.  M.,  Narragan- 
sett  Pier. 

Rev.  James  B.  Simmons,  D.  D.,  New  York 
City. 

Rev.  Edward  Judson,  D.  D.,  New  York 
City. 

Hon.  Joseph  H.  Walker,  LL.  D.,  Worces- 
ter, Mass. 

John  Carter  Brown  Woods,  A.  M.,  LL.  B., 
Providence. 

Hon.  Andrew  J.  Jennings,  LL.  B.,  Fall 
River,  Mass. 

Rev.  Heman  L.  Wayland,  D.  D.,  Philadel- 
phia. 

Hon.  Judge  Francis  A.  Gaskill,  A.  B., 
Worcester. 

Joseph  P.  Earle,  B.  P.,  New  York  City. 

Hon.  James  L.  Howard,  A.  M.,  Hartford, 
Ct. 

Arnold  Green,  LL.  D.,  Providence. 

Rev.  Henry  S.  Burrage,  D.  D.,  Portland, 
Me. 

Rev.  Moses  H.  Bixby,  D.  D.,  Providence. 

Hon.  James  G.  Batterson,  A.  M.,  Hartford, 
Ct. 

Colgate  Hoyt,  Esq.,  New  York  City. 

William  V.  Kellen,  Ph.  D.,  Boston. 

Andrew  Comstock,  Esq.,  Providence. 

Rev.  William  H.  P.  Faunce,  J>.  D.,  New 
York  City. 


Edgar  O.  Silver,  A.  M.,  Boston. 
Gardner  Colby,  A.  M.,  Orange,  N.  J. 
(One  vacancy.) 


Hon.  Albert    K.  Smiley,  A.  M.,  Mohonk 

Lake,  N.  Y. 
Arnold  B.  Chace,  D.  Sc,  Valley  Falls. 
Richard    M.    Atwater,    A.  M.,    Syracuse, 

N.  Y. 
Hon.  Jonathan  Chace,  A.M.,  Valley  Falls. 
George  L.  Collins,  M.  D.,  Providence. 

EPISCOPALIANS. 

Col.  William  Goddard,  A.  M.,  Providence. 
Robert  I.  Gammell,  A.  M.,  Providence. 
Hon.  Oscar  Lapham,  A.  M.,  Providence. 
Cornelius    S.    Sweetland,    A.  M.,    Provi- 
dence. 

(One  vacancy.) 

CONGREGATION  ALISTS . 

Hon.  Elijah  B.  Stoddard,  A.  M.,  Worces- 
ter, Mass. 
Charles  B.  Goff,  Ph.  D.,  Providence. 
Rowland  G.  Hazard,  A.  M.,  Peacedale. 
Eugene  W.  Mason,  A.  B.,  Providence. 

Col.  William  Goddard,  A.  M.,  Chancellor. 
Rev.  Thomas  D.   Anderson,  D.  D.,  Secre- 
tary. 
Arnold  B.  Chace,  D.  Sc,  Treasurer. 


Fellows,  1770. 


Rev.  James  Manning,  A.  M.,  President. 
Rev.  Morgan  Edwards,  A.  M.,  Philadel- 
phia. 
Rev.  Edward  Upham,  A.  M.,  Newport. 
Rev.  Hezekiah  Smith,  A.  M.,  Haverhill. 


HISTORY    OF    THE    CHARTER. 


551 


Rev.  Samuel  Stillman,  A.  M.,  Boston. 
Rev.  John  Davis,  A.  M.,  Boston. 
Joshua  Babcock,  M.  D.,  Westerly. 
Thomas  Eyres,  M.  D.,  Newport. 

FRIEND. 

Jonathan  Easton,  M.  D.,  Newport. 

EPISCOPALIAN. 

Rev.  Marmaduke  Browne,  Newport. 

CONGREGATIONALIST. 

Hon.  Jabez  Bowen,  A.  M.,  Providence. 


Note.  —  Henry  Ward,  Esq.,  brother  of  the 
Honorable  Samuel  Ward,  was  also  a  Fellow  in 
1770.  This  was  evidently  a  mistake  on  the  part 
of  the  Corporation.  In  1771,  as  appears  from 
the  records,  he  resigned,  being  a  Baptist,  and 
was  appointed  a  Trustee  in  place  of  Robert 
Strettle  Jones,  of  Philadelphia. 


Fellows,  1897. 


BAPTISTS. 


Rev.   Elisha  B.  Andrews,  D.  D.,  LL.  D., 
President. 


Rev.  Alvah  Hovey,  D.  D.,  LL.  D.,  New- 
ton Centre,  Mass. 

Hon.  Francis  Wayland,  LL.  D.,  New 
Haven,  Ct. 

Hon.  Thomas  Durfee,  LL.  D.,  Provi- 
dence. 

Rev.  Samuel  W.  Duncan,  D.  D.,  Brook- 
line,  Mass. 

Rev.  Thomas  D.  Anderson,  D.  D.,  Provi- 
dence. 

William  W.  Keen,  M.  D.,  LL.  D.,  Phila- 
delphia. 

Rev.  George  E.  Horr,  D.  D.,  Boston. 


Robert    H. 
dence. 


EPISCOPALIAN. 


I.     Goddard,    A.  M.,     Provi- 


CONGREGATIONALISTS. 

Hon.  Rowland  Hazard,  A.  M.,  Peacedale. 
Hon.  Richard  Olney,  LL.D.,  Boston,  Mass. 


Note.  — The  Rev.  Dr.  Edwards  A.  Park,  the 
oldest  member  of  the  Board  of  Fellows,  tendered 
his  resignation  in  June,  1896.  He  had  been  a 
Fellow  (Congregationalist)  thirty-three  years, 
or  since  1863.  His  resignation  was  accepted, 
so  read  the  records,  "  with  deep  regret." 


Index. 


Abbott,  Daniel,  former  owner  of  part  of 
College  lot,  138,  139. 

Adams,  John,  attends  Conference  with 
the  Baptists  in  Carpenter's  Hall,  278, 
279. 

Adams,  Samuel,  attends  Conference  also, 
278. 

Adams,  Samuel,  pastor  of  First  Baptist 
Church,  Newport,  author  of  remarkable 
pamphlet,  196. 

Africans  and  East  Indians,  467. 

Agrarian  Law,  to  prevent  monopolies  of 
land,  etc.,  408. 

Aitken,  Robert,  printer  in  Philadelphia, 
383. 

Aitkbn's  American  Register,  cited,  251, 
280. 

Alden,  Abner,  graduate  in  class  of  1787, 
master  of  the  famous  school  at  Rayn- 
ham,  and  author  of  Reader  and  Spell- 
ing Book,  446. 

Alden,  John,  of  Plymouth,  ancestor  of 
Rev.  Noah  Alden,  74;  John  Alden  and 
Priscilla  Mullins,  446. 

Alden,  Noah,  of  Bellingham,  one  of  the 
four  illustrious  names  that  united  in 
forming  the  "Warren  Association,  dele- 
gate to  the  Mass.  State  Convention  of 
1780,  chairman  of  Committee  of  Seven 
that  framed  the  famous  "  Bill  of 
Rights,"  74,  75;  delivered  charge  at 
ordination  of  Charles  Thompson,  100; 
member  of  Committee  on  Grievances, 
166 ;  present  at  meeting  of  Warren  As- 
sociation in  Providence,  339;  trustee  of 
Baptist  Education  Fund,  367;  voted 
against  adoption  of  Federal  Constitu- 
tion, 450,  451. 
70 


Alexander,  Cosmo,  Scotch  artist,  painted 
Manning's  portrait,  506. 

Alibone's  Dictionary  of  Authors,  cited, 
433. 

Alison,  Hugh,  classmate  of  Manning,  32. 

Alleghany  College,  conferred  degree 
of  LL.  D.  on  Andrew  Law,  288. 

Allen,  Isaac,  classmate  of  Manning,  and 
valedictorian,  32. 

Allen,  Richard,  essay  on  singing  in 
public  worship,  cited,  215. 

Allison,  Burgiss,  of  Bordentown,  323; 
entered  a  young  gentleman  in  the 
Junior  class  at  Rhode  Island  College, 
457, 

Allston,  Washington,  pupil  of  Robert 
Rogers,  63. 

Alphabetical  arrangement  of  graduates 
at  Rhode  Island  College,  contrasted 
with  the  arrangement  at  Harvard  and 
Yale,  89,  90. 

American  Antiquarian  Society,  refer- 
ence to  meeting  of,  71. 

American  Baptist  Publication  Society, 
and  Dr.  King's  history  of  First  Baptist 
Church,  198. 

American  Liberty,  William  Williams's 
address  at  the  First  Commencement,  88. 

American  manufactures,  candidates  at 
First  Commencement  dressed  in,  85. 

American  Revolution,  to  serious  people 
appears  to  be  of  God,  367.  See  Revo- 
lution. 

Ames's  hotel  in  Dedham,  188. 

Amherst  College,  Professor  Tyler's  ac- 
count of  charter,  cited,  511. 

Amwell,  N.  J.,  birthplace  of  Charles 
Thompson,  99. 


554 


INDEX. 


Anabaptists,  name  given  to  Baptists  in 
derision,  8. 

Anderson,  Thomas  D.,  Baptist  Fellow, 
and  Secretary  of  Corporation,  550. 

Andrews,  E.  Benjamin,  Baptist  Fellow, 
and  President  of  the  University,  550. 

Andrews,  John,  on  committee  to  repre- 
sent Providence  before  the  Corporation, 
118. 

Andrews,  Zeph.,  153,  154. 

Angell,  Deborah,  wife  of  Asa  Messer, 
455. 

Angell,  James  Burrill,  named  after 
James  Burrill,  458. 

Angell,  John,  owner  of  the  orchard  pur- 
chased for  the  new  meeting-house,  219. 

Angus,  Joseph,  late  President  of  Regent's 
Park  College,  487. 

Anti-Federalists,  President  Maxcy's  4th 
of  July  oration  sarcastic  against,  447 ; 
incident  illustrative  of  hostility  towards 
Federalists,  452;  opposed  to  President 
Manning  as  leader  of  Federalist  party, 
502. 

Antipedobaptists,  45, 537,  538.  See  Bap- 
tists. 

Appleton,  Joseph,  graduate  in  class  of 
1772,  became  a  clergyman,  190. 

Aquidneck,  deed  of,  obtained  through 
Roger  Williams,  201. 

Arbuthnot,  Admiral,  fleet  arrived  at 
New  York,  326. 

Armitage,  Thomas,  History  of  the  Bap- 
tists, cited,  16. 

Arnold,  Fort,  at  West  Point,  328. 

Arnold's  tavern  at  Morristown,  318. 

Arnold,  James,  clerk  of  meeting  of  Bap- 
tist Society,  219;  manager  of  lottery  for 
new  meeting-house,  222. 

Arnold,  Jonathan,  prepared  petition  to 
Congress  respecting  College  edifice, 
334. 

Arnold,  Josiah,  steward  in  1773,  273. 

Arnold,  Lyndon,  appointed  Tutor  in 
1790,  482. 

Arnold,  Oliver,  signer  to  original  peti- 
tion for  charter,  517 ;  Attorney  General, 


J.  M.  Varnum  studied  law  with,  94; 
member  of  committee  to  present  and 
enforce  remonstrance  to  General  As- 
sembly, 132. 

Arnold,  Thomas,  took  Bachelor's  degree 
in  1771,  distinguished  lawyer  and  judge, 
179:  received  A.  M.  in  1774,  261. 

Arnold,  Richard  J.,  owner  of  James 
Sabin's  former  residence,  184. 

Arnold,  Samuel  G.,  History  of  Rhode 
Island,  cited,  79,  82,  86,  309,  445 ;  in  ref- 
erence to  lotteries,  221,  222;  anniver- 
sary address  before  Charitable  Baptist 
Society,  cited,  223,  228,  229,  445,  496. 

Arnold,  Welcome,  chosen  Trustee  in 
room  of  Governor  Cooke,  deceased, 
348,  549;  on  committee  with  Manning 
in  favor  of  public  schools,  463 ;  on  com- 
mittee to  superintend  Manning's  fu- 
neral, 496. 

Arnold,  William,  one  of  the  founders  of 
Rhode  Island,  202, 

Artillery  Company  of  Providence,  in- 
corporated in  1744,  261. 

Ash,  John,  recommended  by  Ryland  for 
honors  of  the  College,  174 ;  able  to  read 
Greek,  245. 

Ashfield,  religious  tyranny  there  carried 
to  great  lengths,  78;  cases  of  suffering 
for  oppression  reported  in  1770  to  War- 
ren Association,  166 ;  referred  to  in  Cir- 
cular Letter,  167 ;  Massachusetts  Act  of 
Oppression  disallowed  by  His  Majesty 
at  Court  of  St.  James,  168,  169;  com- 
plaints of  Baptists  lighter  than  griev- 
ances, 193. 

Ashford,  Thomas  Ustick  settled  in,  310. 

Astonishing  Baptist  history,  198. 

Attleborough,  President  Maxcy  born  in, 
447. 

At  water,  Richard  M.,  of  Syracuse,  Qua- 
ker Trustee,  550. 

Atwell,  Amos,  on  committee  to  represent 
Providence  before  the  Corporation, 
118. 

Atwell,  Amos  M.,  Valedictorian  at  Com- 
mencement of  1788,  457. 


INDEX. 


555 


Babcock,  Joshua,  of  Westerly,  Corpora- 
tor, 536;  Charter  member  of  Board  of 
Fellows,  538;  present  at  first  meeting 
of  Corporation,  52;  present  at  second 
meeting,  56 ;  present  at  final  meeting  to 
determine  location,  120 ;  voted  in  favor 
of  Newport,  126;  graduate  of  Yale,  ad- 
mitted to  degree  of  A.  M.  in  1774,  261 ; 
present  at  meeting  of  Corporation  in 
1782,  335. 

Backus,  Isaac,  Trustee,  and  agent  of  the 
Baptist  churches,  present  at  second 
meeting  of  the  Corporation,  58;  letter 
to  Dr.  Gill,  of  London,  recommending 
President  Manning,  64;  present  at  final 
meeting  to  determine  location  of  the 
College,  121 ;  voted  in  favor  of  Provi- 
dence, 126;  left  the  Standing  Order 
through  labors  of  Whitfield,  164;  rep- 
resented First  Baptist  Church,  Middle- 
borough,  at  formation  of  the  Warren 
Association,  clerk  of  the  first  meetings, 
75;  minutes  for  1769,  appointed  to  re- 
ceive well  attested  grievances,  78; 
member  of  Committee  on  Grievances, 
166, 380;  appeal  to  the  public,  collecting 
materials  for  his  history,  255;  present 
at  meeting  of  the  Corporation  in  1782, 
336 ;  also  at  meeting  of  the  Warren  As- 
sociation in  Providence,  339;  appointed 
with  Manning  and  others  to  prepare 
Baptist  Catechism  and  Spelling  Book, 
340 ;  sent  as  agent  of  Warren  Associa- 
tion to  Continental  Congress,  account 
of  meeting  in  Carpenter's  Hall,  276-80; 
designated  by  Manning  as  member  of  a 
standing  committee  to  aid  poor  stu- 
dents, 366;  Trustee  of  Baptist  Educa- 
tion Fund,  367 ;  account  of  reformation 
in  Virginia,  379;  copies  of  his  history 
sent  to  Benjamin  Wallin,  of  London, 
and  never  received,  421 ;  sheets  found 
in  a  grocery  store,  423;  more  sheets 
found,  432 ;  sent  as  delegate  to  the  Fed- 
eral Convention,  account  of  the  Con- 
vention, 449-50 ;  voted  in  favor  of  the 
Constitution,  450;    used    Morgan    Ed- 


wards's "  materials  "  in  his  church  his- 
tory, 513;  name  omitted  in  the  Stiles 
draft  of  the  Charter,  520;  "History  of 
the  Baptists  in  New  England  "  a  work 
of  standard  authority,  praise  awarded 
the  author  by  Bancroft,  529;  extract 
from  second  volume,  published  in  1784, 
giving  account  of  the  origin  of  the  Col- 
lege ,  529-30 ;  extract  from  third  volume, 
published  in  1796,  entering  more  into 
details,  530-31;  statement  respecting 
Governor  Cooke  that  he  was  a  Baptist, 
although  member  of  a  Congregational- 
ist  church,  156;  "A  Fish  caught  in  his 
own  Net,"  cited,  65;  "Appeal  to  the 
Public,"  cited,  279;  account  of  the  Ash- 
field  law,  169 ;  account  of  Baptist  certifi- 
cates, 250-51 ;  account  of  Ezekiel  Holli- 
man,  200 ;  Manning  and  Fristoe,  of  Vir- 
ginia, 296;  History  of  the  Baptists, 
cited,  8,  21,  44,  74,  77,  209,  210,  335,  472, 
477,  542.    See  Letters. 

Badger,  Moses,  on  committee  with  Man- 
ning in  favor  of  public  schools,  463. 

Barlow,  Mr.,  Baptist  minister  in  Rich- 
mond, N.  H.,  170. 

Baldwin's  tavern,  315. 

Baldwin,  Thomas,  accustomed  after 
Manning's  time  to  preach  the  Com- 
mencement sermon,  85 ;  trustee  of  the 
Baptist  Education  Fund,  367. 

Bancroft's  History  of  the  United  States, 
cited,  87. 

Baptist  church  and  meeting-house,  War- 
ren, purpose  formed  to  build  a  house  as 
early  as  1762,  47 ;  erected  in  1763,  Man- 
ning invited  by  congregation  to  come 
and  settle  among  them,  call  dated  Feb. 
17,  1764,  47-48 ;  church  constituted  Nov. 
15, 1764,  covenant  and  Manning's  call 
to  become  pastor,  48-51 ;  parsonage 
needed  for  the  church  and  the  College, 
built  in  1767,  five  hundred  dollars 
towards  raised  by  a  lottery,  71-72 ;  ex- 
tract from  church  records  in  regard  to 
Warren  Association,  74 ;  meeting-house 
used  by  the  College  for  its  First  Com- 


556 


INDEX. 


mencement,  81-82 ;  vote  offering  use  of 
house  and  parsonage  for  the  College, 
112 ;  William  Williams  received  as 
member  of  the  church  in  1771,  97;  final 
meeting  of  Corporation  to  determine 
location  of  the  College  held  in  meet- 
ing-house, 120;  church  unwilling  to  ac- 
cept Manning's  resignation  as  pastor, 
142 ;  Manning  resigns  and  goes  with  the 
College  to  Providence,  church  dis- 
pleased, 144-43;  Charles  Thompson  or- 
dained as  Manning's  successor,  100. 

Baptist  church  and  meeting-house,  Prov- 
idence, history  of,  chapter  V.,  195-229; 
founded  by  Roger  Williams,  oldest  in 
America,  never  in  its  early  history  ac- 
customed to  contribute  toward  the  sup- 
port of  ministers  or  elders,  Samuel 
Winsor,  father  and  son,  pastors,  46 ; 
Six  Principle  in  1764,  73 ;  account  of  a 
remarkable  revival  under  Manning  in 
1775,  296-97;  first  meeting-house  built 
and  presented  to  the  church  in  1700  by 
Pardon  Tillinghast,  210;  second  house 
erected  in  1726,  too  small  for  the  crowds 
that  flocked  to  hear  Manning,  218 ;  Soci- 
ety resolved  in  1774  to  build  a  new 
house  "for  the  public  worship  of  Al- 
mighty God,  and  also  for  holding  Com- 
mencement in,"  219;  dedicated  amidst 
scenes  of  war,  285 ;  history  of  church  in 
Rippon's  Baptist  Register,  with  en- 
graving of  the  house,  English  brethren 
astonished  at  the  steeple,  486. 

Baptist  churches,  First,  Charleston ,  Man- 
ning invited  to  become  assistant  pastor, 
37 ;  Dighton,  187 ;  Haverhill,  organized 
through  instrumentality  of  Hezekiah 
Smith,  who  was  pastor  until  his  death 
in  1805, 147 ;  Morristown,  Smith  joined 
at  age  of  nineteen,  147;  First,  Newport, 
earliest  date  given  by  historians,  1644> 
197;  First,  New  York,  dismissed  from 
Scotch  Plains,  John  Gano  first  pastor, 
38;  First,  Philadelphia,  Morgan  Ed- 
wards, pastor,  11-12;  William  Rogers, 
pastor,  60,  187,  monument  erected  to  his 


memory,  62 ;  Church  and  Elhanan  Win- 
chester, 382-84;  Rehoboth,  187;  Rich- 
mond. N.  H.,  in  distress  for  taxes,  170; 
Scotch  Plains,  Manning  joined  in  1758, 
25;  called  to  trial  of  his  ministerial 
gifts,  33,  licensed  to  preach,  34;  Swan- 
sea, oldest  in  Massachusetts,  founded 
by  John  Miles,  members  founded 
church  in  Warren,  47,187;  Wrentham, 
William  Williams  ordained  pastor  in 
1776,  98,  Warren  Association  met  with 
in  1785,  99. 

Baptist  churches  rapidly  multiplying, 
demanded  ministers  of  learning,  20; 
represented  at  first  meeting  of  Warren 
Association,  75;  denomination  to  be 
the  chief  support  of  the  College,  115; 
pleased  with  the  determination  to  lo- 
cate the  College  at  Providence,  122,  123, 
136;  ministers  of  England  kept  from 
reading  Hebrew  and  Greek,  according 
to  Ryland,  by  laziness,  173;  two  dis- 
tinct dogmas  of  the  Baptist  faith  em- 
bodied in  preamble  to  charter  of  Char- 
itable Baptist  Society,  228;  Warren 
Association  voted  in  1782  to  publish 
Baptist  Catechism  and  Spelling  Book, 
330,  340;  Education  Society  at  Bristol 
useful  in  training  young  men  for  the 
ministry,  390;  whole  congregations  of 
Congregationalists  embrace  Baptist 
principles,  396;  Baptist  members  of 
Federal  Convention,  two-thirds  of  them, 
voted  against  the  Constitution,  450. 

Baptist  Education  Fund,  established  by 
the  Warren  Association  in  1792,  after- 
wards incorporated  as  the  Baptist  Edu- 
cation Society,  367,  429. 

Baptists  termed  Anabaptists  in  derision, 
distinguishing  sentiments  at  variance 
with  religious  opinions  of  other  denom- 
inations, "poor,  despised,  and  op- 
pressed," 8;  Baptists  and  the  American 
Revolution,  Morgan  Edwards  the  only 
Tory  minister,  13 ;  as  a  body  hesitated 
to  engage  in  so  difficult  and  important 
a  work  as  the  founding  of  a  college,  19; 


INDEX. 


557 


in  the  thirteen  colonies  numbered  in 
1762  less  than  70  churches,  and  5,000 
members,  19,  20 ;  met  with  abuse  from 
those  who  were  called  "  learned  men," 
64,  65;  Baptists  and  Separatists,  65; 
belief  in  regard  to  civil  government, 
73;  considerable  body  of  Christians  in 
1762,  formed  a  resolution  to  erect  a  col- 
lege at  the  cost  and  expense  of  Baptist 
churches,  applied  to  General  Assembly 
of  Rhode  Island  for  a  charter  because 
of  its  prevalent  Baptist  sentiments,  and 
universal  toleration,  133;  beneficeuceof 
a  few  Baptists  in  Providence  almost 
unparalleled,  152 ;  taxed  by  law  to  sup- 
port ministers  of  the  Standing  Order, 
171 ;  Manning's  account  of  the  dispute 
between  Baptists  and  the  Standing 
Order,  177;  imprisoned  in  the  winter  of 
1773  for  the  non-payment  of  rates  to  the 
Congregationalists,  257;  numbers  in 
1764  and  1896  compared,  279;  Baptists 
of  England  obnoxious  to  Episcopalians, 
298;  "  here  are  the  poor  of  this  world," 
366 ;  enemies  exceeding  vigilant  to  pre- 
vent the  growth  of  the  College,  from  an 
idea  of  its  importance  to  the  Baptist 
cause,  369;  all  the  Baptist  ministers  in 
London  but  two,  and  most  of  the  Bap- 
tist clergy  in  this  country  on  the  side 
of  the  Americans  during  the  war,  373-75 ; 
in  England  more  flourishing  than  Pres- 
byterians or  Independents,  375 ;  preju- 
dices against  greatly  abated,  379;  taxed 
and  persons  and  property  seized  in 
Massachusetts  and  Connecticut,  whole 
body  determined  to  maintain  their 
rights,  381-82;  rapid  increase  provokes 
Congregationalists,  390;  Baptists  in 
England  have  but  little  idea  of  the* 
utility  of  academical  institutions,  391 ; 
Manning's  statement  that  they  are  and 
ever  have  been,  in  respect  to  educa- 
tional matters,  "a  wrong  headed  peo- 
ple," 399;  Baptists  alone  originators  of 
the  undertaking  to  establish  a  College 
in  Rhode  Island,  516. 


Baptism  by  immersion  on  a  profession  of 
faith  administered  by  a  Pedobaptist, 
believed  by  A.  Booth  to  be  valid,  al- 
though irregular,  475. 

Bardin,  Charles,  signer  of  the  original 
petition  for  a  charter,  517. 

Barker,  James,  Jr.,  name  mentioned  in 
preamble  to  Charter,  535. 

Barker,  Peleg,  Corporator,  536;  Charter 
Trustee,  538;  Baptist  Trustee  in  1770, 
549;  present  at  first  and  second  meet- 
ings of  Corporation,  52,  57;  present  at 
final  meeting  to  determine  location, 
121 ;  voted  in  favor  of  Newport,  126. 

Barnard,  Henry,  formerly  School  Com- 
missioner of  Rhode  Island,  statement 
commending  Manning's  report  in  favor 
of  public  schools,  463. 

Barr,  Shubael,  signer  to  the  original 
petition  for  a  charter,  517. 

Barton,  Mr.,  of  Hopewell,  320,  324. 

Batterson,  James  G.,  of  Hartford,  Bap- 
tist Trustee,  550. 

Bayle's  Dictionary  presented  to  the 
Library,  417. 

Beach,  Landlord.  316. 

Beard,  Mr.,  of  Warwick,  327. 

Beddome,  Benjamin,  received  degree  of 
A.  M.,  165 ;  Calvinistic  Baptist  minister 
in  Gloucester,  England,  able  to  read 
Greek,  245;  donation  of  £20  through 
him  from  the  estate  of  Dr.  Foskett,264. 

Bell,  English  captain,  taken  with  his 
vessel  and  brought  to  Providence,  300, 
301. 

Bell  of  the  Baptist  meeting-house,  in- 
scriptions on,  223-24* 

Belknap's  meeting-house  where  meet- 
ings of  the  Federal  Convention  were 
held,  450. 

Belnap,  Isaac,  327. 

Belton,  Joseph,  member  of  the  first 
graduating  class,  90, 

Benedict,  David,  obligations  to,  ackowl- 
edged,  5;  History  of  the  Baptist  De- 
nomination, cited,  22, 197,  334,  406,  520 ; 
placed  Morgan  Edwards's  "  materials  " 


558 


INDEX. 


in  the  archives  of  the  Rhode  Island 
Historical  Society,  513. 

Benedict,  Maria,  bequeathed  portrait  of 
Mrs.  Manning  to  Brown  University, 
36. 

Beneficent  Congregational  Church 
formed  in  1743,  211. 

Bennet,  Job,  appointed  a  committee 
with  Josias  Lyndon  to  draft  a  Charter, 
43,  44,  514 ;  signer  of  the  original  peti- 
tion, 517 ;  Corporator,  536 ;  Charter  Trus- 
tee, 538;  Baptist  Trustee  and  Treas- 
urer in  1770,  549 ;  present  at  first  meeting 
of  Corporation,  52;  present  at  second 
meeting,  entertained  Hezekiah  Smith, 
intimate  friend  of  Manning  and  Smith, 
53,  57 ;  present  at  the  final  meeting  to 
determine  the  location  of  the  College, 
121 ;  voted  in  favor  of  Newport,  liberal 
subscriber  towards  the  College  build- 
ing, 126;  member  of  Committee  of  five 
to  prepare  and  present  remonstrance 
to  General  Assembly,  132 ;  member  of 
committee  to  fix  upon  a  suitable  place 
for  the  College  edifice,  136;  entertained 
Smith  commencement  week,  179 ;  pres- 
ent at  Corporation  meeting,  September, 
1774,  263. 

Benson,  George,  402;  signed  letter  to 
Manning  asking  him  to  preach,  472 ; 
appointed  on  committee  to  wait  on 
Mrs.  Manning  and  express  sympathy 
and  condolence,  495 ;  appointed  a  com- 
mittee to  superintend  Manning's  fu- 
neral, 496. 

Berkeley,  Bishop,  name  mentioned  in 
connection  with  the  founding  of  the 
College,  doubtful  influence,  45,  533-34. 

Berridge,  John,  author  of  "  Christian 
World  Unmasked,"  Manning  addresses 
a  controversial  letter  to,  302-307. 

Berwick,  cases  of  suffering  from  oppres- 
sion reported  to  Warren  Association, 
166. 

Bethel,  Connecticut,  329. 

Bewit,  Hugh,  member  of  First  Baptist 
Church,  202. 


Bidwell,  widow,  of  East  Hartford,  315, 
331. 

Biggs,  Rev.  Mr.,  of  England,  244. 

Binney,  Capt.  Barnabas,  of  Boston,  262. 

Binney,  Avis,  daughter  of  Captain  Bin- 
ney, and  wife  of  Nicholas  Brown,  262. 

Binney,  Barnabas,  son  of  Capt.  Binney, 
"  a  worthy,  humble,  and  meek  young 
Christian,"  183;  valedictorian  of  the 
class  of  1774,  oration  on  religious  lib- 
erty published,  261-62. 

Binney,  Horace,  of  Philadelphia,  son  of 
Barnabas,  262. 

Biographica  Britannica,  donation  to 
the  Library,  contains  Llewelyn's  book- 
mark, 368. 

Bishops,  popular  right  of  electing,  409. 

Bitt's  tavern,  329. 

Bixby,  Moses  H.,  of  Providence,  Baptist 
Trustee,  550. 

BLACKWELL.Mr.,  320,  325. 

Blair,  Samuel,  elected  to  the  Presidency 
of  the  College  of  New  Jersey,  28. 

Blasdel,  Isaac,  161. 

Block  Island,  subscribed  for  the  College 
to  be  located  in  Newport,  119;  nine 
miles  in  length,  worse  than  useless  to 
the  Colony  on  account  of  the  war,  289. 

Blood,  Caleb,  member  of  the  Committee 
on  Grievances,  380,  454. 

Bloss,  Abraham,  represented  Attlebor- 
ough  church  at  first  meeting  of  Warren 
Association,  75. 

Bolingbroke  on  History,  356. 

Bonham  Town,  324,  326. 

Booth,  Abraham,  "Reign of  Grace,"  239; 
Calvinistic  Baptist  minister  in  London, 
able  to  read  Greek,  245;  Treatise  on 
Baptism  most  elaborate  performance, 

•  392;  highly  commended  by  Manning, 
404;  account  of  the  author,  Manning 
opens  correspondence  with,  256;  sends 
him  a  diploma,  428;  translation  of  Dr. 
Abadie  a  masterly  performance,  432; 
reply  to  Samuel  Jones's  inquiry  re- 
specting baptism  by  Pedobaptists,  475. 
See  Letters. 


INDEX. 


559 


Borden,  Joseph,  treasurer,  etc.,  323,  324. 

Bordentown,  323,  326. 

Boston  Evening  Post,  address  to  op- 
pressed Baptists  of  Massachusetts  from 
Committee  on  Grievances,  165-6. 

Boston  newspapers  have  a  talent  for 
abusing  their  neighbors,  434. 

Boulton,  William,  benefactor  of  the  Col- 
lege, received  degree  of  A.  M.,  84. 

Bourne,  Benjamin,  on  committee  with 
Manning  in  favor  of  public  schools,  463. 

Bowen,  Benjamin,  Manning  lived  in  his 
house  on  the  removal  of  the  College  to 
Providence,  143. 

Bowen,  Ephraim,  Corporator,  536;  Char- 
ter Trustee,  538;  Congregationalist 
Trustee,  1770,  549 ;  borrowed  the  Stiles 
Charter  of  Judge  Jenckes,  522 ;  present 
at  final  meeting  of  Corporation  to  de- 
termine location  of  the  College,  121 ; 
one  of  the  actors  in  the  affair  of  the 
Gaspee,  185. 

Bowen,  Francis,  has  a  set  of  Gordon's 
history,  467. 

Bowen,  Jabez,  of  Providence,  Congrega- 
tionalist Fellow,  1770,  550;  present  at 
final  meeting  of  Corporation  to  deter- 
mine location  of  the  College,  120;  re- 
ceived degree  of  A.  M.  at  First  Com- 
mencement, 84;  on  committee  with 
Manning  as  to  soliciting  funds  in  Eu- 
rope, 190;  partner  of  Benjamin  Stelle 
in  the  druggist  business,  226 ;  member 
of  Committee  of  Inspection  during  the 
war,  283;  sent  with  Manning  to  Con- 
necticut to  obtain  aid  for  the  destitute 
in  Providence,  309 ;  present  at  meetings 
of  the  Corporation  in  1780  and  1782,  333, 
335;  on  committee  with  Manning  to 
forma  digest  of  College  laws,  355;  on 
committee  in  favor  of  public  schools, 
463 ;  has  a  set  of  Gordon's  history,  467 ; 
signs  as  Chancellor  of  the  College, 
address  to  Washington,  481;  announces 
death  of  Manning,  495. 

Bowen,  Jabez,  Jr.,  451. 

Bowen,  Oliver,  138,  155. 


Bowen,  Pardon,  member  of  class  of  1775, 
prominent  physician,  288. 

Bowen,  William,  received  degree  of  A. 
M.,  165. 

Bowers,  David,  323. 

Bowers,  John,  signed  the  original  peti- 
tion for  a  charter,  517. 

Bowles,  Captain,  of  Ashford,  315,  331. 

Bradford,  William,  Deputy  Governor, 
appointed  to  draft  address  to  Continen- 
tal Congress,  288. 

Bradford,  William,  Jr.,  pupil  of  Man- 
ning's Latin  School,  52. 

Brayton,  Israel,  signer  to  original  peti- 
tion for  charter,  517. 

Brick  School-house  on  Meeting  street, 
account  of,  Latin  School  kept  in,  188 ; 
committee  on  College  edifice  met  in, 
151;  recommendation  that  it  be  pur- 
chased for  a  public  school,  463. 

Bristol,  attack  on  by  the  British  under 
Captain  Wallace,  286;  petitions  Con- 
gress for  exemption  from  foreign  ton- 
nage, 469. 

Bristol  Academy,  England,  264 ;  Thomas 
Llewelyn  bequeathed  library  to,  181. 

Bristol  Baptist  Education  Society,  405 ; 
account  of,  418. 

Britain,  Mr.,  of  Philadelphia,  323. 

British  troops  landed  at  Elizabethtown, 
to  capture  Governor  Livingston,  318; 
seven  hundred  left  Philadelphia  in 
1778  to  destroy  vessels  near,  323  ;  pris- 
oners taken  at  Stony  Point,  325 ;  army 
landed  on  Island  of  Rhode  Island  in 
December,  1776;  camp  in  plain  view 
from  the  College,  365. 

Broadsides,  Order  of  Exercises,  and  The- 
ses, complete  set  in  College  Library,  89. 

Brooks,  Mrs.,  326. 

Brother,  Esquire,  329. 

Brown,  Chad,  great  ancestor  of  the 
Brown  family,  an  Elder  in  the  church, 
according  to  tradition  the  "  first  Bap- 
tist Elder  in  Rhode  Island,"  home-lot 
selected  by  the  committee  for  the  Col- 
lege edifice,  136,  137, 203,  208. 


560 


INDEX. 


Brown,  John,  eldest  son  of  Chad,preached 
but  not  an  Elder,  137. 

Brown,  James,  grandson  of  Chad,  long 
an  Elder  of  the  Baptist  church,  137, 208. 

Brown  Brothers,  Nicholas,  Joseph, 
John,  and  Moses,  grandsons  of  Elder 
James,  active  in  securing  subscriptions 
for  Providence,  endeavor  to  stop  a 
special  meeting  of  the  Corporation,  117, 
118 ;  had  an  interest  in  promoting  the 
Institution  now  called  Brown  Univer- 
sity, 137;  assume  charge  of  building 
College  edifice  without  commissions, 
151 ;  submit  in  behalf  of  Building  Com- 
mittee account  of  receipts  and  expen- 
ditures, 153-55. 

Brown,  Nicholas,  oldest  of  the  "  Four 
Brothers,"  Corporator,  536;  Charter 
Trustee,  538;  Baptist  Trustee,  1770, 
549;  present  at  first  and  second  meet- 
ings of  Corporation,  52,  57;  present  at 
final  meeting  to  determine  location  of 
the  College,  121;  Hezekiah  Smith 
lodges  with  during  Commencement 
week,  179,  188;  letter  to  Smith,  183; 
on  committee  to  confer  with  Manning 
in  regard  to  soliciting  funds  in  Eng- 
land, 190;  on  various  committees  for 
building  new  meeting-house,  220,  221 ; 
on  committee  to  draft  charter  for  Char- 
itable Baptist  Society,  member  of 
standing  committee  of  eleven,  221! 
manager  of  lottery  for  Baptist  meeting- 
house, 222;  first  moderator  of  Chari- 
table Baptist  Society,  227 ;  present  at 
Corporation  meeting  in  1774, 263 ;  Man- 
ning writes  to  from  Philadelphia,  325 ; 
present  at  meetings  of  Corporation  in 
1780,  and  1782,  332,  335;  on  committee 
with  Manning  to  prepare  digest  of  Col- 
lege laws,  355;  lost  his  new  born  son, 
449;  has  set  of  Gordon's  history,  467: 
signs  letter  to  Manning  requesting  him 
to  preach,  472;  in  a  very  poor  way,  dis- 
order radical  and  fatal,  483 ;  Manning's 
notice  of  decease,  "  our  good  friend," 
493 ;  dwelling  house  on  Thomas  Street 


came  into  the  possession  of  Obadiah 
Brown,  226.    See  Letters. 

Brown,  Mrs.  (Rhoda  Jenckes),  wife  of 
Nicholas,  died  December,  1783,  "hap- 
pily resigned,"  386. 

Brown,  Hope,  daughter  of  Nicholas, 
(married  Thomas  P.  Ives),  gave  glass 
chandeliers  to  Baptist  church,  225. 

Brown,  Miss  Joey,  daughter  of  Nicholas, 
in  a  decline,  fast  consumption,  still 
survives,  died  "  ripe  for  heaven,"  382, 
388,  397,  399. 

Brown,  Moses,  youngest  son  of  Nicholas, 
graduated  in  class  of  1790,  481. 

Brown,  Nicholas,  Jr.,  graduated  at  the 
age  of  seventeen,  in  class  of  1786,  after- 
wards the  distinguished  benefactor  for 
whom  the  University  was  named,  442, 
443,  451 ;  gave  in  1792  two  thousand  dol- 
lars for  a  lot  and  parsonage,  afterwards 
gave  organ,  225;  married  for  second 
wife,  daughter  of  Benjamin  Stelle,  37. 

Brown,  John  Carter,  son  of  Hon.  Nich- 
olas, set  of  minutes  of  Warren  Associa- 
tion in  his  library,  79. 

Brown,  Joseph,  second  of  the  "Four 
Brothers,"  Baptist  Trustee  in  1770,  549; 
on  committee  to  draft  instructions  and 
prepare  model  for  College  edifice  in 
"Warren,  110,  111 ;  present  at  final  meet- 
ing of  Corporation  to  determine  loca- 
tion of  the  College,  121 ;  on  committee 
to  prepare  model  of  proposed  College 
building  in  Providence,  140;  received 
degree  of  A.  M.,  165 ;  meeting  of  Baptist 
Society  held  at  his  house  in  reference 
to  new  meeting-house,  219,  220;  on  va- 
rious committees,  220,  221;  principal 
architect  of  the  new  house,  224 ;  present 
at  Corporation  meeting  in  1774,  one  of 
the  assessors  of  taxes  for  Providence, 
263,  543;  member  of  Committee  of  In- 
spection during  the  war,  283 ;  appointed 
to  draft  address  to  Continental  Con- 
gress, 283;  present  at  meetings  of  Cor- 
poration in  1780,  and  1782,  333,  335; 
chairman  of  committee  to  draft  petition 


INDEX. 


561 


to  Congress  respecting  College  edifice, 
334 ;  appointed  with  Manning  and  Hop- 
kins to  make  out  Catalogue  of  the  Li- 
brary^!; philosophical  genius,  chosen 
Professor  of  Experimental  Philosophy, 
381 ;  not  yet  completed  list  of  appara- 
tus, 385 ;  received  violent  stroke  of  apo- 
plexy, life  despaired  of,  396 ;  indisposi- 
tion a  heavy  stroke  to  the  College,  399; 
died  Dec.  3,  1785,  brief  account  of, 
419. 
Brown,  John,  third  of  the  "  Four  Broth- 
ers," name  mentioned  in  preamble  to 
Charter,  535;  on  committee  to  purchase 
materials  for  College  edifice  in  Warren, 
110;  on  committee  to  fix  upon  suitable 
place  for  College  edifice  in  Providence, 
113;  chairman  of  the  committee,  136; 
member  of  committee  to  carry  on  the 
building,  114, 139, 150 ;  treated  the  crowd 
with  punch  on  laying  the  corner  stone, 
151 ;  leader  in  the  affair  of  the  Gaspee, 
184;  purchaser  at  auction  of  the  old 
Baptist  meeting-house,  220;  committee 
man  for  carrying  on  building  of  new 
meeting-house,  221;  chosen  Trustee  in 
place  of  William  Brown,  264;  member 
of  Committee  of  Inspection  during  the 
war,  283 ;  elected  Treasurer  of  the  Col- 
lege, 288:  present  at  meetings  of  Cor- 
poration in  1780,  and  1782,  333, 335 ;  offers 
to  advance  one-half  the  sum  necessary 
to  procure  philosophical  apparatus  and 
books,  347 ;  presents  to  the  Library 
fourteen  hundred  volumes  ordered 
from  London,  389;  about  finishing  third 
story  of  College  edifice,  398;  on  com- 
mittee to  correspond  with  David  Howell 
in  regard  to  compensation  from  Con- 
gress for  rents  and  damage,  419;  Con- 
gress voted  compensation  later  on 
through  his  influence,  434 ;  has  set  of 
Gordon's  history,  467 ;  signed  letter  to 
Manning  asking  him  to  preach,  472; 
paid  travelling  expenses  of  Elder  John 
Williams  to  Foster,  498 ;  appointed  on 
committee  to  visit  and  condole  with 
71 


Mrs.  Manning  on  death  of  the  Presi- 
dent, 495. 

Brown,  Moses,  youngest  of  the  "  Four 
Brothers,"  made  the  first  motion  to 
have  the  College  located  in  Providence, 
letter  to  Francis  Wayland,  cited,  112, 
113;  signed  the  memorial  from  Provi- 
dence in  favor  of  the  College,  115 ;  on 
a  committee  appointed  at  town  meeting 
to  present  Providence  subscriptions  to 
Corporation,  118;  account  of  the  final 
meeting  to  determine  location,  123, 124; 
Representative  to  General  Assembly 
from  Providence,  129;  member  of  com- 
mittee to  present  and  enforce  remon- 
strance of  Corporation,  132;  letter  to 
Francis  Wayland  in  regard  to  College 
edifice,  137;  furnished  materials  for  life 
of  Stephen  Hopkins,  417 ;  on  committee 
with  Manning  in  favor  of  public  schools, 
463.    See  Letters. 

Brown,  Obadiah,  son  of  Moses,  prosecu- 
ted his  studies  during  the  war,  336;  be- 
came the  owner  of  Nicholas  Brown's 
dwelling,  226. 

Brown,  Clarke,  signer  to  original  petition 
for  charter,  517. 

Brown,  Daniel,  represented  Warren 
church  at  first  meeting  of  Warren  As- 
sociation, 75. 

Brown,  Esek,  of  Swansea,  remarkable' 
funeral,  194. 

Brown,  Jeremiah,  138,  315,  331. 

Brown,  John,  Baptist  minister  of  Ketter- 
ing, England,  recommended  by  Ryland 
for  College  honors,  174;  able  to  read 
Greek,  245. 

Brown,  John,  farm  at  Chepachet,  314. 

Brown,  John,  of  Gloucester,  331. 

Bbown,  Marmaduke,  of  Newport,  Corpor- 
ator, 536 ;  Charter  Fellow,  538 ;  Episco- 
pal Fellow,  1770,  550. 

Brown,  Mary,  daughter  of  Jeremiah,  wife 
of  David  Howell,  68. 

Brown,  T.  Edwin,  pastor  of  First  Bap- 
tist Church,  198,  226. 

Brown,  William,  Baptist  Trustee,  1770, 


562 


INDEX. 


549 ;  votes  in  favor  of  Newport  for  loca- 
tion of  the  College,  126 ;  resigns  in  1774, 
succeeded  by  John  Brown,  264. 

Brown  University,  Documentary  His- 
tory published  in  1867,  1 ;  owes  its  ori- 
gin to  Philadelphia  Association,  7 ;  rise 
and  constitution  as  given  in  the  annual 
catalogues,  cited,  533,  534;  named  in 
honor  of  Nicholas  Brown,  its  most  dis- 
tinguished benefactor,  442.  See  Col- 
lege, Commencement,  Corporation, 
Charter,  College  Edifice,  etc. 

Brunswick,  324. 

Bryson,  James,  benefactor  of  the  Col- 
lege, received  degree  at  First  Com- 
mencement, 84. 

Bucalaw,  Mr.,  319. 

Bucklin,  Joseph,  appointed  on  commit- 
tee to  lay  before  Corporation  Provi- 
dence subscriptions,  118;  one  of  the 
actors  in  affair  of  the  Gaspee,  185. 

"Bull,  Captain,  331. 

Bull's  Iron  Works  in  Kent,  316. 

Bullock,  Daniel  and  Samuel,  represen- 
ted Second  Church,  Rehoboth,  at  first 
meeting  of  Warren  Association,  75. 

Bunyan,  John,  Manning  suggests  works 
of  "  good  Mr.  Bunyan"  as  an  acceptable 
present  for  the  Library,  238 ;  works  in 
six  volumes  presented  by  Benjamin 
Wallin,  254. 

Bunker  Hill,  Hezekiah  Smith  present  at 
battle  of,  147. 

Burden,  Lizzy,  married  Mr.  Owen,  317. 

Burges,  Tristam,  pupil  of  William  Wil- 
liams at  Wrentham,  98 ;  address  before 
Federal  Adelphi,  cited,  268,  447. 

Burr,  Aaron,  President  of  College  of  New 
Jersey,  26. 

Burr,  Elisha,  of  Rehoboth,  153. 

Burrage,  Henry  S.,  of  Portland,  Baptist 
Trustee,  550. 

Burrill.  James,  graduated  in  class  of 
1788,  Attorney  General,  Chief  Justice, 
United  States  Senator,  458. 

Burroughs,  Ezek,  signer  of  original  peti- 
tion for  charter,  517. 


Burroughs,  William,  also  signer  of  peti- 
tion, 517. 
Burt,  Esquire,  good  liver,  317. 

Cadet  Company,  incorporated  as  an  Ar- 
tillery Company  in  1744,  261,  291 ;  escor- 
ted procession  at  Commencement  of 
1774,  260. 

Cahoon,  Mr.,  of  Connecticut,  314. 

Cahoon,  Daniel,  meeting  of  Baptist  Soci- 
ety held  at  his  house,  219;  member  of 
standing  committee  of  eleven,  221;  first 
treasurer  of  Charitable  Baptist  Society, 
227 ;  present  at  meeting  of  Corporation 
in  1780,  333. 

Caldwell,  Samuel,  pastor  of  First  Bap- 
tist Church,  history,  cited,  198,  210; 
anniversary  discourse,  cited,  227. 

Callender's  century  discourse,  cited, 
207;  statement  respecting  division  in 
Baptist  church  in  1653,  209. 

Camp,  Landlord,  329. 

Campbell,  Jacob,  received  degree  of  A. 
B.,  345. 

Carpenter,  William,  represented  Norton 
Baptist  church  at  first  meeting  of  War- 
ren Association,  75. 

Carter,  Robert,  340. 

Caryl's  Exposition  on  Job  presented  to 
Library,  434. 

Castell's  Lexicon  presented  to  Library, 
417. 

Caswell,  Alexis,  President  of  Brown 
University,  196. 

Cathcart's  Baptist  Encyclopaedia,  cited, 
12,  13,  512. 

Certificates,  Baptist  churches  refused 
to  give,  250,  251. 

Chace,  Arnold  B.,  Quaker  Trustee  and 
Treasurer,  550. 

Chace.  Jonathan,  of  Valley  Falls,  Quaker 
Trustee,  5.50. 

Chace,  John  B.,  statement  respecting 
hearse  used  at  Manning's  funeral,  496. 

Champion,  Judah,  pastor  of  Congrega- 
tional church  at  Litchfield,  316. 

Channing,  William,  of  Newport,  379. 


INDEX. 


563 


Charitable  Baptist  Society,  incorpora- 
ted in  1774,  fifth  church  charter  granted 
by  Legislature,  drafted  by  Manning, 
preamble  cited,  227, 228 ;  Manning  makes 
request  in  writing  for  meeting  of  to 
finish  the  house,  his  last  request,  495. 

Charity,  should  begin  at  home,  but  not 
end  there,  391,  405. 

Charlestown,  exaggerated  reports  of  re- 
pulse of  British  army  at,  319,  321. 

Charlestown  Association,  plan  for  rais- 
ing funds  for  College,  22. 

Charlton,  town  where  Charles  Thomp- 
son died,  101. 

Charter,  History  of,  Appendix,  509-551 ; 
printed  in  full  from  first  edition,  534- 
542;  original  petition  for  published  in 
full,  516,  517 ;  Josias  Lyndon  and  Job 
Bennet  appointed  to  draw,  44:  drawn 
by  Dr.  Stiles  and  William  Ellery,  515 ; 
alterations  in  the  Stiles  draft  made  by 
the  Philadelphia  committee,  519;  sum- 
mary of  Manning's  narrative  and 
Jenckes's  history,  523-525;  granted  by 
the  General  Assembly  at  February  ses- 
sion, 1764,  44,65,  523;  criticised  by  some 
for  its  excessive  liberality,  45;  desig- 
nated by  Edwards  as  "  a  brand  plucked 
from  the  burning,"  523;  recognizes  in 
most  unequivocal  terms  the  grand  prin- 
ciples of  religious  freedom,  532-533;  re- 
vised in  1782  on  account  of  the  war, 
336 ;  act  of  the  Legislature  limiting  the 
exemption  from  taxation,  544-549 ;  prop- 
erty of  the  University  taxed  in  1895  and 
1896,  case  brought  before  Appellate 
Division  of  the  Supreme  Court,  548. 

Charter,  copy  of  the  Stiles  draft  pre- 
sented to  General  Assembly  in  August, 
1763,  lost,  and  afterwards  recovered, 
published  in  full  in  Appendix  to  "  Life, 
Times,  and  Correspondence  of  James 
Manning,"  525-527. 

Charter  for  another  college  to  be  located 
at  Newport,  passed  Lower  House  of 
the  General  Assembly,  February  ses- 
sion, 1770,  129-131 ;  manuscript  in  the 


handwriting  of  Dr.  Stiles  in  poseession 
of  the  late  David  King,  impression  of 
seal  in  writer's  possession,  134. 

Charter  of  Amherst  College,  Professor 
Tyler's  account  of,  511. 

Chatterton's  Hill,  Gano's  fearless  con- 
duct at  battle  of,  39. 

Chauncy,  Charles,  of  Boston,  addresses 
Dr.  Stennett  of  London  in  regard  to 
New  England  Baptists,  192 ;  draft  of  first 
charter  loaned  him  by  Dr.  Stiles,  526. 

Chelmsford,  Baptist  church  taxed  to 
parish  teachers,  250. 

Child,  Cromel,  signed  the  original  peti- 
tion for  charter,  517 ;  daughter  married 
James  Mitchel  Varnum,  94. 

Child,  John,  extends  with  others  call  to 
Manning  in  behalf  of  Warren  Baptist 
church,  51. 

Child,  Sylvester,  of  Warren,  Baptist 
Trustee,  1770,  549;  signed  original  peti- 
tion for  charter,  517 ;  chairman  of  Com- 
mittee to  purchase  materials  for  College 
building  in  Warren,  110;  present  at 
final  meeting  to  determine  location  of 
College,  121;  votes  in  favor  of  Provi- 
dence, 126;  member  of  committee  to 
carry  on  building  of  College  edifice  in 
Providence,  114, 139,  150;  appointed  on 
committee  to  draft  address  to  Conti- 
nental Congress,  288 ;  daughter  married 
Charles  Thompson,  100. 

Christian  Ministry,  Manning's  charge 
to  candidates  for,  471,  472. 

Church  militant,  401. 

Circular  Letter  of  Warren  Association, 
1769,  prepared  by  Manning,  80,  81. 

Civil  and  Religious  Liberty,  better  un- 
derstood in  New  England  after  the  war, 
390. 

Claridge,  Richard,  answer  to  Richard 
Allen's  essay  on  singing,  cited,  215. 

Clark,  Henry  C,  erected  monument  to 
memory  of  Ebenezer  Knight  Dexter,  68. 

Clark,  William,  benefactor  of  the  Col- 
lege, received  degree  of  A.  M.,  84;  Cal- 
vinistic  Baptist  minister  in    London, 


564 


INDEX. 


able  to  read  Greek,  244;  portrait  in 
Rippon's  Baptist  Register,  487. 

Clarke,  John,  106 ;  baptized  in  Seekonk 
River,  206. 

CiiARKE,  Joseph,  signer  to  original  peti- 
tion for  charter,  517 ;  name  mentioned 
in  preamble,  517. 

Clarke,  Joshua,  of  Hopkinton,  signer  to 
original  petition  for  charter,  517 ;  Cor- 
porator, 536;  Charter  Trustee,  538;  Bap- 
tist Trustee,  1770,  549. 

Clarke,  Captain  Peleg,  309. 

Clergy  in  Connecticut,  have  great  polit- 
ical influence,  329. 

Clergy  of  New  England,  inveterate  en- 
mity of  towards  the  College,  192; 
"  Thank  God  they  don't  govern  the 
world,"  193. 

Clinton's  New  York  brigade,  Gano  chap- 
lain of,  38. 

Clock  of  First  Baptist  meeting-house, 
account  of,  224. 

Clymer,  of  Philadelphia,  threatened  with 
banishment  to  New  York,  323. 

Cochrane,  Surgeon-General  at  West 
Point,  328. 

Coddington,  Governor  of  Rhode  Island, 
statement  in  regard  to  Roger  Williams 
and  his  baptism,  196,  201. 

Coe,  Curtis,  graduated  in  class  of  1776, 
291. 

Coffin,  Paul,  signer  to  the  original  peti- 
tion for  a  charter,  517. 

Colburn,  Josiah,  represented  Baptist 
church,  Boston,  at  first  meeting  of  War- 
ren Association,  75. 

Colby,  Gardner,  of  Orange,  N.  J.,  Bap- 
tist Trustee. 

Colchester,  N.  H.,  cases  of  suffering  for 
oppression  reported  to  Warren  Associa- 
tion, 166. 

Cole,  A.,  154. 

Cole,  Benjamin,  extends  with  others 
call  to  Manning  to  become  pastor  of 
Warren  church,  51 ;  represents  Warren 
church  at  first  meeting  of  the  Associa- 
tion, 75. 


Cole,  Ebenezer,  member  of  committee  to 
extend  call  to  Manning  in  New  Jersey, 
48;  extends  with  others  call  to  Man- 
ning to  become  pastor  of  the  church, 
51 ;  appointed  in  behalf  of  the  church 
to  request  Manning  to  attend  a  church 
meeting,  142. 

Cole,  John,  Postmaster  of  Providence, 
signed  memorial  in  favor  of  the  Col- 
lege, 115;  continued  on  a  committee  of 
the  town  to  lay  before  the  Corporation 
the  Providence  subscriptions,  118. 

Cole,  Robert,  one  of  the  founders  of 
Rhode  Island,  202. 

Coles,  Esquire,  48. 

Coles,  Benjamin,  pastor  of  Baptist 
church  at  Hopewell,  319,  320,  324. 

College,  Baptist,  settled  "in  the  Rhode 
Island  Government"  through  the  ef- 
forts of  Morgan  Edwards,  13;  "  Baptists 
have  begun  College  of  their  own,"  may 
never  imagine  to  confine  Christ  or  his 
church  to  the  College  for  ministers,  65; 
Warren  selected  for  first  location,  con- 
tinued there  six  years,  47-107 ;  removed 
to  Providence  in  1770,  corner-stone  of 
the  building  laid  in  May,  136;  lands 
originally  comprised  eight  acres,  cost 
$730,  154;  Manning,  Howell,  and  stu- 
dents left  Warren  for  Providence  Fri- 
day, May  4, 1770, 143 ;  Manning's  account 
of  in  1771 ,  unreasonable  opposition  made 
against  it  by  the  Congregationalists  of 
New  England,  172;  bitterness  of  Con- 
gregationalists towards,  illustrated  in 
letter  from  Morgan  Edwards,  174;  in 
keeping  with  the  opposition  and  un- 
friendliness experienced  by  Roger  Wil- 
liams, 175 ;  clergy  of  the  Standing  Order 
use  all  their  endeavors  to  prevent 
scholars  from  coming  to  a  Baptist  Col- 
lege, 177 ;  liberal  and  catholic,  aiming 
at  the  good  of  mankind,  180 ;  apparatus 
consists  of  pair  of  globes,  two  micro- 
scopes, and  an  electrical  machine,  181; 
"jealous  eye  with  which  other  denomi- 
nations behold  this  infant  Seminary," 


INDEX. 


565 


182 ;  enemies  of  the  Institution,  so  writes 
Nicholas  Brown,  doing  what  mischief 
they  can  by  discouraging  scholars  from 
coming  here,  183;  history  of  to  be  pre- 
pared by  Manning,  and  copies  sent  to 
England,  235,  242,  244, 253, 257, 258 ;  Man- 
ning's history  in  1773,  published  in  Doc- 
umentary History  of  Brown  Univer- 
sity, 236;  detail  of  facts  and  ill  will 
toward,  given  in  a  letter  to  Ryland, 
242-3 ;  number  of  scholars  in  1773  thirty, 
243;  Solomon  Drowne  recited  with  first 
class  that  met  in  the  new  College  build- 
ing, 1771,  246;  Drowne's  diary  giving 
college  studies  in  1770-73, 246-47 ;  thirty- 
six  students  in  1774,  262 ;  committee  of 
senior  class,  1775,  publish  communica- 
tion in  Providence  Gazette,  286 ;  course 
of  studies  suspended  and  building  occu- 
pied for  barracks  and  an  hospital  from 
Dec.  7,  1776,  until  May  27,  1782,  293; 
number  of  students  in  1770,  1772,  1773, 
1774, 1775,  293 ;  students  engaged  in  the 
great  revival  of  1774-75,  296-97 ;  account 
of  expected  by  Benjamin  Wallin  before 
the  war,  300;  Judge  Howell  resigns  his 
professorship  in  1779,  311 ;  efforts  to  re- 
vive instruction  in  1780,  333;  seal, 
which  had  busts  of  the.King  and  Queen, 
broken,  and  committee  appointed  to 
make  new  one,  337 ;  "  only  Baptist  in- 
stitution on  the  continent,"  340 ;  in  view 
of  the  smallness  of  the  funds  Manning 
offers  to  go  abroad  and  solicit  subscrip- 
tions, 345;  device  for  College  seal  ap- 
proved by  Corporation,  349 ;  founded  in 
1764,  small  beginnings  and  small  en- 
dowments, 354;  not  yet  received  a  name 
for  want  of  some  distinguished  bene- 
factor, 360;  twelve  students  in  Novem- 
ber, 1782,  College  waiting  for  a  name, 
has  contributed  not  a  little  to  the  inter- 
ests of  religion,  civil  liberty,  and  the 
progress  of  the  Baptist  denomination, 
361 ;  instrumental  in  greatly  promoting 
Baptist  principles  and  the  spread  of 
civil  and    religious  liberty,  365;    Man- 


ning writes  to  Thomas  Llewelyn,  of 
London,  requesting  him  to  patronize  the 
Institution,  and  give  it  a  name,  368-70; 
those  inimical  to  the  Baptists  exceed- 
ing vigilant  to  prevent  its  growth,  369; 
Circular  Letter  of  Warren  Association 
in  1783,  commending  the  College  and 
urging  contributions  toward  its  sup- 
port, 371 ;  consists  of  thirteen  members 
in  March,  1784,  and  twenty-two  mem- 
bers in  August,  379,  385;  promises  bet- 
ter than  at  any  former  period,  387-8 ;  at 
the  commencement  of  the  war  in  a 
growing  state,  forty  students  and  a 
good  Latin  School  in  the  College  edi- 
fice, 389;  number  of  students  in  Sep- 
tember, 1784,  thirty,  one  Tutor,  and 
small  Latin  School,  390;  Institution  has 
greatly  contributed  to  the  perpetuity  of 
Baptist  denomination,  390:  number  of 
students  in  July,  1785,  thirty-five,  one 
lately  converted,  403;  continues  to  in- 
crease, 405,  414;  petition  to  Congress 
for  rents  and  damage  to  building  dur- 
ing the  war,  address  to  David  Howell, 
418;  number  of  students  in  April,  1786, 
about  fifty,  429;  Manning  induced  to 
accept  an  appointment  to  Congress  in 
hope  to  benefit  the  College,  431 ;  would 
flourish  greatly  but  for  the  scarcity  of 
money,  431 ;  named  Brown  University 
after  Nicholas  Brown,  442;  still  desti- 
tute of  a  steward,  no  commons,  444; 
students  delinquent  in  paying  bills, 
445 ;  has  more  students  than  ever,  June, 
1788,  457;  several  students  down  with 
the  measles,  a  few  under  serious  im- 
pressions, 477 ;  "Washington's  visitto, in 
1790,480-1;  receives  degree  of  LL.  D., 
482;  affairs  not  prosperous,  number  of 
students,  June,  1791,  about  fifty-five, 
493;  established  in  Rhode  Island  be- 
cause the  Legislature  was  chiefly  in  the 
hands  of  Baptists,  514 ;  origin  of  as- 
cribed by  some  to  the  teachings  and 
silent  influence  of  Bishop  Berkeley, 
512;  Backus's  account  of  the  origin  of, 


566 


INDEX. 


529-31.  See  also  Brown  University, 
Charter,  Corporation,  Commence- 
ment, College  Edifice,  College  Laws, 
Latin  School,  and  Manning. 
College  Edifice,  now  University  Hall, 
to  be  on  the  same  plan  as  that  of  Prince- 
ton, 122;  workmen  began  to  break 
ground  for,  Tuesday,  March  27,  1770, 
139:  corner-stone  laid  May  14,  136,151; 
vote  of  the  Corporation  that  it  be  150 
feet  long,  46  feet  wide,  and  4  stories 
high,  140;  the  "Four  Brothers"  as- 
sume charge  of  the  building,  151 ;  de- 
scription of  given  by  Manning  in  his 
correspondence,  and  in  Providence  Ga- 
zette, 152,  159,  165,  181;  engraving  of, 
with  President's  house  and  garden  as 
it  was  in  Manning's  time,  157 ;  lower 
rooms  finished  March  30,  1772,  183;  Cor- 
poration makes  application  to  General 
Assembly  to  forward  memorial  to  Con- 
tinental Congress  for  remuneration  for 
rents  and  damage  during  war,  333;  re- 
peated applications,  act  for  compensa- 
tion finally  passed  by  Congress  in  April, 
1800,  334 ;  taken  for  use  of  American 
troops  and  French  army  from  Dec.  17, 
1776,  until  May  27,  1782,  335,  389;  sub- 
scription opened  for  raising  £300  for 
purpose  of  repairing,  petition  to  Gen- 
eral Assembly  detailing  damages,  etc., 
337-38;  account  of  its  use  during  the 
war  in  letter  to  "  His  Most  Christian 
Majesty,"  353;  all  the  rooms  in  two 
lower  stories  now  full,  July,  1784,  must 
go  directly  to  finishing  third  and  fourth 
stories,  388;  Manning  writes  to  Judge 
Howell  about  an  application  to  Con- 
gress for  damages,  397;  John  Brown 
about  finishing  third  story,  March,  1785, 
398. 

College  Laws  and  Customs,  based  upon 
those  in  College  of  New  Jersey,  264;  in 
1774,  given  in  full  from  Enoch  Pond's 
manuscript  copy,  264-275;  enacted  by 
the  Corporation  in  1783,  355-59. 

College  of  New  Jersey,  now  Princeton 


University,  established  by  Presbyte- 
rians, founded  in  1746,  under  the  au- 
spices of  Synod  of  New  York,  20, 25 ;  first 
efforts  for  in  connection  with  first 
schism  in  Presbyterian  Church,  Jona- 
than Dickinson,  first  President,  leader 
of  the  Old  Synod  of  Philadelphia,  also 
leader  of  new  Synod  of  New  York,  25 ; 
College  owes  its  origin,  in  part,  to  ex- 
pulsion of  David  Brainard  and  the 
Cleveland  brothers  from  Yale,  26;  first 
located  at  Elizabethtown,  removed  to 
Newark,  and  then  to  Princeton,  26 ;  re- 
quirements for  admission,  laws  and 
customs,  28-31;  funds  increased  by 
lotteries,  187.    See  Manning. 

Collins,  Mr.,  322,  325. 

Collins,  George  L.,  of  Providence,  Qua- 
ker Trustee,  550. 

Columbia  College  under  Episcopal  con- 
trol, 548. 

Colwell,  Francis,  City  Solicitor,  548; 
submits  to  Appellate  Division  of  Su- 
preme Court,  in  behalf  of  city,  brief, 
contending  that  it  is  constitutionally 
illegal,  etc,,  to  exempt  College  from 
taxation,  548-49. 

Collins,  Governor,  casts  decisive  vote  of 
Senate  concurring  with  Lower  House 
in  calling  Convention,  478. 

Commencement  on  first  Wednesday  in 
September,  "Warren  Association  to 
meet  Tuesday  after,  77 ;  First  Com- 
mencement in  Warren,  Sept.  7,  1769, 
red-letter  day,  full  account,  sketches  of 
graduates,  etc.,  82-107;  custom  of  a 
Commencement  sermon  inaugurated  by 
Morgan  Edwards,  85;  Smith,  Stillman, 
and  Baldwin,  the  usual  preachers,  56; 
second  Commencement  held  in  Snow's 
meeting-house,  Providence,  1770,  ac- 
count of,  163-165;  third,  1771,  179-180; 
fourth,  1772,  Smith's  diary,  cited,  ac- 
count in  Providence  Gazette,  188-190; 
fifth,  1773,  objections  made  on  the 
ground  that  members  of  the  Senior 
class  were  not  orators,  246;  account  of 


INDEX. 


567 


exercises  from  diary  of  Solomon 
Drowne,  247 ;  Manning's  charge  to  grad- 
uating class,  248-249 ;  Smith's  diary  giv- 
ing account  of  Commencement  week, 
250;  sixth,  1774,  held  for  the  last  time 
in  Mr.  Snow's  meeting-house,  account 
from  Providence  Gazette,  260-261 ;  1775, 
committee  from  Senior  class  address 
communication  to  President  and  Pro- 
fessor requesting  that  there  be  no 
Commencement  exercises  on  account 
of  the  war,  Faculty  accede  to  request, 
battles  of  Lexington,  Concord,  and 
Bunker  Hill,  absorb  public  attention, 
286-288 ;  1776,  held  as  usual,  and  for  the 
first  time  in  the  new  Baptist  meeting- 
house, last  one  held  during  the  War, 
291-292;  1783,  public  exercises  resumed, 
Dr.  Stillman  preached  an  animating 
sermon  from  Luke  xv.  |32,  no  record  of 
order  of  exercises,  Providence  Gazette, 
cited,  344-345;  1783,  Manning's  account 
of,  in  letter  to  David  Howell,  "  equal 
to  any  ever  had,"  347;  diary  of  Heze- 
kiah  Smith  respecting,  349;  1786,  exer- 
cises resumed,  Manning  in  New  York 
as  a  member  of  Congress,  442;  1787,  ac- 
acount  of,  446-447 ;  1788,  account  of, 
exercises  as  usual  continued  through 
the  day,  concourse  of  people  pro- 
digious, 457-458;  1789,  Manning's  charge 
to  graduating  class,  470-472;  1790, 
last  Commencement  at  which  Man- 
ning presided,  twenty-two  took  their 
degree,  largest  number  that  had  ever 
graduated,  481-482;  accounts  of  Com- 
mencements for  the  years  1789-1801 
published  in  the  four  volumes  of  Rip- 
pon's  Annual  Register,  487. 

Commencement  at  Yale  in  1772,  Smith  and 
Howell  attended  and  received  degree 
of  A.  M.,  189. 

Commercial  embarrassments  multiplied. 
425. 

Committee  on  Grievances  of  Warren 
Association,  166 ;  advise  their  agent  to 
write  to  the  churches  not  to  give  in  any 


more  certificates,  251;  to  meet  May  26, 
1774,  in  Boston,  if  no  redress  is  granted 
will  apply  to  the  King  through  their 
London  agents,  257 ;  members  of,  in 
1784,  380. 

Committee  of  Inspection,  1775,  283. 

Commons,  rules  concerning  in  1774,  stew- 
ards, etc.,  273-275;  board  seven  shil- 
lings and  sixpence  in  1784,  385. 

Compton,  William,  154. 

Comstock,  Andrew,  of  Providence,  Bap- 
tist Trustee,  550. 

Conanicut  Island,  nine  miles  in  length, 
threatening  demands  on,  deserted  on 
account  of  the  War,  286,  289. 

Condy,  Jeremiah,  name  omitted  in  Stiles 
draft  of  charter,  520;  Corporator,  536; 
Charter  Fellow,  538;  one  of  the  two 
Baptist  ministers  in  New  England  in 
1755  who  had  a  liberal  education,  64; 
present  at  first  meeting  of  Corporation, 
52. 

Confederation,  articles  of  utterly  inad- 
equate to  the  purposes  of  government, 
424 ;  inefficient  to  promote  social  order 
and  protect  paramount  interests,  448. 

Congress  passed  an  act,  April  16, 1800,  for 
relief  of  Corporation  of  the  College,  334. 

Congress  of  the  Confederation,  Gen- 
eral Varnum  appointed  a  delegate  to  in 
1780,  95 ;  in  1779  reduced  to  a  very  low 
ebb,  the  ablest  members  having  left  it, 
313 ;  members  of  entitled  to  a  good  liv- 
ing, if  not,  Manning  begs  to  know  who 
are,  397;  in  1786  obliged  to  adjourn  for 
want  of  sufficient  number  of  states  rep- 
resented, members  alarmed  at  present 
crisis,  empty  treasury,  collection  of 
taxes  postponed,  etc.,  438. 

Congregational  Courts, Granville  Sharp 
on,  409,  410. 

Congregational  Society  in  Providence 
organized  in  1720,  211. 

Congregationalist  ministers  in  Massa- 
chusetts, twelve  members  of  the  Fed- 
eral Convention  voted  in  favor  of  the 
Constitution,  450. 


568 


INDEX. 


Congregation alists,  opposition  of  to  the 
Charter  and  to  the  College  as  stated  by 
Morgan  Edwards,  527-529;  of  New- 
Hampshire  require  Baptists  to  pay  their 
minister,  171 ;  inveterate  enmity  of  the 
New  England  clergy  toward  the  Col- 
lege, "  thank  God,  they  don't  govern 
the  world,"  192-193;  clergy  of  Ashfield 
busy  in  collecting  scandalous  reports 
respecting  the  Baptists,  193;  detail  of 
facts  and  instances  of  ill  will  toward 
the  College,  242-243;  in  Cambridge, 
Brookfield,  Woodstock,  and  other 
places,  make  distress  in  1774  on  the 
Baptists,  381-2;  whole  congregations 
embrace  Baptist  principles,  396.  See 
Pedobaptists,  Presbyterians,  Stand- 
ing Order,  Committee  on  Grievances, 
Charter,  Warren  Association,  etc. 

Connecticut,  aided  the  distressed  inhab- 
itants of  Rhode  Island  during  the  War, 
309;  invasion  of  by  the  British  under 
Governor  Tyron,  of  New  York,  324. 

Connecticut  Farms,  residence  of  John 
Stites,  Manning's  father-in-law,  35,  324, 
326. 

Conolly,  Mr.,  322. 

Continental  Congress,  proposed  by 
Providence,  May  17, 1774,  in  town  meet- 
ing, 260;  Backus  sent  to  by  Warren  As- 
sociation as  agent  to  secure  for  Baptist 
churches  religious  liberty,  account  of 
meeting  in  Carpenter's  Hall,  276-280; 
principal  measures  adopted  by  First 
Congress,  280. 

Continental  Fast,  May  6,  1779,  315. 

Continental  Ferry,  328. 

Continental  Store,  Manning  preaches 
at,  327. 

Contention,  May  24,  1790,  for  adoption  of 
Federal  Constitution,  account  of,  479- 
480. 

Cook's  "  Story  of  the  Baptists,"  cited,  10. 

Cooke,  Amasa,  graduate  at  Commence- 
ment of  1776,  291. 

Cooke,  Nicholas,  chairman  of  Auditing 
Committee  on  College  building,  took 


his  engagement  as  Trustee  in  1769,  Bap- 
tist, though  in  communion  with  Mr. 
Snow's  church,  156;  present  at  final 
meeting  of  Corporation  to  determine 
location  of  the  College,  121 ;  Baptist 
Trustee  in  1770,  549 ;  one  of  the  liberal 
subscribers  toward  the  College  edifice, 
157;  member  of  Committee  of  Inspec- 
tion, 283;  famous  "War  Governor," 
appointed  to  office  in  place  of  Governor 
Wanton,  deposed,  284;  present  at  meet- 
ings of  Corporation  in  1780  and  1782, 
333,  335;  Welcome  Arnold  chosen  Trus- 
tee in  1783  in  room  of  Governor  Cooke, 
deceased,  348. 

Cooke,  Silas,  signer  to  original  petition 
for  charter,  517. 

Coomer,  John,  presents  with  others  call 
to  Manning  to  become  pastor  of  Warren 
church,  50. 

Coomer,  John,  Jr.,  pupil  of  Manning's 
Latin  School,  52. 

Corliss,  Captain,  of  Killingly,  314,  331. 

Cork,  Ireland,  Morgan  Edwards  pastor 
of  Baptist  church  in,  12. 

Cornell,  Gideon,  signer  of  original  peti- 
tion for  charter,  517. 

Corporation,  first  annual  meeting  held 
in  Newport,  first  Wednesday  in  Sep- 
tember, 1764,  52;  second  annual  meet- 
ing held  in  Colony  House,  Newport, 
1765,  53;  brief  sketches  of  members 
present,  extracts  from  records,  54-58; 
special  meeting  held  in  Newport,  Nov. 
20,  1766,  to  consider  Morgan  Edwards's 
offer  to  go  to  Europe  and  solicit  funds, 
69 ;  September,  1767,  extracts  from  rec- 
ords, 68;  Smith's  diary  respecting,  74; 
September,  1768,  extracts  from  records, 
69,  109;  sixth  annual  meeting  held  in 
Warren,  September,  1769,  81;  records 
in  reference  to  College  building,  110, 
111 ;  committee  appointed  to  prepare 
complete  model,  139;  vote  desiring 
Hezekiah  Smith  to  solicit  benefactions 
in  the  South,  145;  copy  of  credentials, 
146;  special  meeting  on  the  question  of 


INDEX. 


569 


permanent  location  of  the  College  held 
in  Newport,  Nov.  14-16,  1769,  extracts 
from  records,  113;  citation  for  another 
meeting,  118;  special  and  final  meeting 
to  determine  permanent  location  held 
in  Warren,  Feb.  7  and  8,  1770,  proceed- 
ings, votes,  etc.,  "Resolved,  That  the 
said  edifice  be  built  in  the  town  of 
Providence,  and  there  be  continued 
forever,"  120-128;  all  the  Baptist  min- 
isters present  appointed  a  committee  to 
wait  on  President  Manning,  and  request 
him  to  go  with  the  College  to  Provi- 
dence, 141;  special  meeting  held  in 
Warren,  April  25, 1770,  called  on  account 
of  application  to  General  Assembly  for 
another  college  to  be  located  in  New- 
port, memorial  and  remonstrance  pre- 
pared by  committee  of  five  and  pre- 
sented to  General  Assembly,  131-134; 
voted  that  the  President's  salary  be 
£100,  lawful  money,  142;  annual  meet- 
ing, September,  1770,  held  in  Provi- 
dence for  first  time,  vote  in  favor  of 
children  of  Jews  being  admitted  to  Col- 
lege, vote  of  thanks  on  receipt  of  Heze- 
kiah  Smith's  account  of  donations  and 
subscriptions,  150;  voted,  that  the 
Chancellor,  President,  and  Secretary 
be  committee  to  authorize  any  one  to 
"  take  and  collect  subscriptions  in  any 
part  of  the  world,"  158;  extract  from 
records,  152;  September,  1771,  account 
of  receipts  and  expenditures  for  Col- 
lege edifice  submitted  by  Nicholas 
Brown  &  Co.,  in  behalf  of  Building 
Committee,  153-155;  report  of  auditing 
committee  and  Arote  of  thanks,  156; 
September,  1772,  votes  relative  to  Col- 
lege edifice,  157;  vote  suggesting  that 
the  President  solicit  donations  in  Eu- 
rope, 190;  September,  1773,  157;  David 
Howell  elected  Fellow,  250;  September, 
1774,  proceedings,  263-264 ;  thanks  voted 
to  John  Gano  for  his  endeavors  to  pro- 
mote subscribtions  in  the  South,  158; 
September,  1775,  ten  young  men  ad- 
72 


mitted  to  degree  of  A.  B.,  John  Brown 
elected  Treasurer,  288 ;  September,  1776, 
account  of  meeting,  292;  September, 
1777,  conferred  degrees  in  the  new  meet- 
ing-house, no  Commencement,  307 ;  May 
5,  1780,  special  meeting,  333 :  no  records 
kept  during  the  War,  335;  September, 
1782,  committee  appointed  to  draft  pe- 
tition to  Congress  for  compensation  for 
rent  and  damage  to  College  edifice  dur- 
ing the  War,  334 ;  Sept.  14,  1782,  meet- 
ing fully  attended,  account  of  proceed- 
ings, seven  admitted  to  degree  of  A.  B., 
changes  made  in  Charter,  petition  to 
General  Assembly  respecting  College 
edifice,  335-338;  Jan.  27,  1783,  special 
meeting,  extract  from  records,  345; 
September,  1783,  account  of  proceed- 
ings in  letter  from  Manning  to  Judge 
Howell,  345-6 ;  diary  of  Hezekiah  Smith 
respecting,  349;  most  important  busi- 
ness confirming  and  ratifying  new  di- 
gest of  College  laws,  355;  Jan.  7,  1784, 
special  meeting,  address,  and  petition 
to  King  of  France  read  and  approved, 
350 ;  address  in  full  copied  from  origi- 
nal document,  350-51 ;  September,  1784, 
voted,  that  the  President  use  his  in- 
fluence to  establish  a  grammar  school 
as  an  appendage  to  the  College,  387; 
March,  13,  1786,  special  meeting,  ab- 
sence granted  to  President  Manning  to 
sit  in  Congress  as  a  delegate  from  Rhode 
Island,  Rev.  Perez  Fobes,  LL.  D.,  of 
Raynham,  appointed  to  take  charge  of 
the  College  In  his  absence,  426;  Aug. 
17, 1790,  special  meeting,  481 ;  April  13, 
1791,  special  meeting,  Manning  notified 
Corporation  to  look  out  for  a  successor 
to  take  his  place,  494;  Friday,  July  28, 
1791,  special  meeting,  death  of  Manning 
announced,  495;  Corporation  erect  a 
stone  to  the  memory  of  Manning, 
inscription  upon  from  pen  of  Judge 
Howell,  503,  505. 
Cosset,  Rama,  received  degree  of  A.  M., 
261. 


570 


INDEX. 


Cotton,  John,  of  Boston,  196;  church 
sent  deputation  to  church  in  Ports- 
mouth, R.  I.,  197. 

Cotton's  society,  Providence,  Deacon 
Joseph  Snow  and  others  withdrew  from 
in  1743,  and  founded  society  of  "  New 
Lights,"  163. 

Courses  of  Instruction  in  1783,  355-356. 

Court  of  St.  James,  Ashfield  act  op- 
pressing Baptists  and  Quakers  disal- 
lowed at  168-69. 

Covenant  of  the  Baptist  Church,  "War- 
ren, preserved  in  Manning's  handwrit- 
ing, 48;  regarded  as  the  creed  of  the 
church,  49. 

Coventry  Baptist  Church  Six  Principle 
in  1764,  73. 

Covey,  Mr.,  of  Farmington,  315. 

Cram,  Wadley,  and  Elizabeth  his  wife, 
161. 

Cranberry,  324,  326. 

Cranston  Baptist  Church,  Six  Principle 
in  1764,  73. 

Credit,  public,  impaired,  425. 

Cross,  Mr.,  of  New  Winsor,  317. 

Cumberland  Baptist  Church,  Six  Princi- 
'     pie  in  1764,  73. 

Cummings,  Abraham,  oration  in  Hebrew, 
in  1776,  291. 

Currie,  Robert,  153. 

Currency,  alarming  state  of  in  1779,  313. 

Curtis,  Mr.,  son-in-law  of  R.  Robinson, 
490. 

Cushing,  Thomas,  attends  conference 
with  Baptists  in  Carpenter's  Hall,  278. 

Cutting,  S.  S.,  articles,  cited,  21,  514-15. 

Dal  Verme  of  Milan,  Count,  present  at 
Commencement,  1783,  347 ;  anecdote  re- 
specting, 349-50. 

Danbury,  Ct.,  ruins  of  affecting,  marked 
with  traces  of  British  inhumanity,  329. 

Darby,  Henry,  committee  of  White  Clay 
Creek  met  at  his  house,  Morgan  Ed- 
wards present,  13. 

Darby,  "William,  deacon  in  Scotch  Plains 
church,  33,  34. 


Dark  Day  of  1780,  Williams's  account  of, 
cited,  310. 

Dartmouth  College,  charter  obtained 
by  Dr.  "Wheelock,  designed  originally 
as  a  school  for  the  poor  Indians,  178 ; 
expenses  greater  than  at  Rhode  Island 
College,  451 ;  case  of,  defended  by  Daniel 
"Webster  before  Supreme  Court  of  the 
United  States,  531. 

Dartmouth,  Lord,  benefactor  of  Dart- 
mouth College,  369. 

Daughters  of  Liberty,  87. 

Davenport's  at  Newfoundland,  318,  327. 

David,  Ebenezer,  valedictorian  of  class  of 
1772,  converted  in  College,  chaplain  in 
the  army,  190:  one  of  the  best  of  in- 
structors, 264. 

Davies,  Benjamin,  Calvinistic  Baptist 
minister  in  Wales,  able  to  read  Greek, 
245. 

Davies,  Samuel,  fourth  President  of  Col- 
lege of  New  Jersey,  brief  account  of, 
26-27. 

Davis,  Isaac,  of  "Worcester,  member  of 
committee  of  five  on  question  of  taxa- 
tion, 546. 

Davis,  John,  pupil  of  Isaac  Eaton  at 
Hopewell  Academy,  9;  name  omitted 
in  Stiles  draft  of  charter,  520;  Baptist 
Fellow  in  1770,  550 ;  received  degree  of 
A.  M.  at  First  Commencement,  84; 
chairman  of  committee  to  present  peti- 
tions to  General  Court  of  Massachu- 
setts respecting  persecutions  of  Bap- 
tists, 78 ;  on  committee  to  draft  instruc- 
tions and  prepare  model  for  College 
building  in  "Warren,  110,111;  member 
of  Committee  on  Grievances,  166;  ap- 
pointed agent  of  the  churches,  168. 

Davis,  Samuel,  321,  325. 

Dawson,  Mr.,  a  Sabbatarian  Baptist,  299. 

Day,  Robert,  Baptist  minister  recom- 
mended by  Ryland  for  honors  of  the 
College,  174 ;  able  to  read  Greek,  245. 

Dayton,  Dr.,  326;  executor  of  estate  of 
John  Stites,  342. 

Dead  River,  326. 


INDEX. 


571 


Declamations  on  the  stage  in  1774,268; 
in  1783,  356. 

Declaration  of  Independence,  argu- 
ments of,  set  forth  by  William  Williams 
at  First  Commencement,  in  1769,  87-88; 
adopted  in  July,  1776,  event  celebrated 
in  Providence,  July  25,  291. 

Dedham,  Ezekiel  Holliman  one  of  the 
founders  of,  200. 

Deerfield,  Baptist  church  constituted  in 
1770, 161. 

Dennis,  Captain,  319,  320. 

Dennis,  John,  pupil  in  Manning's  Latin 
School,  52;  graduate  in  class  of  1770, 
164;  received  degree  of  A.  M.  in  1773, 
247. 

Dennis,  Sarah,  daughter  of  John,  and 
wife  of  Richard  Stites,  93. 

Dexter,  Ebenezer  Knight,  son-in-law  of 
David  Howell,  monument  to  his  mem- 
ory erected  by  Henry  C.  Clark,  68. 

Dexter,  Gregory,  one  of  the  original 
members  of  Baptist  church,  203;  elder 
of,  208. 

Dickinson,  Jonathan,  first  President  of 
College  of  New  Jersey,  24,  25. 

Disney's  memoirs  of  Hollis,  cited,  160. 

Dissenters  in  England  not  allowed  bells 
or  steeples,  223. 

Ditton's  work  on  Fluxions,  244. 

Dio  Cassii  Hestoria  Romana,  superb 
copy,  contains  Llewelyn's  book-mark, 
368. 

Doddridge's  Lectures,  356. 

Doggett,  Simeon,  class  of  1788,  Tutor, 
Commencement  oration  on  death  of 
Manning,  500-502. 

Dorrance,  John,  received  degree  of  A. 
B.  in  1774,  261;  first  Librarian  of  the 
College,  262;  on  committee  with  Man- 
ning in  favor  of  public  schools,  463. 

Doty,  Samuel,  elder  in  Scotch  Plains 
Church,  33,  34. 

Douglass,  cases  of  suffering  in  reported 
to  Warren  Association,  166. 

Dracut,  birthplace  of  James  M.  Varnum, 
93. 


Drake,  Nathaniel,  lands  adjoin  farm  of 
James  Manning,  23. 

Drake,  Rebecca,  wife  of  Joseph  Fitz  Ran- 
dolph, and  grandmother  of  President 
Manning,  23. 

Drake,  Samuel,  elder  in  Scotch  Plains 
church,  33,  34. 

Drought  in  1782,  "affecting,"  Warren 
Association  held  special  prayer  meet- 
ing on  account  of,  339. 

Drowne,  Solomon,  name  mentioned  in 
preamble  to  charter,  535;  member  of 
committee  of  Baptist  church  appointed 
to  wait  on  President  Manning,  214. 

Drowne,  Solomon,  son  of  above,  vale- 
dictorian of  class  of  1773,  246;  brief 
account  of,  diary,  1770-1773,  151,  246- 
247 ;  further  account  of,  practiced 
medicine,  died  in  1834,  396;  recom- 
mended by  Manning  to  his  Jersey 
friends,  335;  passenger  to  London  in 
ship  Hope,  393;  Manning's  commenda- 
tion of,  394;  appointed  with  Manning 
and  others  to  make  out  catalogue  of 
Library,  347 ;  chosen  Fellow  in  room  of 
Doct.  Babcock,  348 ;  references  to,  407, 
411, 414,  432.     See  Letters. 

Drowne,  Henry  T.,  grandson  of  Doct. 
Solomon,  247. 

Drowne,  Thomas  S.,  class  of  1845,  grand- 
son of  Doct.  Solomon,  5,  246. 

Duddingston,  Lieutenant,  corresponds 
with  Governor  Wanton  in  regard  to  the 
Gaspee,  184;  wounded  in  attack  on  the 
Gaspee,  185. 

Dummer,  Nathaniel,  one  of  Manning's 
particular  friends,  probable  heir  to 
estate  of  Governor  Dummer,  429. 

Dumont,  A.  G.,  of  Newport,  gave  to  Dr. 
Sprague  the  Stiles  draft  of  charter,  525. 

Duncan's  Logic,  355. 

Duncan,  John,  of  Haverhill,  accompan- 
ied Smith  to  Providence,  1773,  250. 

Duncan,  Samuel  W.,  of  Brookline,  Bap- 
tist Fellow  of  the  University,  550. 

Dunham,  Azariah,  Corporator,  536;  Char- 
ter Trustee,  538. 


572 


INDEX. 


Dunham,  Colonel,  of  Morristown,  327. 

Dunn,  Benjamin,  one  of  the  actors  in 
affair  of  Gaspee,  185. 

Dunscombe,  Thomas,  on  Manning's  list 
for  honorary  degree,  427,  444. 

Durham,  Ct.,  329. 

Durfee,  Thomas,  class  of  1846,  delivered 
historical  discourse  at  250th  anniver- 
sary of  Providence,  200;  Baptist  Fel- 
low of  the  University,  550. 

Dutch,  Ebenezer,  delivered  valedictory 
oration  on  liberty  at  Commencement, 
1776,  291. 

Dwight,  Gamaliel  Lyman,  married 
daughter  of  Judge  Howell,  447. 

Dwight,  Gamaliel  Lyman,  Jr.,  great- 
great  grandson  of  Judge  Howell,  pre- 
sented papers  of  to  the  writer,  5, 11,  447. 
/ 

Earle,  Joseph  P.,  of  New  York,  Baptist 
Trustee,  550. 

East  Greenwich,  44 ;  Baptist  Church,  Six 
Principle  in  1764,73;  efforts  to  secure 
the  location  of  the  College,  112;  argu- 
ments in  favor  of,  114-115. 

Eastern  shore  subscribed  for  location  of 
the  College  in  Newport,  119. 

Eastobrook,  John  and  William,  extend 
with  others  call  to  Manning  in  behalf 
of  Warren  church,  51. 

Easton,  Jonathan,  of  Newport,  signed 
original  petition  for  charter,  517;  Qua- 
ker Fellow,  1770,  550. 

Easton,  Nicholas,  of  Middletown,  signed 
original  petition  for  charter,  517;  Cor- 
porator, 536;  Charter  Trustee,  537;  Qua- 
ker Trustee,  1770,  549;  present  at  first 
and  second  meetings  of  Corporation, 
52,  55. 

Eaton,  Joseph,  father  of  Isaac  Eaton,  9; 
received  degree  of  A.  M.  in  1772,  189. 

Eaton,  Isaac,  Principal  of  Hopewell 
Academy,  distinguished  pupils  of,  brief 
biographical  sketch,  9-10;  one  of  the 
founders  of  the  College,  20;  name 
omitted  in  Stiles  draft  of  charter,  520; 
Corporator,  536;  Charter  Trustee,  538; 


gave  charge  at  Manning's  ordination, 
37;  received  degree  of  A.  M.  at  Com- 
mencement, 1770,  164 ;  preached  ordina- 
tion sermon  of  William  Rogers,  60. 

Eaton,  David,  son  of  Isaac,  married  a 
Miss  Potts,  90. 

Eaton,  Joseph,  son  of  Isaac,  member  of 
first  graduating  class,  married  a  Miss 
Turner,  practiced  medicine,  90-91. 

Eaton,  Pamela,  daughter  of  Isaac,  mar- 
ried Mr.  Humphreys,  90. 

Eddy,  Samuel,  class  of  1787,  Secretary  of 
State,  Chief  Justice,  brief  biographical 
sketch,  446. 

Edgar,  Janet,  wife  of  Enoch  Manning, 
sister-in-law  of  President  Manning,  24. 

Edgar,  Major,  320. 

Edmonds,  Mr.,  visits  Manning,  327. 

Edwards,  James,  benefactor  of  the  Col- 
lege, received  degree  of  A.  M.  at  First 
Commencement,  84. 

Edwards,  Jonathan,  President  of  College 
of  New  Jersey,  26. 

Edwards.  Jonathan,  Jr.,  President  of 
Union  College,  447. 

Edwards,  Morgan,  pastor  of  Baptist 
church,  Philadelphia,  prime  mover  in 
the  enterprise  of  founding  and  endow- 
ing Rhode  Island  College,  sketch  of 
character  and  life,  11-18 ;  account  of 
life  as  given  in  funeral  sermon  on 
death  of  his  son  Joshua,  14-15 ;  remark- 
able new  Year's  discourse,  title  given, 
15;  recantation  of  Toryism,  16;  name 
omitted  in  Stiles  draft  of  charter,  520; 
present  at  sessions  of  Legislature,  per- 
sonal influence,  45;  Corporator,  536; 
Charter  Fellow,  538;  Baptist  Fellow, 
1770,  550;  present  at  second  annual 
meeting  of  Corporation,  57;  inspired 
with  renewed  confidence  in  the  College, 
offers  to  go  abroad  and  solicit  funds, 
special  meeting  of  Corporation,  offer 
accepted,  credentials,  69;  account  of 
his  mission  in  England  and  Ireland,  70; 
original  subscription  book  with  gen- 
uine autographs  preserved  in  College 


INDEX. 


573 


Library,  71 ;  present  at  First  Com- 
mencement and  receives  degree  of  A. 
M.,84;  preached  sermon  in  the  even- 
ing and  thus  inaugurated  custom  of  a 
Commencement  sermon,  85 ;  appointed 
by  Philadelphia  Association  to  receive 
donations  for  the  College,  21 ;  writes  to 
Manning  from  London  that  newspapers 
and  letters  boasting  of  American  man- 
ufactures hurt  him  in  his  work  of  solic- 
iting funds,  70;  writes  to  Manning  in 
regard  to  his  leaving  Warren,  141; 
writes  to  Manning  on  the  opposition  of 
Presbyterians,  or  Congregationalists, 
527-529;  when  collecting  materials  for 
Baptist  history  of  Rhode  Island  accom- 
panied by  Moses  Brown,  137,  198;  his- 
tory of  Baptist  church,  Providence,  197, 
209 ;  box  of  books  sent  to  him  from  John 
Ryland,231;  attends  Conference  with 
Manning,  Backus,  and  others,  in  Car- 
penter's Hall,  1774,  278;  calls  on  Man- 
ning in  Philadelphia,  and  in  company 
with  him  and  Samuel  Jones,  visits  Col- 
onel Miles,  325;  tarries  with  Jones,  326; 
Rippon  writes  to  Manning,  "Is  it  true 
that  Morgan  Edwards  has  printed  a 
book  in  vindication  of  Winchester?" 
375;  has  not  printed,  but  read  to  Man- 
ning his  manuscript,  378;  manuscript 
"Materials  towards  a  History  of  the 
Baptists  in  Rhode  Island,"  alluded  to 
in  letter  from  Edwards  to  Manning, 
458 ;  now  in  the  Cabinet  of  Rhode  Is- 
land Historical  Society,  account  of,  and 
of  other  histories,  512-514;  histories, 
cited,  11,  19,  47,  90,  109,  129, 241, 514.  See 
Letters. 

Edwards,  Joshua,  son  of  Morgan,  settled 
in  New  Jersey,  died  in  1854,  14;  pre- 
sented to  College  Library  the  original 
book  of  subscriptions  in  England  and 
Ireland,  71;  extracts  from  funeral  ser- 
mon giving  account  of  his  father,  14-15. 

Edwards,  William,  son  of  Morgan,  pupil 
in  Manning's  Latin  School,  afterwards 
British  officer,  14;  pronounced  a  piece 


from  Homer  at  Commencement,  1770, 
1G5;  graduated  in  class  of  1776,  291; 
admitted  to  a  degree  by  special  vote  of 
the  Corporation,  288. 

Edwards,  Morgan,  son  of  Joshua,  and 
grandson  of  Morgan,  Baptist  evangelist 
in  the  West,  14. 

Elect  Lady,  364. 

Elizabethtown,  included  Piscataway, 
the  birthplace  of  Manning,  23;  chief 
city  of  New  Jersey,  College  of  New  Jer- 
sey at  first  located  there,  24,  326. 

Elizabethtown  Point,  British  troops 
landed  at,  318. 

Ellery,  William,  signer  of  original  peti- 
tion for  charter,  517 ;  attempted  to  de- 
feat motion  to  postpone  action  on  Stiles 
draft,  522;  Corporator,  536;  Charter 
Trustee,  537;  present  at  Warren  when 
Corporation  met  to  determine  perma- 
nent location,  held  the  Newport  papers 
and  subscriptions,  123;  probable  author 
of  caustic  article  in  Newport  Mercury, 
125;  calls  on  Dr.  Stiles  to  discourse 
about  charter  for  another  college,  129; 
appointed  to  draft  address  to  Congress, 
288 ;  reference  to,  322,  515. 

Elliot,  Mr.,  of  Fairfield,  329. 

Ellis's  Life  of  Anne  Hutchinson,  cited, 
197,  201. 

Elton,  Romeo,  remark  on  dearth  of  ma- 
terial for  life  of  Manning,  4;  editor  of 
Literary  Remains  of  President  Maxcy, 
448. 

Emerson's  course  of  mathematics,  244. 

Encyclopaedia  Britannica,  405. 

Enfield,  cases  of  suffering  reported  to 
Warren  Association,  166. 

Episcopalians,  erect  sumptuous  chapels 
in  England,  298 ;  favored  the  King  dur- 
ing the  War  of  the  Revolution,  gener- 
ally Loyalists  or  Tories,  304;  popular 
right  of  electing  Bishops,  409. 

Evans,  Abel,  received  degree  of  A.  M., 
165. 

Evans,  Benjamin,  popular  Baptist  minis- 
ter in  Cardiganshire,  489. 


574 


INDEX. 


Evans,  Caleb,  prominent  Baptist  minis- 
ter in  England,  subscriber  to  funds  of 
the  College,  71;  received  degree  of  A. 
M.  at  First  Commencement,  84 ;  also 
from  King's  College,  Aberdeen,  475; 
President  of  Baptist  Academy  at  Bris- 
tol, brief  biographical  sketch,  Manning 
opens  correspondence  with,  388;  en- 
graved portrait  in  Bippon's  Baptist 
Begister,  487.  See  Letters. 
Evans,  Hugh,  Calvinistic  Baptist  minis- 
ter in  Bristol,  subscriber  to  funds  of  the 
College,  71 ;  received  degree  of  A.  M.  in 
1770,165;  able  to  read  Greek,  245;  dona- 
tion of  £20  from  estate  of  Dr.  Foskett 
through  Evans,  264;  books  and  appa- 
ratus solicited  from,  389. 
Evans,  John,  340. 
Evans,  Mrs.  W.  N.,  third  wife  of  Morgan 

Edwards,  16. 
Evans's  Life  of  Bichards,  cited,  61,  362, 

491,  493. 
Ewing,  Doctor,  401. 

Executive  Committee,  beginnings  of,  58. 
Eyres,  Thomas,  physician  of  Newport, 
graduate  of  Yale,  called  on  Dr.  Stiles 
to  discourse  about  the  College,  117 ; 
added  to  the  committee  from  Philadel- 
phia on  affair  of  the  Charter,  519;  name 
mentioned  in  preamble,  535 ;  Corpora- 
tor, 536;  Charter  Fellow,  538;  Baptist 
Fellow  and  Secretary  of  Corporation, 
1770,  549,  550 ;  present  at  first  and  sec- 
ond meetings  of  Corporation,  53,  56; 
present  at  final  meeting  to  determine 
permanent  location,  120;  voted  in  favor 
of  Newport,  126;  member  of  committee 
of  five  to  prepare  remonstrance  to  Gen- 
eral Assembly,  132 ;  offers  to  contribute 
towards  finishing  College  edifice,  157: 
received  degree  of  A.  M.,  247;  present 
at  meetings  of  Corporation  in  1780  and 
1782,  333,  335. 

Fairchild,  burned  by  the  British,  July, 
1779,  that  once  beautiful  place,  ninety- 
six  houses  burned,  324,  329. 


Falkner,    Captain,    Manning   visits   in 

company  with  Edwards,  325. 
Fame,  ardent  wish  of  the  human  mind,  370. 
Farnham,  Benjamin,  received  degree  of 

A.  M.,  261. 
Faunce,  William  H.  P.,  of  New  York, 

Baptist  Trustee,  550. 
Fawcett,  John,  Calvinistic  Baptist  min- 
ister in  Yorkshire,  able  to  read  Greek, 
245;  engraved  portrait  of  in  Bippon's 
Baptist  Begister,  487. 
Federal  Constitution,  met  with  opposi- 
tion in  most  of  the  thirteen  States,  448; 
adopted  in  Massachusetts  by  a  majority 
vote  of  nineteen,  449 ;  seven  times 
friends  of  in  Bhode  Island  moved  in 
General  Assembly  for  the  calling  of 
Special  Convention,  447 ;  adopted  by  a 
vote  of  thirty-four  to  thirty-two,  479. 

Federal  Convention,  Massachusetts, 
account  of,  Manning  present,  448-450; 
Bhode  Island,  account  of,  477-480. 

Federal  Government  on  the  eve  of  dis- 
solution, 440. 

Federal  Street,  Boston,  formerly  called 
Long  Lane,  450. 

Federalists  and  Anti-Federalists,  448. 

Fenner,  Arthur,  name  mentioned  in 
preamble  to  Charter,  535 ;  contributes 
corn  for  the  destitute,  309. 

Fenner,  James,  valedictorian  of  class  of 
1789,  Governor  of  Bhode  Island,  470. 

Fenner,  Samuel,  138, 153. 

Fenning's  Arithmetic,  356. 

Ferguson,  James,  Fellow  of  Boyal  Soci- 
ety, author  of  Introduction  to  Optics 
and  Newton's  Philosophy,  233,  244; 
Astronomy,  356. 

Field,  John,  original  member  of  Baptist 
church,  202. 

Finlay,  Samuel,  President  of  College  of 
New  Jersey,  27, 32. 

Fish,  Joseph,  nine  sermons  examined  by 
Backus,  65. 

Fisher,  Abiel,  biography  of  Noah  Alden, 
cited,  74;  of  "William  Williams,  98;  of 
Charles  Thompson,  101. 


INDEX. 


575 


FlSHKILL,  328. 

•Fitz  Randolph,  Joseph,  grandfather  of 
President  Manning,  23. 

Fitz  Randolph,  Grace,  daughter  of 
Joseph,  wife  of  James  Manning,  and 
mother  of  President  Manning,  23. 

Fitz  Randolph,  Prudence  and  Rebecca, 
daughters  of  Joseph,  and  aunts  of  Pres- 
ident Manning,  23. 

Fitz  Randolph,  Ephraim,  Jeremiah, 
Paul,  Thomas,  and  Joseph,  sons  of 
Joseph,  and  uncles  of  President  Man- 
ning, 24.    See  Randolph. 

Five  per  cent,  impost,  defeated  in  Gen- 
eral Assembly,  341. 

Flint,  Abel,  new  Tutor,  444;  young  Con- 
gregationalist  preacher,  attention 
turned  to  baptism,  473 ;  must  be  a  Bap- 
tist, 476;  concludes  to  preach  among 
the  Congregationalists,  483;  ordained 
at  Hartford,  484, 

Fobes,  Perez,  of  Raynham,  Harvard  grad- 
uate, appointed  Vice-President  in  Man- 
ning's absence  from  College,  426;  ex- 
tract from  funeral  sermon  on  death  of 
Manning,  497. 

Folsom,  Nancy,  161. 

Forensic  Dispute  on  question  of  Ameri- 
can Independence,  86-87. 

Forsyth's  memoirs  of  Dr.  Proudfit,  cited, 
447. 

Foster,  Benjamin,  Yale  graduate,  Bap- 
tist elder,  desired  by  "Warren  Associa- 
tion to  prepare  Catechism  and  Spell- 
ing-book, 340;  requested  by  Corpora- 
tion to  solicit  benefactions,  348;  likely 
to  be  called  from  Newport  to  New  York, 
457 ;  Foster  and  people  in  New  York 
happy  and  prosperous,  494. 

Foster,  Dwight,  graduated  in  class  of 
1774,  260;  brother  of  Theodore,  distin- 
guished lawyer,  member  of  Congress, 
United  States  Senator,  262. 

Foster,  Henry,  Curate  to  Rev.  Mr.  Ro- 
maine,  recommended  by  Ryland  for 
honors  of  College,  173. 


Foster,  John,  of  Providence,  kept  small 
school,  461. 

Foster,  Theodore,  graduated  in  class  of 
1770,  account  of,  164;  received  degree  of 
A.  M.  in  1773,  247 ;  on  committee  with 
Manning  in  favor  of  public  schools, 
463;  materials  for  history  of  Rhode  Is- 
land, cited,  202,  208. 

Foster,  Mr.,  Steward,  342. 

Foster's  Stephen  Hopkins,  cited,  85,  136, 
417. 

Foskett,  Bernard,  donation  to  the  Col- 
lege from  his  estate,  264. 

Fought,  Mr.,  327. 

Fowler,  Samuel,  signer  to  original  peti- 
tion for  charter,  517. 

Fox,  Joseph,  Quaker,  attends  conference 
with  Baptists  in  Carpenter's  Hall,  1774, 
278. 

Fox's  New  England  Fire  Brand 
Quenched,  cited,  201,  205. 

France,  letter  to  the  King  accompany- 
ing address  of  Corporation,  353-354. 

Franklin,  Benjamin,  subscriber  to  funds 
of  the  College,  71. 

Frank-pledge,  by  Granville  Sharp,  409, 
410. 

Francis,  Benjamin,  engraved  portrait  in 
Rippon's  Baptist  Register,  487. 

Francis,  John  Brown,  grandson  of  John 
Brown,  184. 

Freedom  of  conscience,  College  laws  re- 
specting, 266. 

Freeman,  Philip,  of  Boston,  represented 
Second  Baptist  Church  at  first  meeting 
of  Warren  Association,  75;  appointed 
to  present  petitions  for  redress  to  Gen- 
eral Court  of  Massachusetts,  78 ;  mem- 
ber of  Committee  on  Grievances,  166, 
238. 

Freemen's  meeting  in  Milford,  Ct.,  329. 

French  Ambassador  at  West  Point,  Man- 
ning introduced  to,  328. 

French  army  encamped  on  lands  of  Jer- 
emiah Dexter,  341. 

French  language  and  history,  King  of 


576 


INDEX. 


France  petitioned  to  establish  profes- 
sorship of,  350-351, 

French  officers  in  Providence,  353. 

French  Revolution  astonishes  and  de- 
lights[Caleb  Evans,  475. 

French  troops  occupied  College  edifice 
June  25,  1780  to  May  27,  1782,  335. 

Freshmen  obliged  to  wait  upon  Seniors, 
make  fires,  receive  admonitions,  and 
denied  use  of  the  Library,  30-31,  267, 
270,  272,  358. 

Friends,  or  Quakers,  exempted  from  Col- 
lege laws,  267 ;  meeting-house  in  Smith- 
field  defaced  by  a  College  student,  169; 
Society  in  Providence  organized  in  1704, 
211. 

Frink,  Esquire,  314. 

Fuller,  Benjamin,  an  aged  rich  Baptist 
minister  of  England,  recommended  by 
Ryland  for  College  honors,  174;  able  to 
read  Greek,  245. 

Fulton,  James,  member  of  class  of  1775, 
signs  an  address  to  the  Faculty,  286. 

Furman's  account  of  John  Gano,  cited, 
39. 

Fusileers  and  Artillery  unite  and  form 
United  Train  of  Artillery,  261. 

Gair,  Thomas,  of  Medfield,  clerk  of  "War- 
ren Association  in  1782,  339 ;  produced 
£13  for  the  College  at  meeting  of  Asso- 
ciation in  1783,  349. 

Galloway,  Joseph,  attended  conference 
with  Baptists  in  Carpenter's  Hall,  1774, 
278. 

Gammell,  William,  father  of  Professor 
William,  and  pupil  of  William  Wil- 
liams at  Wrentham,  98. 

Gammell,  William,  requested  by  Cor- 
poration to  prepare  history  of  Brown 
University,  1 ;  member  of  committee  of 
First  Baptist  Church,  196;  article  in 
Christian  Review,  cited,  3;  Life  of 
Roger  Williams,  cited,  206 ;  Life  of  Gov- 
ernor Ward,  cited,  298;  notice  of  Nich- 
olas Brown,  cited,  443. 

Gammell,  Robert  Ives,  son  of  William, 


Episcopal  Trustee  of  Brown  University, 
550. 

Gammell  family,  sprang  on  maternal 
side  from  Mrs.  Hope  Ives,  daughter  of 
Nicholas  Brown,  Sen.,  521. 

Gardner,  Ezekiel,  name  mentioned  in 
preamble  to  Charter,  535. 

Gardner,  Caleb,  and  James,  signers  to 
original  petition  for  charter,  517. 

Gardner,  Catherine,  mother  of  Deputy 
Governor,  and  descendant  of  Obadiah 
Holmes,  43. 

Gardner,  Hannah,  wife  of  William 
Rogers,  61. 

Gardner,  Joseph,  father  of  Deputy  Gov- 
ernor, 43. 

Gardner,  John,  Deputy  Governor,  Judge, 
etc.,  first  meeting  of  Baptists  to  con- 
sider Manning's  motion  for  a  College 
held  at  his  house,  43,  514;  brief  bio- 
graphical sketch,  inscription  on  his 
tomb,  43-44;  location  of  his  house,  64; 
signer  to  original  petition  for  charter, 
517. 

Gardiner,  Nicholas,  name  mentioned  in 
preamble  to  Charter,  535. 

Garth,  Brigadier  General,  324. 

Gaspee,  schooner,  first  blood  of  the  Rev- 
olution shed  in  destruction  of,  87 ;  ac- 
count of  the  affair,  184-186. 

Gaskill,  Francis,  of  Worcester,  Baptist 
Trustee,  550. 

Gano,  John,  Manning's  brother-in-law, 
one  of  the  founders  of  the  College,  20; 
pupil  of  Isaac  Eaton,  at  Hopewell,  9; 
name  omitted  in  the  Stiles  draft  of 
charter,  520;  Corporator,  536;  Charter 
Trustee,  538 ;  Baptist  Trustee,  1770,  549 ; 
appointed  by  Philadelphia  Associa- 
tion to  receive  donations  for  the  Col- 
lege, 21;  appointed  to  address  Baptist 
Associations,  22;  preached  Benjamin 
Miller's  funeral  sermon,  25;  preached 
Manning's  ordination  sermon,  36;  par- 
ticipated in  Manning's  ordination  servi- 
ces at  Warren,  48,  50 ;  "  one  of  the  great 
lights  of  the  denomination,"  present  at 


INDEX. 


577 


second  meeting  of  Corporation,  58; 
represented  Philadelphia  Association 
at  first  meeting  of  "Warren  Association, 
75;  baptized  Hezekiah  Smith,  147;  re- 
ceives thanks  of  the  Corporation  for 
his  efforts  in  behalf  of  the  College  in 
Southern  Colonies,  158;  travels  in  Vir- 
ginia and  North  Carolina,  176;  present 
at  Corporation  meeting  in  1774,  and  also 
at  Commencement,  urges  Backus  to 
represent  the  Baptist  churches  at  the 
Continental  Congress,  263,  276;  attends 
conference  in  Carpenter's  Hall,  278; 
sufferer  from  the  war,  family  retired  to 
a  farm  near  the  Jersey  line,  295 ;  living 
in  a  small  log  house  on  a  farm  belong- 
ing to  a  refugee  Tory,  317 ;  called  to 
Philadelphia  for  one  year,  children, 
Sally,  and  Dicky,  sick,  326,  227;  desig- 
nated by  Manning  as  member  of  a  com- 
mittee to  aid  poor  students,  366 ;  moved 
back  into  New  York,  Dec.  1,  1783,  relig- 
ious work  increases  under  his  ministry, 
379, 386 ;  has  a  rich  blessing,  forty  added 
to  the  church,  including  two  sons  and 
a  daughter,  403,  404;  principal  instru- 
ment whom  God  honors  in  New  York, 
413,  432 ;  left  New  York  for  want  of  an 
adequate  support,  451 ;  Manning  visits 
to  assist  him  in  his  removal  to  Ken- 
tucky, 456 ;  kitchen  caught  fire  and  con- 
sumed his  furniture,  "  poor,  ill-fated 
man,"  493;  memoirs,  cited,  40;  bio- 
graphical sketch  with  portrait,  38-40. 

Gano,  Daniel,  son  of  John,  graduated  in 
1776,  291 ;  admitted  to  degree  by  special 
vote,  288. 

Gano,  Stephen,  son  of  John,  pastor  of 
First  Baptist  Church,  38;  preached 
Elder  Joseph  Snow's  funeral  sermon, 
164;  brief  biographical  sketch,  413- 
414. 

Gano,  Cornelia,  wife  of  Stephen,  daugh- 
ter of  Capt.  Josiah  Vavasor,  414 ;  Polly, 
second  wife,  daughter  of  Colonel  Tall- 
madge,  of  New  York,  414;  Mary,  third 
wife,  daughter  of  Joseph  Brown,  414; 
73 


Joanna  Latting,  of  Hillsdale,  N.  Y., 
fourth  wife,  414. 

General  Assembly,  special  session  con- 
vened April  22d,  three  days  after  bat- 
tle of  Lexington,  284 ;  held  its  sessions 
at  annual  election,  1775,  in  Providence, 
instead  of  Newport,  285;  repealed, 
May,  1776,  act  of  allegiance  to  His  Maj- 
esty, virtually  a  declaration  of  inde- 
pendence, 290;  met  in  Providence  sec- 
ond Monday  in  January;  1790,  decided, 
by  a  single  vote,  to  call  a  convention 
for  adoption  of  Federal  Constitution, 
vote  taken  on  Sunday,  478.  See  Legis- 
lature, also  Rhode  Island. 

Georgia,  Hezekiah  Smith  solicits  bene- 
factions for  the  College  in,  147, 

Gibbons,  Edward,  of  Boston,  sent  as 
member  of  deputation  to  the  church  at 
Portsmouth,  Rhode  Island,  197. 

Gibbons,  Thomas,  intimate  acquaintance 
of  President  Davies,  editor  of  his  ser- 
mons, 26,  432;  subscriber  to  funds  of 
the  College,  71. 

Gibbs,  James,  successor  of  Sir  Christo- 
pher Wren,  223;  "Designs  of  Build- 
ings and  Ornaments,"  cited,  223. 

Gibbs,  Philip,  Calvinistic  Baptist  minis- 
ter of  England,  able  to  read  Greek,  245; 
engraved  portrait  of  in  Rippon's  Bap- 
tist Register,  487. 

Gifford,  Andrew,  subscriber  to  the  funds 
of  the  College,  71 ;  able  to  read  Greek, 
245;  "  eminent  man,"  death  mentioned 
in  letter  from  John  Rippon,  412,  418. 

Gilbert,  Captain  of  ship  from  Provi- 
dence to  London,  175. 

Gill,  John,  recommended  Morgan  Ed- 
wards to  church  in  Philadelphia,  11 ; 
Edwards  studied  Divinity  under,  14; 
leader  among  his  brethren,  and  a 
learned  commentator,  64;  subscriber  to 
the  funds  of  the  College,  71;  works  of 
presented  to  College  Library,  190, 192 ; 
compass  of  his  writing  astonishing, 
239;  Exposition  to  be  completed,  413; 
Abridgment  stopped  through  scarcity 


578 


INDEX. 


of  money,  461 ;  pastor  of  Baptist  church 
in  London,  biographical  sketch  and  list 
of  his  writings,  419-421. 

Gill,  John,  son  of  Dr.  John,  and  execu- 
tor, corresponds  with  Manning  with 
reference  to  his  father's  publications, 
419.    See  Letters. 

Girard  College,  Daniel  Webster's 
speech  in  case  of,  cited,  533. 

Goddard,  William  G.,  wrote  memoir  of 
Manning,  published  in  American  Quar- 
terly Register,  4 ;  account  of  Asa  Messer, 
■cited,  455 ;  sketch  of  James  Burrill, 
cited,  458;  memoir  of  Manning,  cited, 
9,  67,  144,  434, 496,  508,  533. 
•Goddard,  William,  Episcopal  Trustee 
and  Chancellor  of  the  University,  550. 

Goddard,  Robert  H.  I.,  of  Providence, 
Episcopal  Fellow,  550. 

Goddard  family,  sprang  on  maternal 
side  from  Mrs.  Hope  Ives,  daughter  of 
Nicholas  Brown,  Sen. 

Goff,  Charles  B.,  of  Providence,  Congre- 
gationalist  Trustee,  550. 

Goforth,  Major  William,  of  Philadel- 
phia, 321,  325. 

Goodrich,  Rev.  Dr.,  of  Durham,  gave 
charge  at  ordination  of  Mr.  Flint,  484. 

Gordon,  William,  commended  to  Man- 
ning by  Dr.  Stennett,  author  of  History 
of  American  Independence,  161,  162, 
175, 428 ;  Manning  opens  correspondence 
with,  account  of ,  433;  History  presented 
to  College  Library  by  the  author,  434; 
treated  with  coolness  by  his  brethren 
in  England,  441 ;  position  of  and  views 
as  the  historian  of  the  War,  465-467. 

Gould  Island,  289. 

Gould  &  Lincoln,  publishers  of  Life  and 
Times  of  Manning,  1,  5. 

Grafton,  Joseph,  Trustee  of  Baptist 
Education  Fund,  367 ;  settled  in  New- 
ton in  place  of  Caleb  Blood,  554. 

Granger,  James  N.,  pastor  of  First  Bap- 
tist Church,  196. 

Grasshoppers  in  the  wheat  fields,  318. 

Graves,  John,  Charter  Trustee,  538 ;  rec- 


tor of  St.  John's  Episcopal  Church,  de- 
clined to  officiate  unless  he  could  read 
prayers  for  the  King,  304. 

Great  Meadows,  Ct.,  329. 

Grenadier  Company,  Providence,  261. 

Green,  Arnold,  of  Providence,  Baptist 
Trustee,  550;  appeared  before  Appel- 
late Division  of  Supreme  Court  in 
behalf  of   Corporation,  548. 

Green,  Nathaniel,  of  Coventry,  189. 

Green,  Samuel  S.,  of  Worcester,  paper 
on  Scotch-Irish  in  America,  cited,  71. 

Green,  Rev.  Thomas,  Trustee  of  Baptist 
Education  Fund,  367. 

Greene,  Benjamin,  member  of  class  of 
1772,  189. 

Greene,  Caleb,  has  set  of  Gordon's  his- 
tory, 467. 

Greene,  Christopher,  officer  in  Kentish 
Guards,  95. 

Greene,  John,  one  of  the  founders  of 
Rhode  Island,  202. 

Greene,  Rev.  John,  Corporator,  536. 

Greene,  John  Morley,  member  of  Junior 
Class  in  1776,  336. 

Greene,  Major-General  Nathanael,  offi- 
cer of  Kentish  Guards,  95;  signed  me- 
morial for  East  Greenwich  in  favor  of 
the  College,  114;  receives  honorary  de- 
gree of  A.  M.,  292;  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Man- 
ning dine  with  at  West  Point,  328. 

Greene,  Richard  Ward,  chairman  of 
Committee  on  Judiciary,  and  member 
of  Corporation,  546. 

Greene,  Samuel,  signer  to  original  peti- 
tion for  charter,  517. 

Greene,  Thomas,  Quaker  Trustee,  1770, 
549;  present  at  final  meeting  of  Cor- 
poration to  determine  location,  121; 
document  favoring  taxation  of  the  Col- 
lege, 543. 

Greene,  William,  signer  of  memorial 
from  East  Greenwich  in  favor  of  Col- 
lege, elected  Governor  in  1778,  114. 

Greene's  Short  History  of  Rhode  Island, 
cited,  135,  286. 

Greenfield,  329. 


INDEX. 


579 


Greyson,  Moses,  of  England,  recom- 
mended by  Ryland  for  College  honors, 
174. 

Gridley,  Richard,  member  of  Committee 
on  Grievances,  166. 

Grievances,  proposal  and  plan  to  collect 
by  Warren  Association,  78. 

Grievances,  Committee  on.  See  Com- 
mittee. 

Griffith,  Abel,  represented  Philadel- 
phia Association  at  first  meeting  of 
Warren  Association,  75. 

Griffith,  Captain,  317. 

Griswold,  Bishop,  member  of  St.  John's 
Encampment  of  Knights  Templar,  414. 

Groton  Baptist  Church  Six  Principle, 
73. 

Guild,  Joseph,  represented  Baptist 
Church,  Attleborough,  at  first  meeting 
of  Warren  Association,  75. 

Guild,  Reuben  A.,  succeeded  Professor 
Jewett  as  Librarian,  resignation  after 
forty-six  years  of  continuous  service,  1: 
Guild  and  the  Manning  papers,  4 ;  Life, 
Times  and  Correspondence  of  James 
Manning,  cited,  35,  36,  210,  527;  Docu- 
mentary History  of  Brown  University, 
cited,  109,  137,  209,  236;  Chaplain  Smith 
and  the  Baptists,  cited,  28,  48,  53,  74; 
Address  on  Roger  Williams  as  the  Pio- 
neer Missionary  to  the  Indians,  cited, 
207. 

Guthrie's  Geography,  355. 

Hague's  Historical  Discourse,  cited,  198, 
218. 

Haile,  Amos,  extends  with  others  call 
to  Manning  to  become  pastor  of  the 
Warren  church,  50. 

Hale,  Edward  Everett,  centenary  dis- 
course on  Massachusetts  constitution, 
cited,  75. 

Hall,  Mr.,  of  Brunswick,  324. 

Hall,  Mr.,  instructor  in  Bristol  Acad- 
emy, 417. 

Hall,  Benjamin,  signed  original  petition 
for  charter,  517. 


Hall,  Robert,  of  Arnsby,  England,  485. 

Hall,  Robert,  regarded  the  American 
War  as  unrighteous,  376 ;  engraved  por- 
trait in  Rippon's  Baptist  Register,  487 ; 
sermon  on  death  of  Ryland,  cited, 
495. 

Hall,  Silas,  class  of  1809,  writer's  obliga- 
tions to  acknowledged,  5,  79. 

Hammond's  Algebra,  356. 

Hammond,  Elnathan,  signed  original  pe- 
tition for  charter,  517. 

Hammond,  Jonathan,  on  various  commit- 
tees, 153, 154,  220. 

Hammond,  Noah,  represented  Philadel- 
phia Association  at  first  meeting  of 
Warren  Association,  75. 

Hampstead,  Long  Island,  birthplace  of 
Hezekiah  Smith,  147. 

Handbills  on  location  of  the  College  cir- 
culated, 118. 

Hann,  Isaac,  engraved  portrait  in  Rip- 
pon's Baptist  Register,  487. 

Hansbrook,  Colonel,  family  agreeable, 
317. 

Harding,  Artist,  painted  portrait  of 
Nicholas  Brown,  493. 

Harris,  David,  in  town  meeting  added 
to  committee  to  lay  Providence  sub- 
scription before  Corporation,  118;  on 
committte  to  secure  suitable  house  for 
the  President,  142. 

Harris,  Joseph,  Corporator,  536;  Charter 
Trustee,  537. 

Harris,  Joseph,  from  Smithfield,  mem- 
ber of  class  of  1772, 189. 

Harris,  R.,  signed  Manning's  college 
diploma,  32. 

Harris,  William,  one  of  the  founders  of 
Rhode  Island,  202. 

Hart,  John,  signer  of  the  Declaration  of 
Independence,  20,  320,  325. 

Hart,  John,  son  of  Rev.  Oliver,  subject 
of  college  discipline,  252 ;  graduated  at 
Commencement,  1776,  291 ;  admitted  to 
College  honors  by  special  vote,  288. 

Hart,  Joseph,  of  the  Executive  Council 
of  Philadelphia,  322. 


580 


INDEX. 


Hart,  Nicholas,  Jr.,  signed  original  peti- 
tion for  charter,  517. 

Hart,  Oliver,  pupil  of  Isaac  Eaton,  at 
Hopewell,  9;  founder  of  Charleston 
Baptist  Association  and  Religious  Soci- 
ety, 27 ;  writes  to  Manning  on  death  of 
President  Davies,  27;  invites  Manning 
to  become  assistant  pastor  at  Charles- 
ton, 37;  receives  honorary  degree  at 
First  Commencement,  84;  appointed  to 
address  Baptist  Associations  in  behalf 
of  the  College,  22.    See  Letters. 

Hartford  Convention  of  1779,  reference 
to,  323. 

Harvard  College,  controlled  by  Con- 
gregationalists,  20;  boasts  of  her  Dr. 
"Woodbridge,  59;  early  graduates  ar- 
ranged in  Catalogue  according  to  social 
position  and  not  alphabetically,  89-90; 
disturbances  at  in  1768,  94 ;  funds  in- 
creased by  lotteries,  187 ;  conferred  de- 
gree of  D.  D.  on  President  Maxcy,  447; 
also  on  President  Messer,  456. 

Harvey,  Mr.,  402. 

Hathorn,  Colonel,  318,  327. 

Hawkins,  William,  member  of  the  War- 
ren church,  202. 

Hazard,  Ebenezer,  classmate  of  Man- 
ning, 35. 

Hazard,  George,  of  Newport,  Corporator, 
536;  Charter  Trustee,  537;  Episcopal 
Trustee,  1770,  549;  present  at  final 
meeting  to  determine  permanent  loca- 
tion of  the  College,  121 ;  votes  in  favor 
of  Newport,  126. 

Hazard,  Thomas,  Corporator,  536 ;  Char- 
ter Fellow,  538. 

Hazard,  Joseph,  Judge  of  Supreme  Court 
in  case  of  Trevettvs.  Weeden,  96. 

Hazard,  Rowland,  of  Peacedale,  Congre- 
gationalist  Fellow,  550;  oration  at  lay- 
ing of  corner  stone  of  State  House, 
cited,  452. 

Hazard,  Rowland  G.,  of  Peacedale,  Con- 
gregationalist  Trustee,  550. 

Headley's  Chaplains  and  Clergy  of  the 
Revolution,  cited,  39. 


Hearse,  imported  from  England  by 
Charitable  Baptist  Society,  used  for 
first  time  at  Manning's  funeral,  496;  al- 
lusion to  in  Fobes's  funeral  sermon, 
497. 

Heiresses,  inheritances  of,  should  be  sub- 
ject to  limitations,  408. 

Helme,  James,  of  South  Kingstown,  Con- 
gregationalist  Trustee,  1770, 549 ;  present 
at  final  meeting  to  determine  perma- 
nent location  of  the  College,  121 ;  voted 
in  favor  of  Newport,  126. 

Henry,  Patrick,  hearer  and  admirer  of 
President  Davies,  26;  opposed  to  Fed- 
eral Constitution,  448. 

Hessians  in  Rhode  Island,  General  Var- 
num  addressed  letter  to  chief  officer  of, 
95. 

Hextell,  William,  successor  to  Dr.  Dod- 
dridge, recommended  by  Ryland  for 
honors  of  the  College,  174. 

Hibbins,  Mr.,  member  of  deputation  from 
Boston  to  church  in  Portsmouth,  197. 

Higher  Criticism,  so-called,  Manning 
would  not  have  favored,  271-72. 

Hinds,  Ebenezer,  participated  in  services 
at  ordination  of  Manning,  48;  one  of 
the  four  illustrious  names  that  united 
in  forming  Warren  Association,  74 ; 
represented  Second  Church  in  Middle- 
borough  at  first  meeting,  75;  preached 
sermon  at  ordination  of  Charles  Thomp- 
son, 100;  present  at  meeting  of  Warren 
Association  in  Providence,  339. 

Hitchcock,  Enos,  Fellow  of  the  College, 
on  committee  with  Manning  and  Brown 
to  correspond  with  David  Howell,  419 ; 
on  committee  with  Manning  in  favor  of 
public  schools,  463;  preached  sermon 
at  ordination  of  Tutor  Flint,  484;  ap- 
pointed chairman  of  committee  to  con- 
dole with  Mrs.  Manning  on  death  of 
the  President,  495;  conducted  funeral 
solemnities  of  Manning,  496. 

Hrx,  Samuel,  extends  with  others  call  to 
Manning  to  become  pastor  of  Warren 
church,  50. 


INDEX. 


581 


Hobbs,  Elizabeth,  left  legacy  for  educa- 
tion of  youth  for  the  ministry,  21. 

Hogland,  Colonel,  324. 

Holden,  Charles,  signed  memorial  from 
East  Greenwich,  114. 

Holliman,  Ezekiel,  one  of  the  founders 
of  Rhode  Island,  202 ;  original  member 
of  Baptist  church,  203;  appointed  by 
his  brethren  to  baptize  Roger  Williams, 
account  of,  199-200. 

Holliman,  Mary,  wife  of  Ezekiel,  and 
widow  of  Isaac  Sweet,  excluded  from 
Salem  church,  200,  203. 

Hollis,  Thomas,  subscriber  to  funds  of 
the  College,  71. 

Hollis,  Timothy,  also  a  subscriber,  71. 

Hollis  family,  benefactors  of  Harvard 
College,  account  of,  160,  369. 

Holmes,  John,  name  mentioned  in  pre- 
amble to  Charter,  535. 

Holmes,  Molly,  319. 

Holmes's  Life  of  Dr.  Stiles,  cited,  310, 
518. 

Holroyd,  William,  manager  of  lottery 
for  the  new  meeting-house,  222;  signed 
letter  to  Manning  requesting  him  to 
preach,  472. 

Holyoke,  President  of  Harvard  College, 
94. 

Honeyman,  James,  of  Newport,  Corpo- 
rator, 536;  Charter  Trustee,  537;  Episco- 
pal Trustee,  1770,  549;  present  at  first 
and  second  meetings  of  Corporation, 
52,54. 

Honors  conferred  like  grace  from 
Heaven,  "  unthought  of,  unimplored," 
232. 

Hooper,  Henry  N.,  recast  bell  of  Baptist 
meeting-house,  224. 

Hope  College,  erected  in  1822,  presented 
to  the  University  by  Nicholas  Brown, 
named  for  his  only  surviving  sister, 
Mrs.  Hope  Ives,  wife  of  Thomas  Poyn- 
ton,  442,  521. 

Hope  Furnace  Co.  recast  second  bell  of 
Baptist  meeting-house,  223,  224. 

Hope  Island,  289. 


Hope,  ship  for  London  belonging  to 
Brown  Brothers,  393,  412. 

Hopewell,  Manning  visits  in  1779,  320, 
324. 

Hopewell  Academy,  founded  by  Phila- 
delphia Association,  Isaac  Eaton,  Prin- 
cipal, account  of,  9,  10,20. 

Hopewell  Church,  Mrs.  Hobbs  left  leg- 
acy to,  21. 

Hopkins,  Esek,  nominated  Manning  to 
represent  Rhode  Island  in  Congress  of 
Confederation,  425. 

Hopkins,  John  B.,  one  of  the  actors  in  the 
affair  of  the  Gaspee,  185. 

Hopkins,  Samuel,  pastor  of  First  Con- 
gregational Church,  in  Newport, 
founder  of  new  school  of  theology,  116; 
church  aided  by  lotteries,  187. 

Hopkins,  Stephen,  Corporator,  536;  Char- 
ter Trustee,  537;  Quaker  Trustee  and 
Chancellor,  1770,  549;  chosen  Chancel- 
lor at  first  meeting  of  Corporation,  53; 
present  at  second  meeting,  54-55:  in- 
strumental in  establishing  Providence 
Gazette,  probable  author  of  account  of 
First  Commencement,  85 ;  chairman  of 
committee  to  draft  instructions  and 
prepare  model  of  college  building  in 
Warren,  110-111;  chairman  of  commit- 
tee to  carry  on  the  building  in  Provi- 
dence, 114;  moderator  of  town  meeting 
called  to  consider  plan  for  locating 
the  College  in  Providence,  118;  present 
at  final  meeting  of  Corporation  to  de- 
termine upon  permanent  location,  121; 
offered  arguments  in  favor  of  Provi- 
dence, 124;  summary  as  Chancellor  of 
the  case  of  the  two  rival  claimants  for 
the  location,  126-128;  chairman  of  com- 
mittee of  five  to  prepare,  present,  and 
enforce  remonstrance  to  General  As- 
sembly, 132;  chairman  of  the  Building 
Committee  of  College  edifice,  139,  140, 
150;  chairman  of  committee  to  confer 
with  Manning  in  regard  to  soliciting 
funds  in  Europe,  190;  his  statements 
in  regard  to  formation  of  Baptist  church 


582 


INDEX. 


entitled  to  weight,  204;  appointed  by- 
General  Assembly,  June,  1774,  delegate 
to  first  Continental  Congress,  260;  mem- 
ber of  Society  of  Friends,  207 ;  attended 
conference  with  Baptists  in  Carpenter's 
Hall,  278;  present  at  meetings  of  Cor- 
poration in  1780  and  1782,  333,  335 ;  ap- 
pointed with  Manning  to  make  out  cat- 
alogue of  Library,  347 ;  signed  as  Chan- 
cellor petition  to  King  of  France,  351; 
received  degree  of  LL.  D.  in  1784,  382 ; 
death  announced,  "one  of  the  greatest 
men  our  country  has  reared,"  Man- 
ning's account  of,  415-417 ;  Rights  of 
Colonies  examined,  cited,  136;  Plant- 
ing and  Growth  of  Providence,  cited, 
197,  202,  203. 

Hopkins,  Thomas,  one  of  the  founders  of 
Providence,  ancestor  of  Stephen,  197, 
202. 

Horr,  George  E.,  of  Boston,  Baptist  Fel- 
low, 550. 

Houston,  Mr.,  delegate  to  Congress  of  the 
Confederation  from  Georgia,  threatened 
Manning  with  violence,  425. 

Hovey,  Alvah,  of  Newton  Centre,  Bap- 
tist Fellow,  550,  memoirs  of  Backus, 
cited,  278. 

Howard,  Miss  A.,  engaged  to  Captain 
Bell,  Manning  writes  letter  of  sympa- 
thy to,  300.     See  Letters. 

Howard,  James  L.,  of  Hartford,  Baptist 
Trustee,  550. 

Howard,  Martin,  signed  original  petition 
for  Charter,  517. 

Howard,  William,  of  Foster,  voted  nay 
on  question  of  adopting  Federal  Con- 
stitution, 479. 

Howe,  Solomon,  member  of  Committee 
of  Warren  Association  to  prepare  Cate- 
chism and  Spelling  Book,  340. 

Howell,  father  of  Judge  Howell,  in  low 
state  of  health,  349. 

Howell,  Corlis,  mother  of  Judge  Howell, 
349. 

Howell,  David,  pupil  of  Isaac  Eaton  at 


Hopewell  Academy,  10 ;  describes  Man- 
ning in  his  youth,  31 ;  Senior  at  College 
of  New  Jersey  in  1766,  receives  invita- 
tion from  Manning  to  come  to  Warren, 
66 ;  associated  with  Manning  as  Tutor, 
Professor,  and  member  of  Board  of  Fel- 
lows, biographical  sketch  with  portrait, 
67-68;  extract  from  Corporation  records 
respecting,  various  titles  and  positions, 
68;  received  degree  of  A.  M.  at  First 
Commencement,  84;  sketch  of  origin  of 
the  College  among  his  papers,  11 ;  Judge 
of  Supreme  Court  in  case  of  Trevett  vs. 
Weeden,  96 ;  unmarried  and  boarded  on 
coming  with  the  College  to  Providence, 
143;  accompanied  Hezekiah  Smith  on 
journey  to  New  Jersey,  attended  Com- 
mencement at  Yale  and  received  degree 
of  A.  M.,  189;  on  committee  to  draft 
charter  for  Charitable  Baptist  Society, 
221 ;  paper  on  file  giving  number  of  Col- 
lege students,  cited,  293;  resigns  his 
position  as  Professor  of  Philosophy, 
311 ;  present  at  meeting  of  Corporation 
in  1780,  333 ;  agreed  upon  by  members  of 
Corporation  as  the  proper  person  to 
preside  over  the  College  during  Man- 
ning's proposed  absence  in  Europe, 
348;  on  committee  with  Manning  to 
form  digest  of  College  laws,  355 ;  chosen 
to  go  to  Europe  and  solicit  funds,  not 
able  to  goon  the  plan  proposed,  386; 
Manning  writes  him  playful  letter, 
hopes  he  will  be  "good  natured,  unan- 
imous, and  attentive  to  public  busi- 
ness," 397;  member  of  Congress,  and 
had  great  influence  until  he  opposed 
Impost  measure,  431 ;  on  committee 
with  Manning  in  favor  of  public  schools, 
463;  signed  letter  to  Manning  asking 
him  to  preach,  472;  signed  as  Secretary 
of  the  Corporation  address  to  Wash- 
ington, 481;  charge  to  graduates  in  1791 
published  in  Rippon's  Baptist  Register, 
487 ;  extract  from  obituary  notice  of 
Manning,  503-504;   penned  inscription 


INDEX. 


583 


upon  the  stone  erected  by  the  Corpora- 
tion to  the  memory  of  Manning,  504- 
505.  See  Letters. 
Howell,  Jeremiah,  son  of  Judge  Howell, 
does  not  make  rapid  progress  in  lan- 
guage, 347 ;  Mr.  Wilkinson  speaks  favor- 
ably of  his  proficiency  in  Greek,  397; 
graduates  in  class  of  1789,  afterwards 
United  States  Senator,  470. 

Howell,  Waitstill,  daughter  of  Judge 
Howell,  and  wife  of  Ebenezer  Knight 
Dexter,  68. 

Howell,  Elias,  member  of  class  of  1772, 
relative  of  Judge  Howell,  189. 

Howland,  John,  published  sketch  of 
Manning  in  Rhode  Island  Literary  Repos- 
itory, 3 ;  presented  petition  to  General 
Assembly  in  1800  for  four  public  schools, 
463;  memoir  of  Manning,  cited,  141, 
308;  Life  and  Recollections,  cited,  143, 
163,  211,  224,  285,  310,  449. 

Hoxsey,  Gideon,  name  mentioned  in  pre- 
amble to  Charter,  535. 

Hoyt,  Colgate,  of  New  York,  Baptist 
Trustee,  550. 

Hubbel,  Lieutenant,  327. 

Hubbel,  Esquire,  of  Stratford,  329. 

Hudson's   Life    of   Jemima    "Wilkinson, 
*    cited,  363. 

Hunt,  Asa,  spent  several  months  in  Vir- 
ginia, 451. 

Hunter,  William,  describes  Manning's 
bulk  and  graceful  gestures,  31. 

Hunting,  Mr.,  329. 

Hurder,  Robert,  of  Brunswick,  326. 

Hutchinson,  Aaron,  of  Grafton,  instruc- 
tor of  William  Rogers,  59. 

Hutchinson,  Anne,  197,  201. 

Hutchinson's  Moral  Philosophy,  355. 

Impost  of  five  per  cent.,  351. 

Imposition  of  Hands,  not  regarded  as  es- 
sential in  covenant  of  Warren  church, 
50;  William  Rogers  received  the  ordi- 
nance of,  60.  See  Laying  on  of 
Hands. 

Independence,  American,  advocated  at 


First   Commencement  of  the  College, 

86-87. 
Indian  slaves  enlisted  as  soldiers,  313. 
Indian  tribes  commence    hostilities    on 

the  Western  frontier,  438. 
Infant  Baptism,  controversial  letter  on, 

to  Rev.  John  Berridge,  302-307. 
Ireland,  Edwards's  first    subscriptions 

for  the  College  obtained  in,  71. 
Ivers,  Thomas,  passenger  in  sloop  Sally 

for  Charleston,  148. 
Ives,  Thomas  P.,  chairman  of  committee 

to  erect  building  for  grammar  school,  52. 
Ives,  Hope,  wife  of  Thomas  P.  and  daugh- 
ter of  Nicholas  Brown,  Sen.,  225,  442, 

521. 
Ives  family  sprang  on  maternal  side  from 

Mrs.  Hope  Ives,  521. 

Jackson,  at  the  Forge,  327. 

James,  Samuel,  Calvinistic  Baptist  min- 
ister of  England,  received  degree  of 
A.  M.  in  1770, 165,  245. 

James,  Thomas,  one  of  the  founders  of 
Rhode  Island,  202. 

Jefferson,  Thomas,  letter  to  Rhode  Is- 
land delegates  in  Congress  respecting 
petition  to  King  of  France,  352-353. 
See  Letters. 

Jenckes,  Joseph,  ancestor  of  the  Jenckes 
family,  520. 

Jenckes,  Joseph,  Jr.,   Governor  of  the 

,  Colony,  520. 

Jenckes,  Nathaniel,  brother  of  the  above, 
leader  of  the  military  forces  of  the  Col- 
ony, 520. 

Jenckes,  William,  brother  of  the  above, 
Chief  Justice,  520. 

Jenckes,  Ebenezer,  brother  of  the  above, 
elder  of  the  Baptist  church,  father  of 
Judge  Daniel,  210,  520. 

Jenckes,  Judge  Daniel,  son  of  Ebenezer, 
name  not  mentioned  in  original  petition 
for  charter,  517;  opposed  granting  of  the 
Stiles  Charter,  517-518 ;  Stiles  draft 
delivered  to  by  General  Assembly 
on  request,  522 ;    name    mentioned   in 


584 


INDEX. 


preamble  to  Charter  finally  granted, 
535;  Corporator,  536;  Charter  Trustee, 
537 ;  Baptist  Trustee,  1770, 549 ;  Jenckes's 
history  of  the  Charter  as  given  in  Mor- 
gan Edwards's  manuscript  materials 
for  history  of  the  Baptists  in  Rhode  Is- 
land, 521-523;  present  at  first  meeting 
of  the  Corporation,  52;  present  at 
second  meeting,  one  of  the  most  influ- 
ential men  of  Providence,  57;  present 
at  final  meeting  to  determine  perma- 
nent location  of  the  College,  121 ;  Rep- 
resentative to  General  Assembly  in 
1770,  129 ;  member  of  committee  to  pre- 
sent and  enforce  Remonstrance  of  Cor- 

,  poration,  132;  chairman  of  committee 
appointed  by  Baptist  church  to  wait 
on  Manning  upon  his  arrival  at  Provi- 
dence, 214;  moderator  of  church  meet- 
ing that  appointed  Manning  to  preach 
and  administer  communion,  217 ;  died 
in  1774,  biographical  sketch,  520-521. 

Jenckes,  John,  son  of  Judge  Daniel,  in 
town  meeting,  added  to  committee  to 
lay  Providence  subscriptions  before 
Corporation,  118;  on  committee  to  fix 
upon  suitable  place  for  College  edifice, 
113,  136;  member  of  Building  Commit- 
tee, 139, 150;  edifice  set  on  the  hill  oppo- 
site his  house,  151 ;  chairman  of  com- 
mittee to  procure  oak  timber  for  new 
meeting-house,  220;  chairman  of  Stand- 
ing Committee  of  eleven,  221;  manager 
of  lottery,  222;  member  of  Committee 
of  Inspection  during  the  War,  283;  ap- 
pointed Trustee  in  place  of  his  father, 
deceased,  263;  present  at  meeting  of 
Corporation  in  1780,  333;  baptized  by 
Manning,  present  at  meeting  in  1782, 
335;  has  set  of  Gordon's  history,  467; 
signed  letter  to  Manning  requesting 
him  to  preach,  472;  sickness  of,  Man- 
ning writes,  "  our  dear  friend  almost 
gone,"  483;  notice  of  decease,  493, 

Jenckes,  Rhoda,  daughter  of  Judge 
Daniel,  wife  of  Nicholas  Brown,  and 
mother  of  Hon.  Nicholas  Brown,  and 


Mrs.  Hope  Ives,  wife  of  Thomas  Poyn- 
ton  Ives,  521. 

Jenckes,  Joseph,  prosecuted  his  studies 
during  the  "War,  admitted  to  degree  of 
A.  B.,  336. 

Jenckes,  Jonathan,  married  to  widow 
Bowers,  444. 

Jenkins,  Joseph,  Calvinistic  Baptistmin- 
ister  of  England,  245. 

Jennings,  James,  of  England,  recom- 
mended by  Ryland  for  College  honors, 
174. 

Jennings,  Andrew,  of  Fall  River,  Bap- 
tist Trustee,  549. 

Jewett,  Charles  C,  Librarian  of  Brown 
University,  Guild  his  successor,  1. 

Jews,  children  of  admitted  to  College 
without  restraint,  150. 

Johnson,  Dr.,  of  Ct.,  member  of  Congress 
of  Confederation,  complimented  Man- 
ning as  a  ready  writer,  426. 

Johnson,  J.  B.,  Trustee  of  Union  College, 
objected  to  Maxcy  as  candidate  for 
President,  447. 

Johnson's  Universal  Cyclopaedia,  article 
on  Baptist  history  at  variance  with  ac- 
knowledged facts,  198. 

Johnston,  formerly  part  of  Providence, 
incorporated  in  1759,  212.  • 

Jones,  Mr.,  of  Connecticut,  314. 
'  Jones,  Alexander,  prosecuted  his  studies 
during  the  War,  admitted  to  degree  of 
A.  B.,  336. 

Jones,  David,  pupil  of  Isaac  Eaton,  at 
Hopewell,  9 ;  missionary  to  the  Indians, 
193;  received  degree  of  A.M.,  261;  Chap- 
lain in  the  American  Army,  319. 

Jones,  Horatio  Gates,  writer's  obligations 
to  acknowledged,  5. 

Jones,  Jenkin,  early  pastor  of  Baptist 
church,  Philadelphia,  14. 

Jones,  John,  331. 

Jones,  Morgan,  Calvinistic  Baptist  min- 
ister of  England,  245. 

Jones,  Robert  Strettle,  name  omitted  in 
Stiles  draft  of  Charter,  520;  Corporator, 
536;  Charter  Trustee,  538;  accompanied 


INDEX. 


585 


Samuel  Jones  to  Newport  on  affair  of 
the  Charter,  519;  received  degree  of 
A.  M.  at  First  Commencement,  84; 
reference  to,  322. 

Jones,  Samuel,  pupil  of  Isaac  Eaton  at 
Hopewell,  9;  one  of  the  founders  of  the 
College,  20;  name  omitted  in  the  Stiles 
draft  of  charter,  520;  Corporator,  536; 
Charter  Fellow,  538;  sent  to  Newport 
hy  Philadelphia  Association  on  affair 
of  the  Charter,  happily  drafted  present 
Charter,  519;  represented  Philadelphia 
Association  at  meeting  of  Warren  As- 
sociation, remodeled  Dr.  Stiles's  draft, 
first  choice  of  members  of  Corporation 
to  succeed  Manning,  78 ;  received  degree 
of  A.  M,  at  First  Commencement,  84; 
attends  conference  of  Baptists  in  Car- 
penter's Hall,  278;  visits  Colonel  Miles 
in  company  with  Manning  and  Ed- 
wards, 15,  325;  Manning's  references  to 
in  diary,  323,  325,  326;  Manning's  inti- 
mate friend,  educator  of  youth,  one  of 
the  master  spirits  of  Philadelphia  Asso- 
ciation, Judge  Howell  writes  to  by  re- 
quest of  members  of  Corporation,  on 
decease  of  Manning,  with  view  to  the 
Presidency  of  the  College,  321,  499; 
brief  biographical  sketch,  321.  See 
Letters. 

Jones,  Timothy,  Salutatorian  of  Class  of 
1774,  260. 

Judson,  Edward,  of  New  York,  Baptist 
Trustee,  549. 

Kaimes's  Elements  of  Criticism,  355. 

Kane,  Henry,  executor  of  estate  of  Ben- 
jamin Wallin,  421. 

Keach's  Singing  an  Ordinance  of  Christ, 
cited,  215. 

Keane,  Robert,  founder  of  Ancient  and 
Honorable  Artillery  Company,  197. 

Keen,  William  W.,  of  Philadelphia,  Bap- 
tist Fellow,  550. 

Keith,  George,  bookseller  in  London, 
died  in  1782,  John  Gill,  executor,  242, 


74 


420;  executor  of  estate  of  Rev.  Dr.  Gill, 
192. 

Kellen,  William  V.,  of  Boston,  Baptist 
Trustee,  550. 

Kelly,  Erasmus,  received  degree  in  1772, 
189. 

Kennedy's  Chronology,  356. 

Kentish  Guards,  James  M.  Varnum, 
Commander  of,  95. 

Kentucky,  first  settled  by  Baptists,  des- 
titute of  books,  ministers  illiterate, 
Manning's  plan  to  educate,  God  doing 
wonders  in,  403,  405-406,  415. 

King  of  France,  petition  to  from  Corpo- 
ration, to  establish  professorship  of 
French  language  in  the  College,  350-351. 

King,  David,  President  for  thirty  years 
of  Newport  Historical  Society,  possessor 
of  Stiles  manuscript  of  charter  for 
another  college,  134. 

King's  "  Mother  Church,"  cited,  198. 

Kingsbury,  John,  Secretary  of  Corpora- 
tion, member  of  committee  of  five  on 
subject  of  taxation,  546. 

Kingsley's  Life  of  Dr.  Stiles,  cited,  515. 

Kinzie,  James,  attends  conference  with 
Baptists  in  Carpenter's  Hall,  278. 

Kirbright's  buildings,  ruins  of,  323,  324. 

Knight's  London  Illustrated,  cited,  223. 

Knight's  Six  Principle  Baptists,  cited, 
42,  72, 479. 

Knowles's  Memoir  of  Roger  Williams, 
cited,  203,206,210,511. 

Knox,  General,  at  West  Point,  328,  410. 

Kollock,  Lemuel,  of  South  Carolina, 
Valedictorian  of  Class  of  1786,  442. 

Laing,  Benjamin,  lands  of,  adjoining  farm 
of  James  Manning,  23. 

Laing,  Christiana,  wife  of  James  Man- 
ning, and  grandmother  of  President 
Manning,  23. 

Lamb,  Charles,  playful  remark  on  Car- 
lyle's  Book  of  Job,  434. 

Lambert,  Nathaniel,  oration  at  Com- 
mencement of  1787,  446. 


586 


INDEX. 


Landed  possessions,  views  of  Granville 
Sharp  on,  and  also  upon  uncultivated 
lands  in  America,  408. 

Lapham,  Oscar,  of  Providence,  Episcopal 
Trustee,  550. 

Latin,  students  not  allowed  to  speak  to 
one  another  except  in,  270,  357 ;  Man- 
ning's efforts  to  have  Baptist  ministers 
of  education  engage  in  teaching,  311. 

Latin  Broadsides,  account  of  at  First 
Commencement,  88-89. 

Latin  Salutatory,  copy  of  President 
Manning's  in  his  own  hand  writing  in 
the  writer's  possession,  32;  copy  of 
Richard  Stites's  at  First  Commence- 
ment, with  the  other  orations,  pre- 
served, 93. 

Latin  School,  or  Hopewell  Academy, 
founded  by  Philadelphia  Association, 
8;  begun  in  Providence  in  1766  by  Ben- 
jamin Stelle,  10;  Manning  opens  one 
in  Warren  with  a  view  to  College  in- 
struction, now  the  University  Grammar 
School,  history  of,  51-52;  described  by 
Backus  in  letter  to  Dr.  Gill,  65;  in  1766 
flourishing,  69;  in  charge  of  Manning 
at  Providence,  for  a  long  time  con- 
nected with  the  College,  in  1810  Corpo- 
ration erected  brick  building  for  its  use, 
188;  still  under  the  care  of  Manning, 
taught  by  a  graduate,  243 ;  a  grammar 
master  (1783)  keeps  school  in  the  Col- 
lege edifice,  367 ;  removed  next  year  to 
the  Brick  School  House,  taught  by  Wil- 
liam Wilkinson,  account  of,  387-388;  in 
1794  Corporation  voted,  that  the  Presi- 
dent use  his  influence  to  establish  a 
Grammar  School  as  an  appendage  to 
the  College,  387. 

Latting,  Joanna,  fourth  wife  of  Stephen 
Gano,  414. 

Law,  Andrew,  member  of  class  of  1775, 
became  prominent  clergyman,  286,  288. 

Lawrence,  Deacon,  Manning  visits,  327. 

Lawrens,  Professor,  of  Philadelphia,  323. 

Laws  and  Customs.    See  College. 

Laying  on  of  Hands,  practiced  by  the 


Scotch  Plains  Church,  and  by  all  the 
Baptist  churches  in  Rhode  Island  when 
Manning  founded  church  in  Warren, 
50;  occasion  of  controversy  in  Baptist 
church,  Providence,  controversy  agita- 
ted anew  in  1732, 208-210.  See  Six  Prin- 
ciple Baptists.  Also  Imposition  of 
Hands. 

Learned,  Asa,  associated  with  William 
Wilkinson  as  an  instructor,  387. 

Ledoyt,  Bial,  Elder,  311 ;  present  at  meet- 
ing of  Warren  Association  in  Provi- 
dence, 339. 

Lee,  Mr.,  of  Connecticut,  314. 

Legislature  of  Rhode  Island,  a  more  in- 
famous set  of  men  under  the  character 
of  a  Legislature  never  disgraced  the 
annals  of  the  world,  444 ;  our  rulers  are 
deliberately  wicked,  456;  if  they  knew 
how  foreigners  look  upon  them  they 
would  blush,  459.  See  also  General 
Assembly. 

Leland,  Ebenezer,  155. 

Leland,  Thomas,  tutor  to  Rev.  Augustus 
Toplady,  232. 

Lemon,  Richard,  from  Baltimore,  326; 
letter  respecting  Manning  and  the  Col- 
lege, 340. 

Leonard,  Oliver  B.,  writer's  grateful  ac- 
knowledgments to  for  particulars  re- 
specting Manning's  family,  23. 

Leonidas,  signature  to  a  paper  severely 
handling  Congress,  322. 

Letters  from  James  Manning  to  John 
Berridge,  302;  Abraham  Booth,  256, 
393,  431, 473 ;  Committee  of  Senior  Class, 
286;  Corporation  of  the  College,  345; 
Moses  Brown,  309;  Nicholas  Bcown, 
119;  Caleb  Evans,  388,  404,  430;  John 
Gill,  420,  422 ;  William  Gordon,  435 ;  A. 
Howard,  300;  David  Howell,  66,  341, 
347,  396,  400,  418;  Henry  Kane,  359; 
Thomas  Lapham,  128;  Thomas  Lle- 
welyn, 181,  368;  Thomas  Mackaness, 
402;  Jeremiah  Manning,  335,  426;  Na- 
than Miller,  439,  440 ;  John  Rippon,  377, 
396,  412,  427 ;  John  Ryland,  171,  186,  191, 


INDEX. 


587 


241,  253,  257,  294,  360;  John  Ryland,  Jr., 
395;  Granville  Sharp,  409;  Hezekiah 
Smith,  121,  170,  236,  385,  387,  435,  444, 
451,455,460,476,482,493;  Samuel  Sten- 
nett,  159,  175, 193,  363;  Margaret  Stites, 
34;  Thomas  Ustick,  263,  310,  381,  398, 
454 ;  Benjamin  Wallin,  238,  254,  257,  296 ; 
Isaac  Woodman,  235. 

Letters  to  James  Manning  from  mem- 
bers of  Baptist  church,  472;  Abraham 
Booth,  393,  474,  484;  Morgan  Edwards, 
141,458,527;  Caleb  Evans,  391,  417,459, 
475;  John  Gill,  420,  421,  423;  William 
Gordon,  440,  465;  Oliver  Hart,  27,  37, 
149,  252;  William  Richards,  488;  John 
Rippon,  373,  453,  485 ;  John  Ryland,  172, 
230,243;  Granville  Sharp,  407;  Samuel 
Stennett,  161,  362;  Benjamin  Wallin, 
239,  298;  Isaac  Woodman,  233. 

Letters  Miscellaneous,  Isaac  Backus 
to  John  Gill,  64;  Isaac  Backus  to  John 
Rippon,  499 ;  George  Bancroft  to  Reuben 
A.  Guild,  529;  Moses  Brown  to  Francis 
Wayland,  137 ;  Nicholas  Brown  to  Hez- 
ekiah Smith,  183, 430, 443 ;  David  Howell 
to  Stephen  Hopkins,  311;  David  Howell 
to  Samuel  Jones,  498;  Richard  Lemon 
to  Robert  Carter,  340;  Letter  in  New- 
port Mercury  respecting  location  of  the 
College,  124;  William  B.  Sprague  to 
Reuben  A.  Guild,  525, 526 ;  Samuel  Still- 
man  to  Hezekiah  Smith,  498;  Charles 
H.  Wyatt  to  Reuben  A.  Guild,  135. 

Lewis  the  Little,  and  Washington  the 
Great,  482. 

Lexington,  battle  of,  news  reached  Prov- 
idence in  two  days,  one  thousand  mili- 
tia ready  to  march  at  once,  284;  like  an 
electric  stroke,  put  a  stop  to  revival  of 
religion,  294. 

Liberty,  British  armed  sloop,  boarded 
by  a  mob,  dismantled,  etc.,  87. 

Library,  removed  to  Wrentham  during 
the  War,  98 ;  consists  (in  1772)  of  two 
hundred  and  fifty  volumes,  and  those 
not  well  chosen,  181 ;  receives  from  ex- 
ecutors of  estate  of  Dr.  Gill  his  works 


and  fifty-two  folio  volumes  of  the  Fa- 
thers, 190-192;  John  Brown's  liberal 
offer  respecting,  347;  College  laws  re- 
specting in  1783,  357-359 ;  classification 
of  the  first  manuscript  catologue,  358; 
seven  hundred  pounds  subscribed  for 
books  and  philosophical  apparatus,  Li- 
brary consists  (1783)  of  about  five  hun- 
dred volumes,  most  of  which  are  very 
ancient,  and  very  useless,  as  well  as 
very  ragged  and  unsightly,  365 ;  one  of 
these  unsightly  volumes  Roger  Wil- 
liams's copy  of  Eliot's  Indian  Bible, 
366;  catalogue  made  out  with  great 
care,  attention,  and  labor  by  Manning, 
385;  sent  to  Caleb  Evans,  388;  fourteen 
hundred  volumes  ordered  from  Lon- 
don, a  donation  from  John  Brown,  389; 
Library  now  consists  (1785)  of  two  thou- 
sand volumes,  411 ;  kept  in  chamber  on 
second  floor  of  College  edifice,  addi- 
tional regulations  respecting,  students 
to  come  to,  four  at  a  time,  when  sent 
for,  preservation  and  not  circulation 
the  leading  consideration,  411-412;  do- 
nation from  Bristol  Education  Society 
per  Caleb  Evans,  417 ;  Nicholas  Brown 
commenced  his  benefactions  by  pre- 
senting five  hundred  volumes  of  law 
books,  442 ;  receives  a  bequest  in  1818 
of  thirteen  hundred  volumes  from  Wil- 
liam Richards,  of  Lynn,  England,  492. 

Light  Infantry  Company,  of  Providence, 
291 ;  incorporated  in  1774,  261. 

Lincoln,  James  S.,  Providence  artist, 
painted  portrait  of  Manning  from  the 
original,  506. 

Lillibridge,  Mr.,  accompanied  Mrs. 
Manning  from  Newport  to  Warren,  48. 

Linds,  Moses,  Jewish  merchant  of 
Charleston,  subscribed  twenty  pounds 
for  the  College,  150. 

Lindsay,  Captain  of  the  packet  Hannah, 
184. 

Lindsey,  B.,  of  Connecticut,  314. 

Lippitt,  Moses,  member  of  committee  to 
erect  Grammar  School  building,  52. 


588 


INDEX. 


Litchfield,  Joseph,  graduated  in  class 
of  1773,  247. 

Litchfield,  Connecticut,  316. 

Littlefield,  Major,  at  "West  Point,  328. 

Littlehale,  James  and  Abraham,  154. 

Livingston,  George,  residence  at  Eliza- 
bethtown,  318. 

Llewelyn,  Thomas,  Morgan  Edwards 
studied  Divinity  under,  14;  subscribed 
£31 10s,  for  the  College,  71;  Corporation 
voted  him  thanks  for  donation  of  a  pair 
of  globes,  69;  good  friend  of  Manning, 
162 ;  Baptist  Trustee  for  management  of 
Dr.  Moore's  Indian  college  funds,  163; 
member  of  Baptist  Committee  to  act  in 
conjunction  with  agent  of  Warren  As- 
sociation to  procure  redress,  etc.,  166; 
friendship  for  the  College  satisfactory, 
176;  distinguished  Cambro- British 
scholar  of  London,  Manning  opens  cor- 
respondence with,  181;  brief  notice  of, 
Manning  writes  to  him  a  second  time 
urging  him  to  patronize  the  College 
and  give  it  his  name,  368-370;  "Lle- 
welyn College "  appears  well  when 
written,  and  sounds  no  less  agreeably 
when  spoken,  369;  Sub-librarian  of  the 
British  Museum,  418. 

Location  of  the  College,  account  of  the 
contest  for,  108-144;  final  vote  of  the 
Corporation,  "  that  the  said  edifice  be 
built  in  the  town  of  Providence,  and 
there  be  continued  forever,"  121. 

Locke  on  the  Understanding,  356. 

Logan,  William,  Corporator,  536;  Charter 
Fellow,  538, 

Longfellow,  sings  of  Priscilla  Mullins 

,    and  John  Alden,  446. 

Longinus  on  the  Sublime,  355. 

Long  Lane,  Boston,  now  called  Federal 
Street,  450. 

Lossings's  Field  Book  of  the  Revolution, 
cited,  321,  324. 

Lottery  to  defray  expense  of  building 
parsonage  in  Warren,  72;  to  defray  ex- 
pense of  building  new  meeting-house 
in  Providence,  222;  account  of  lotteries 


in  Rhode  Island  and  elsewhere,  72,  221- 
222 ;  Ryland's  view  concerning  in  reply 
to  Manning's  query,  187,  232. 

Love's  Surveying,  356. 

Lowth's  Vernacular  Grammar,  355. 

Loyalists,  or  Tories,  generally  of  the 
Episcopal  faith,  304. 

Lucar,  Mark,  came  over  from  England 
with  Roger  Williams  in  1644,  199:  bap- 
tized with  John  Clarke  in  Seekonk 
River,  207. 

Luddington,  Colonel,  328. 

Ludlow,  Mrs.  Peter,  daughter  of  Dr. 
Gano,  presented  Manning's  portfolio  of 
correspondence  to  Library,  4. 

Lutheran  Church,  Philadelphia,  annual 
meeting  of  Philadelphia  Association 
held  in,  when  establishment  of  a  Col- 
lege was  decided  upon,  18. 

Lyman,  Mr.,  of  New  Haven,  329. 

Lyndon,  Josias,  present  at  first  meeting 
of  Baptists  in  Newport  to  consider 
Manning's  plan  for  a  College  in  Rhode 
Island,  appointed  a  committee  to  draw 
up  a  charter,  43-44,  514;  signer  to  orig- 
inal petition,  517;  Corporator,  536; 
Charter  Trustee,  538 ;  Baptist  Trustee 
in  1770,  549;  present  at  first  and  second 
meetings  of  Corporation,  52,  57 ;  present 
at  final  meeting  to  determine  location, 
121 ;  voted  in  favor  of  Newport,  126. 

Lyndon,  Samuel,  signed  original  petition 
for  charter,  517.  , 

Lyon,  Emory,  Principal  of  University 
Grammar  School,  52. 

Lyon's  Farms,  Manning  preaches  at,  319, 
326. 

McClellan,  William,  prosecutes  his 
studies  during  the  War,  admitted  to 
degree  of  A.  B.,  336. 

Macclure,  David,  made  concluding 
prayer  at  Tutor  Flint's  ordination,  484. 

McDugal,  General  Commander  of  Fort 
Arnold,  West  Point,  328. 

Mackaness,  Thomas,  merchant  of  Lon- 
don, 294,  297. 


INDEX. 


589 


McKim,  John,  member  of  Baptist  church, 
Philadelphia,  384. 

KcKims  from  Baltimore,  326. 

Maclaurin's  work  on  Fluxions,  244. 

Maclean,  Ex-President  of  College  of 
New  Jersey,  history  cited,  25,  26. 

McMaster's  History,  cited,  450. 

McNeil  Building,  Westminster  Street, 
southern  part  owned  by  College,  and 
taxed  by  City  Assessors,  548. 

Maidstone,  sloop-of-war,  burnt  in  public 
square,  Newport,  86. 

Malcom,  Charles  H.,  instrumental  in  lo- 
cating Stiles  draft  of  charter,  525. 

Manning,  Jeffrey,  one  of  the  earliest  set- 
tlers of  the  Piscataway  township,  great- 
grandfather of  President  Manning,  23. 

Manning,  James,  grandfather  of  Presi- 
dent Manning,  23. 

Manning,  James,  son  of  James  and  Chris- 
tiana (Laing)  Manning,  and  father  of 
President  Manning,  23 

Manning,  Grace,  daughter  of  Joseph  and 
Rebecca  (Drake)  Fitz  Randolph,  and 
mother  of  President  Manning,  23. 

Manning,  children  of  James  and  Chris- 
tiana (Laing)  Manning,  as  mentioned 
in  will,  1750,  23,24. 

Manning,  children  of  James  and  Grace 
(Fitz  Randolph)  Manning,  parents  of 
President  Manning,  24. 

Manning,  James,  son  of  James  and  Grace 
Manning,  one  of  seven  children,  24; 
birth,  parentage,  and  family,  22;  first 
pupil  of  Isaac  Eaton  at  Hopewell  Acad- 
emy, 9;  thoroughly  instructed  in  the 
rudiments  of  knowledge,  becomes  the 
subject  of  renewing  grace,  24 ;  baptized 
at  the  age  of  twenty,  enters  the  Fresh- 
man Class  at  College  of  New  Jersey, 
now  Princeton  University,  25 ;  account 
of  his  instructors,  27;  student  life,  dis- 
tinguished in  his  youth  for  skill  in 
athletics,  gracefulness,  and  immense 
bulk  in  mature  years,  31 ;  classmates  in 
College,  31;  graduates  in  1762  with  the 
Latin    Salutatory,    parchment  for    his 


Bachelor's  degree  preserved,  32;  es- 
teemed a  suitable  leader  in  the  work  of 
founding  a  Baptist  college,  21 ;  trial  of 
his  ministerial  gifts  before  Scotch 
Plains  Church,  December,  1762,33;  li- 
censed to  preach  Feb.  6, 1763,  married 
March  23d  following,  34;  marriage  a 
source  of  great  domestic  felicity,  no 
children,  wife  professed  religion  in 
1775,  36;  ordained  and  set  apart  as  a 
preacher  and  evangelist,  April  19,  1763, 
36 ;  travels  in  Virginia  and  North  Caro- 
lina, 42,  176 ;  invited  by  Oliver  Hart  to 
settle  in  Charleston  as  assistant  pas- 
tor, 37;  journey  to  Halifax,  on  his  way 
stops  at  Newport  and  makes  the  motion 
for  a  Baptist  college  in  Rhode  Island, 
43;  present  at  the  several  sessions  of 
the  Legislature  which  finally  granted 
the  Charter,  personal  influence,  44-45; 
name  omitted  in  the  Stiles  draft,  520 ; 
Corporator,  536;  Charter  Fellow,  538; 
personal  narrative  of  efforts  to  establish 
the  College  and  secure  Charter,  514- 
516,  517-519;  receives  a  call  dated  Feb. 
17,  1763,  to  come  and  settle  among  the 
people  at  Warren,  accepts,  and  at  once 
opens  Latin  School  with  a  view  to  Col- 
lege instruction,  48;  Baptist  church  or- 
ganized, and  he  becomes  the  pastor, 
50-51 ;  present  at  first  meeting  of  the 
Corporation,  52 ;  at  second  meeting  in 
1765,  chosen  President  of  the  College, 
53 ;  designated  by  Backus  as  one  of  the 
three  liberally  educated  Baptist  min- 
isters in  New  England,  64;  instrumen- 
tal in  founding  the  Warren  Associa- 
tion, author  of  sentiments,  plan,  and 
circular  letter,  connection  through  life 
with  both  the  Warren  and  the  Philadel- 
phia Associations,  72-80;  chairman  of 
committee  to  fix  upon  suitable  place  for 
College  edifice,  113;  favors  Providence 
for  the  location,  117 ;  spirited  anony- 
mous letter  to  Nicholas  Brown  on  the 
question  of  location,  119-120 ;  present  at 
the  final  meeting  which  determined  the 


590 


INDEX. 


location,  120;  writes  to  his  friend  and 
classmate,  Hezekiah  Smith,  then  get- 
ting subscriptions  for  the    College  in 
South  Carolina,  giving  an  account  of 
the  contest   between  Providence    and 
Newport,   121-123;    called  a  "wolf   in 
sheep's  clothing,"  by  a   disappointed 
citizen  of  Newport,  in  a  caustic  news- 
paper article,  125;  member  of  commit- 
tee of  five  to  prepare  remonstrance  to 
General    Assembly    against    granting 
Charter  for  another  college,  132;  chair- 
man of  committee  to  prepare  complete 
model  of   proposed    building,   Nassau 
Hall,   at  Princeton,  taken  for  model, 
140;  prayerfully  considers  the  sunder- 
ing of  his  connection  with  the  church 
in  Warren  in  order  to  go  with  the  Col- 
lege   to  Providence,  140;  leaves  War- 
ren May  4,  1770,  and  begins  the  College 
at  Providence,  143;  gives  Right  Hand 
of  Fellowship  at  ordination  of  Samuel 
Shepard,    161;    constrained    to    forego 
ease  and  worldly    advantage    in    dis- 
charge of  official  duties,  way  strewn 
with  thorns,  175,  178-179;  took  no  part 
in  ordination  of  Charles  Thompson,  his 
successor  at  Warren,  church  displeased 
on  account  of  his  leaving  them  to  go 
with  the  College,  100;  still  has  charge 
of  the  Latin  School,  advertises  in  Prov- 
idence  Gazette,  188 ;  temporary  absence 
from  the  College  suggested  in  order  to 
solicit  donations    abroad,    190;   salary 
from     church     and     College     in    1771 
amounted  to  five  hundred  dollars,  be- 
sides use  of  President's  house  and  the 
emoluments  of  his  school,  191 ;  invited 
to  preach  and  administer  communion 
for  Baptist  Church  in  Providence,  suc- 
ceeds Elder  Winsor  as  pastor,  213-217; 
revival  of  religion  as  a  result  of  his  min- 
istry, 218 ;  moderator  of  meetings  of  the 
Society  in  reference  to  a  new  meeting- 
house, 219-220;  chairman  of  committee 
to  draft  Charter  for  Charitable  Baptist 
Society,  221,  226;    preaches    dedication 


sermon  on  opening  of  the  new  house, 
May  28,  1775,  223;  discouraged  from 
going  abroad  to  solicit  funds,  234; 
preached  in  seven  Congregationalist 
meeting-houses  in  Connecticut,  237; 
makes  a  tour  in  Connecticut  accom- 
panied by  Solomon  Drowne,  247; 
charge  to  the  graduating  class  of  1773 
in  full,  247-249;  visits  churches  in  Mas- 
sachusetts and  Connecticut  during  va- 
cation, memoranda  of  journey,  251-252; 
in  his  discipline  not  unmindful  of  the 
rod,  252;  wonders  how  men  by  human 
laws  can  establish  a  religion  and  have 
the  effrontery  to  call  it  Christ's  king- 
dom, 254;  sick  for  several  months  with 
little  hope  of  recovery,  258 ;  a  believer 
with  the  Master  in  "Moses  and  the 
Prophets,"  271;  attends  with  Backus 
the  Conference  with  Continental  Con- 
gress, opens  the  Conference  with  speech 
and  reads  memorial,  278;  communi- 
cates with  class  of  1775  respecting  Com- 
mencement, 286-287;  publishes  notice 
of  suspension  of  College  studies  on  ac- 
count of  the  War,  293 ;  hears  in  Virginia 
the  celebrated  Fristoe,  and  returns 
home  to  preach  with  renewed  zeal,  ac- 
count of  remarkable  revival  which  fol- 
lowed his  preaching  in  1774  and  1775, 
296-297;  his  position  as  a  pastor  and 
political  leader  during  the  War,  in- 
stances of  his  humane  disposition  and 
ability  to  discharge  civil  functions,  re- 
pairs to  Connecticut  and  obtains  aid  for 
the  distressed  in  Rhode  Island,  letter 
to  Moses  Brown  concerning,  307-310; 
obtains  from  General  Sullivan  an  order 
of  reprieve  for  three  men  sentenced  to 
death,  308;  anecdote  of,  respecting  the 
Dark  Day,  310;  sets  out  on  a  journey  to 
the  Jerseys,  April  29,  1779,  journal  of, 
314-331 ;  visits  West  Point  on  his  re- 
turn, 327-328;  proposes  to  revive  Col- 
lege instruction,  and  ordered  by  the 
Corporation  "to  begin,"  333;  present 
at  meetiug  of  Warren  Association  held 


INDEX. 


591 


for  the  first  time  in  Providence,  Sep- 
tember, 1782,  339;  attends  meeting  of 
Philadelphia  Association  in  October 
following,  and  represents  condition  of 
the  College  and  its  pressing  needs, 
obliged  to  teach  three  classes  himself 
on  a  salary  of  £80,340;  still  entertains 
the  idea  of  going  abroad  and  soliciting 
donations  for  the  College,. 342;  offers 
his  services  to  the  Corporation  in  a 
memorial  address,  Jan.  27, 1783,  address 
in  full,  345-346;  appointed  to  make  out 
Catalogue  of  the  Library,  347 ;  appointed 
with  Dr.  Stillman  and  Dr.  Waterhouse 
to  draft  address  and  petition  to  the 
King  of  France  for  his  patronage  of 
the  College,  requested  by  the  Corpora- 
tion to  solicit  benefactions  in  the  Mid- 
dle States,  348;  remark  made  concern- 
ing by  a  distinguished  foreigner  present 
at  Commencement,  "natalis  prsesid- 
ere,"  born  to  preside,  350;  chairman 
of  committee  to  form  digest  of  College 
laws,  355;  discipline  "mild  and  peace- 
ful," 359;  devises  plan  to  aid  poor  stu- 
dents similar  to  modern  system  of 
scholarships,  366;  before  the  War  kept 
small  assortment  of  books  imported 
yearly  from  London,  368;  never  in  one 
instance  doubted  the  justice  of  the 
American  cause,  379;  attended  meeting 
of  Warren  Association  in  Middlebor- 
ough,  380;  prominent  in  the  affair  of 
Elhanan  Winchester  and  Baptist 
church,  384;  appointed  to  solicit  dona- 
tions for  the  College  in  the  New  Eng- 
land States,  writes  letters  on  the  sub- 
ject to  Samuel  Stennett  and  others  in 
England,  386 ;  oppressed  Avith  number- 
less and  varied  cares,  amusing  letter 
from  Doct.  Waterhouse  respecting,  392 ; 
conscious  of  his  want  of  qualifications 
for  the  honor  of  a  D.D.,  at  best  but  an 
empty  sound,  399;  received  the  degree 
from  University  of  Pennsylvania  in 
1785,  through  influence  of  Thomas  Us- 
tick,  parchment  in  the  writer's  posses- 


sion, 400 ;  still  on  the  hill  at  Providence 
overwhelmed  with  cares,  at  times  al- 
most decided  to  visit  England,  402; 
philanthropic  efforts  to  secure  for  the 
Baptist  churches  an  educated  ministry, 
406;  can  command  but  little  time  for 
reading,  412 ;  aids  in  ordaining  to  the 
ministry  Stephen  Gano,  in  New  York, 
413;  conceives  a  plan  for  furnishing 
illiterate  Baptist  ministers  in  Ken- 
tucky with  books,  correspondence  on 
the  subject,  403,  405-406,  415 ;  appointed 
by  General  Assembly  to  represent 
Rhode  Island  in  Congress  of  the  Con- 
federation, Asher  Robbins's  account  of 
his  appointment,  425-426 ;  master  of  all 
important  questions  debated  in  Con- 
gress, complimented  by  Dr.  Jackson, 
of  Connecticut,  for  his  readiness  and 
skill  as  a  writer,  426 ;  in  his  correspond- 
ence gives  reason  why  he  entered  Con- 
gress, desires  to  recover  sum  due  the 
College  for  rent  and  damages  during 
the  war,  appointment  only  for  six 
months,  428,  431 ;  always  deemed  the 
pastoral  care  of  the  church  incompati- 
ble with  College  engagements,  yet  he 
preached,  administered  the  ordinances, 
visited  the  sick,  attended  funerals, 
etc.,  for  fifteen  years,  428;  his  idea  of  a 
successor,  "  a  man  of  letters,  politeness, 
strict  piety,  and  orthodoxy,  of  popular 
talents,  possessed  of  a  good  share  of 
human  prudence,  and  no  bigot,"  428- 
429;  not  able  to  attend  the  duties  of 
both  a  pastor  and  President,  430 ;  writes 
to  Hezekiah  Smith  suggesting  him  as 
his  successor  in  the  ministry  at  Provi- 
dence, 435;  fully  comprehended  the 
great  political  questions  of  his  day,  439 ; 
returns  from  Congress  early  in  Novem- 
ber, 1786,  443 ;  seized  with  violent  fit  of 
bilious  colic,  life  threatened,  444;  ar- 
rearages of  tuition  due,  sick,  with  no 
wood  at  the  door,  very  few  provisions 
in  the  cellar,  and  not  a  dollar  of  money 
at  command,  has  serious  thoughts  of 


592 


INDEX. 


removing  to  the  farm  at  the  Jerseys, 
most  trying  period  in  his  whole  life, 
444-445;  something  Godlike  in  preach- 
ing to  the  poor  without  recompense, 
445 ;  anxious  for  the  ratification  of  the 
Federal  Constitution,  attends  upon  the 
debates  and  proceedings  of  the  Massa- 
chusetts Convention,  called  upon  by 
Governor  Hancock  to  "close  the  sol- 
emn convocation  with  thanksgiving 
and  prayer,"  extraordinary  impression 
produced  by  his  devotion  and  elo- 
quence, adoption  of  the  Constitution  in 
Rhode  Island  largely  due  to  his  wise 
counsels  and  superior  influence,  449- 
452;  Dr.  Rippon's  correspondence,  "in 
a  remote  period,  when  the  public  prints 
announce  that  Dr.  Manning  was,  may 
it  be  said,  "  He  shone  through  a  long- 
lengthened  day,  the  ornament  and  boast 
of  all  his  connections,  and  then  set, 
like  the  sun,  to  rise  and  shine  forever," 
453 ;  efforts  in  behalf  of  popular  educa- 
tion, chairman  of  school  committee, 
final  report  in  favor  of  free  public 
schools,  pronounced  by  Henry  Barnard 
one  of  the  best  reports  of  the  kind  ex- 
tant, 461^63;  chairman  of  committee 
appointed  in  town  meeting  to  draft  pe- 
tition to  Congress,  petition  in  full,  468- 
469 ;  charge  to  graduating  class  at  Com- 
mencement of  1789,  470-472;  conspicu- 
ously active  in  efforts  to  secure  a  Con- 
vention for  the  adoption  of  Federal 
Constitution,  470 ;  had  thoughts  of  pub- 
lishing an  essay  on  the  Kingdom  of 
Christ,  473 ;  writes  to  Hezekiah  Smith 
respecting  a  revival  under  his  preach- 
ing, from  fifty  to  one  hundred  under 
serious  impressions,  476;  address  to 
Washington  on  his  visit  to  the  College, 
Thursday,  Aug.  19, 1790, 480-481 ;  resigns 
his  pastoral  office,  preaches  his  farewell 
sermon  to  the  church,  April,  1791,  494 ; 
makes  request  in  writing  for  a  meeting 
of  Charitable  Baptist  Society,  stating 
that  it  would  probably  be  his  last  re- 


quest, notifies  the  Corporation,  April 
13th,  to  look  out  for  a  successor,  singu- 
lar presentiment  of  approaching  mor- 
tality, seized  with  fit  of  apoplexy  Sab- 
bath morning,  July  24, 1791,  died  Friday 
evening,  495;  account  of  funeral,  held 
Saturday,  July  30,  the  day  after  his  de- 
cease, most  numerous  and  respectable 
ever  attended  in  town,  hearse  used  for 
the  first  time  in  Providence,  496;  re- 
mains rest  in  North  Burial  Ground  by 
the  side  of  his  friend,  Nicholas  Brown, 
496;  death  announced  to  Hezekiah 
Smith  by  Samuel  Stillman,  498;  to 
Sarmiel  Jones  by  David  Howell,  498- 
499;  to  John  Rippon  by  IsaacrBackus, 
499;  to  John  Rippon  by  Solomon 
Drowne,  499-500;  Simeon  Doggett's 
Commencement  oration  on  death  of, 
500-502;  object  of  detraction,  being  a 
strong  Federalist  and  an  acknowledged 
leader  among  the  despised  Baptists, 
502 ;  particulars  relating  to  his  personal 
appearance,  habits,  character,  and  in- 
fluence, as  given  by  Judge  Howell  in 
his  obituary  notice,  503-504;  Howell's 
inscription  upon  the  stone  erected  to 
his  memory  by  the  Trustees  and  Fel- 
lows of  the  College,  505 ;  summary  of 
his  life  and  of  the  early  history  of  the 
College,  506-509;  account  of  Manning's 
portrait,  painted  by  Cosmo  Alexander, 
in  1770,  when  he  was  thirty-two  years 
old,  485,  487,  500,  505-506 ;  bequeathed  to 
Brown  University  in  1815  by  his  widow, 
36.  See  Letters.  Also  College,  Col- 
lege Laws,  Commencement,  Corpora- 
tion. 
Manning,  Margaret,  daughter  of  John 
Stites,  Esquire,  of  Connecticut  Farms, 
Elizabethtown,  and  wife  of  President 
Manning,  parentage,  family,  and  mar- 
riage, 34-36;  Manning  corresponded 
with  while  a  student,  34;  baptized  by 
her  husband,  297 ;  sailed  June  27,  1784, 
to  enjoy  last  interview  with  "her  dear 
mamma,"  387;  confined  six  months  by 


INDEX. 


593 


bilious  sickness,  restored  to  health, 
385,  399;  died  in  1815,  bequeaths  her 
husband's  portrait  to  Brown  Univer- 
sity, 36;  her  own  portrait  bequeathed 
to  Brown  University  by  Maria  Bene- 
dict, a  niece  of  Mrs.  Eliza  B.  Kogers, 
36. 

Manning,  Christiana,  sister  of  President 
Manning,  married  Joseph  Tingley, 
24. 

Manning,  Enoch,  brother  of  President 
Manning,  married  Janet  Edgar,  24; 
died  in  February,  1791,  494. 

Manning,  James,  nephew  of  President 
Manning,  and  son  of  Jeremiah,  326,  387 ; 
has  Latin  Salutatory  at  Commencement 
of  1786,  427,  442. 

Manning,  Jeremiah,  brother  of  President 
Manning,  lived  in  Bonham  and  Borden- 
town,  24,  319,  320,  326. 

Manning,  John,  brother  of  President 
Manning,  married  Sarah  Van  Pelt,  24, 
326. 

Manning,  John,  cousin  of  President  Man- 
ning, died  in  February,  1791,  494. 

Manning,  Joseph,  brother  of  President 
Manning,  Ruling  Elder  in  Scotch  Plains 
Church,  24, 319, 324,  326 ;  wife  of  Joseph, 
319. 

Manning,  Benjamin,  320,  324. 

Manning,  William,  319. 

Manning  Hall,  erected  by  Nicholas 
Brown  in  1835,  and  named  in  honor  of 
his  distinguished  instructor  and  revered 
President,  442. 

Mann,  Benjamin,  Representative  from 
Providence  to  General  Assembly,  133 ; 
paid  for  setting  glass  in  Mr.  Snow's 
meeting-house,  152,  155. 

Mann,  Horace,  married  daughter  of  Asa 
Messer,  455. 

Mann,  Jacob,  received  degree  of  A.  B.  in 
1774,261. 

Mann,  John  Preston,  had  Latin  Saluta- 
tory at  Commencement  of  1776,  291 ;  be- 
came distinguished  physician,  settled 
in  Newport,  292. 
75 


Marchant,  Henry,  appointed  to  draft  ad- 
dress to  Congress,  288. 

Marietta,  Ohio,  town  where  General 
Varnum  died,  97. 

Marlow,  Isaac,  controversy  on  singing, 
cited,  215. 

Marsh,,  Joseph,  his  daughter  wife  of  "Wil- 
liam Rogers,  63. 

Martin,  Baptist  minister  of  London,  bit- 
ter enemy  of  the  Americans,  441. 

Martin,  David,  signed  letter  to  Manning 
requesting  him  to  preach,  472. 

Martin,  Jacob,  320. 

Martin  on  the  Globes,  Trigonometry, 
Philosophica  Britannica,  356. 

Mason,  Benjamin,  signed  original  peti- 
tion for  charter,  517. 

Mason,  Eugene  W.,  of  Providence,  Con- 
gregational Trustee,  550. 

Mason,  Jonathan,  of  Boston,  402,  467. 

Mason,  Reuben,  pupil  of  Manning's 
Latin  School,  52. 

Mason,  Elder  Job,  of  Swansea,  217. 

Mason,  Russell,  name  omitted  in  Stiles 
draft  of  Charter,  520 ;  Corporator,  536 ; 
Charter  Trustee,  538;  Baptist  Trustee 
in  1770,  549;  present  at  final  meeting  to 
determine  permanent  location  of  the 
College,  121 ;  voted  in  favor  of  Provi- 
dence, 126. 

Masonic  Fraternity,  Stephen  Gano  an 
honored  member  of,  414;  William 
Rogers  a  member,  61. 

Massachusetts  State  Convention  of  1780, 
Noah  Alden  a  delegate,  chairman  of  a 
committee  of  seven  that  framed  the 
famous  Bill  of  Rights,  74;  Edward 
Everett  Hale's  Centenary  of,  cited,  75; 
laws  of  relating  to  "Anabaptists" 
given  in  full  in  "Chaplain  Smith  and 
the  Baptists,"  79;  Bill  of  Rights 
amended  in  1834,  and  soul  liberty  se- 
cured, 279;  Convention  for  the  adop- 
tion of  the  Federal  Constitution  met 
Jan.  9,  1787,  in  session  nearly  a  month, 
three  hundred  and  fifty-five  delegates, 
Constitution  adopted  by  a  majority  vote 


594 


INDEX. 


of  ninteen,  448-449;  Manning  attended 
upon  its  proceedings,  regarding  Massa- 
chusetts as  "  the  hinge  on  which  the 
whole  must  turn,"  452.  See  Committee 
on  Grievances,  Warren  Association. 

Massachusetts  Historical  Society,  pre- 
serves in  its  archives  report  of  com- 
mittee sent  hy  Boston  church  to  church 
in  Portsmouth,  Rhode  Island,  197. 

Massachusetts  Magazine  for  1789,  cited, 
226. 

Mawney,  John,  one  of  the  actors  in  affair 
of  the  Gaspee,  185. 

Maxcy,  Jonathan,  pupil  of  William  Wil- 
liams at  Wrentham  Academy,  98;  vale- 
dictorian of  the  class  of  1787,  Tutor, 
Professor,  and  President,  brief  bio- 
graphical sketch,  447-448;  youngest 
Tutor,  about  twenty-one,  has  lately 
found  Christ  and  been  baptized  (Dec. 
25,  1789),  473;  has  been  called  and  li- 
censed, much  indisposed,  ill  with  the 
measles,  476 ;  talks  of  leaving  College, 
consented  with  great  reluctance  to  sup- 
ply Manning's  pulpit  for  six  months, 
does  it  to  great  acceptance,  improves 
amazingly,  483;  people  have  chosen 
him  for  their  minister,  resigned  his 
Tutorship  and  accepted  pastorate  of 
the  church,  gives  very  general  satisfac- 
tion, 494;  preached  Manning's  funeral 
sermon,  497 ;  Trustee  of  Baptist  Educa- 
tion Fund,  367. 

Maxson,  John,  pastor  of  Seventh  Day 
Baptist  Church,  Newport,  46;  Corpora- 
tor, 536;  Charter  Trustee,  538;  Baptist 
Trustee,  1770,  549;  present  at  first  and 
second  meetings  of  Corporation,  52,  57; 
present  at  final  meeting  to  determine 
permanent  location  of  the  College,  121 ; 
voted  in  favor  of  Providence,  126. 

Meacham,  Joseph,  of  Enfield,  appointed 
to  receive  well-attested  grievances, 
78. 

Meeting  Street  Brick  School  House, 
place  where  the  College  held  its  ses- 
sions on  removal  from  Warren,  143. 


Mendon,  Baptists  there  oppressed  with 
ministerial  taxes,  250. 

Merchant,  Mr.,  323. 

Mesnard,  Captain  Thomas,  377,485, 

Messer,  Asa,  fitted  for  College  by  Heze- 
kiah  Smith,  admitted  into  the  Sopho- 
more Class  in  June,  1788,  biographical 
sketch,  Tutor,  Professor,  President, 
455-456;  graduates  at  Commencement 
of  1790,  482 ;  Manning  writes  to  Smith 
respecting,  493;  corresponds  as  Presi- 
ident  of  the  University  with  William 
Richards,  of  Lynn,  England,  492. 

Mdddleton,  Ct.,  329. 

Miflin,  Thomas,  attends  Conference 
with  the  Baptists  in  Carpenter's  Hall, 
278;  threatened  with  banishment  to 
New  York,  323. 

Miles,  Samuel,  chairman  of  Committee 
of  Safety,  concealed  Morgan  Edwards 
at  his  house,  Manning,  Jones,  and  Ed- 
wards visit,  15,  325 ;  member  of  Baptist 
church  in  Philadelphia,  signed  address 
respecting  Elhanan  Winchester,  384. 

Miles,  John,  founder  of  Baptist  church 
in  Swansea,  47. 

Milford,  329. 

Military  companies  of  Providence  in 
1774  and  1775,  261. 

Miller,  Andrew,  bookseller,  244. 

Miller,  Benjamin,  pastor  of  ScotchPlains 
Church,  baptized  Manning  in  1758,  25, 
33,  34;  died  in  1781,  344;  references  to 
319,  324,  326,  327. 

Miller,  Daniel,  represented  Cumberland 
Church  at  first  meeting  of  Warren  As- 
sociation, 75. 

Miller,  General  Nathan,  of  Warren, 
daughter  married  William  Williams, 
97 ;  on  committee  to  purchase  materials 
for  College  building  in  Warren,  110; 
Manning's  colleague  in  Congress,  329. 
See  Letters. 

Miller,  Samuel,  pupil  of  Manning's 
Latin  School,  52. 

Mills,  The,  eleven  miles  from  Provi- 
dence, 189. 


INDEX. 


595 


Milton,  John,  speech  for  the  Liberty  of 
Unlicensed  Printing,  cited,  116. 

Moderation,  spirit  of  prevails,  411. 

Money,  so  scarce  that  people  of  property 
cannot  pay  their  taxes,  390;  scarcity  of, 
and  difficulty  of  making  remittances  to 
Great  Britain,  422 ;  scarcity  of  in  this 
country  exceeds  description,  431. 

Monopolizers,  Forestallers,  and  En- 
grossers, 322. 

Montague,  cases  of  suffering  from  op- 
pression reported  to  "Warren  Associa- 
tion, 166. 

Montague,  Admiral,  corresponds  with 
Governor  Wanton  in  regard  to  affair  of 
the  Gaspee,  184. 

Montague,  Richard,  of  Sunderland,  ap- 
pointed to  receive  well  attested  griev- 
ances, 78. 

Montague,  Tommy,  a  flaming  young 
preacher  sent  out  from  Baptist  church 
in  New  York,  "  outshines  us  all,"  457. 

Montesquieu's  Spirit  of  Laws,  cited,  264. 

Moore,  David,  signed  original  petition 
for  Charter,  517. 

Moore,  Dr.,  scheme  for  a  college  for  the 
Indians,  163, 177. 

Moore,  Dr.,  of  Bordentown,  324. 

Morehouse,  Colonel,  316. 

Morgan,  Abel,  Inspector  of  Hopewell 
Academy,  9;  one  of  the  founders  of 
Rhode  Island  College,  20;  received  de- 
gree of  A.  M.  at  First  Commencement, 
84. 

Morgan,  Captain,  landlord,  316,  319. 

Morrice,  Robert,  original  owner  of  part 
of  College  lot,  138. 

Morris,  Colonel,  at  West  Point,  Manning 
dines  with,  328. 

Morris,  Mr.,  325. 

Morris,  Robert,  and  other  leading  mer- 
chants of  Philadelphia,  refuse  to  con- 
form to  regulation  of  prices,  323. 

Morristown,  326. 

Moulders,  of  Philadelphia,  322,  323,  326. 

Mount  Tom,  a  tremendous  precipice, 
316. 


Mount  Vernon  Lodge,  Dr.  Gano  a  mem- 
ber of,  414. 

Mullett,  Thomas,  brother-in-law  of 
Caleb  Evans,  merchant  of  first  respec- 
tability, interview  with  General  Wash- 
ington at  Mount  Vernon,  362;  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Mullett  commended  to  attentions 
of  Manning,  459 ;  references  to,  363,  368, 
390,  404,  405. 

Mullins,  Priscilla,  446. 

Mumford,  Gideon,  appointed  to  draft 
address  to  Congress,  288. 

Mumford,  Paul,  Chief  Justice  of  Supreme 
Court,  96. 

Mumford,  Paul,  signed  petition  for  Char- 
ter, 517. 

Murray,  John,  alias  Murphy,  propagates 
doctrine  of  James  Relly  and  universal 
salvation,  343, 363. 

Nash,  Jacob,  graduated  in  class  of  1773, 
247. 

Nash,  Joseph,  added  to  town  meeting  to 
lay  before  Corporation  Providence  sub- 
scriptions, 118. 

Nash,  Samuel,  graduated  in  class  of  1770, 
164 ;  received  degree  of  A.  M.  in  1773, 
247. 

Nassau  Hall,  Princeton,  one  of  the  finest 
structures  of  the  kind  in  the  country, 
26,  27 ;  selected  as  the  model  of  the  Col- 
lege building  now  called  University 
Hall,  122, 140. 

Negroes  enlisted  as  soldiers,  313. 

Nelson,  Rev.  Mr.,  pleasing  account  from, 
of  matters  at  Haverhill,  122. 

New  Brunswick,  seat  of  Rutgers  College, 
24. 

New  England  Clergy,  inveterate  enmity 
of  towards  the  College,  192-193. 

New  England  Primer,  340. 

New  Hampshire,  ratified  the-  Federal 
Constitution  by  a  majority  of  eleven, 
448. 

New  Haven,  burning  of  a  part  of  by  the 
British,  324;  sacked  by  the  enemy, 
329. 


596 


INDEX. 


New  London,  Baptist  Church  Six  Princi- 
ple in  1764,  73. 

New  "Winsor,  328.  , 

New  York,  adopted  Federal  Constitu- 
tion hy  a  hare  majority  of  three,  after 
Convention  had  heen  in  session  more 
than  a  month,  448. 

New  York  Recorder,  Dr.  Cutting's  arti- 
cle on  the  denominational  character  of 
the  College,  cited,  514-515. 

Newbold,  Caleh,  493. 

Newburgh,  peace  proclaimed  at,  39, 
328. 

Newport,  not  settled  until  May  1,  1639, 
197 ;  Manning's  arrival  at,  on  his  mis- 
sion in  hehalf  of  the  College,  43,514; 
one  of  the  three  Baptist  churches  in 
Six  Principle,  73;  Academy  in,  taught 
hy  William  Rogers, 60;  claims  of  for  the 
permanent  location  of  the  College  ad- 
vocated and  discussed,  113;  main  oppo- 
sition to  the  College  in  the  beginning 
came  from  Congregationalists  in,  117; 
some  of  the  Newport  members  of  the 
Corporation  in  favor  of  Providence, 
120;  Newport  claimants  moved  for 
another  College  to  be  located  in  their 
town,  129;  prosperous  condition  of  in 
1770,  135-136;  Second  Congregational 
Church  incorporated  in  1771,  228; 
richest  men  in  Newport  generally  Loy- 
alists when  the  war  began,  285;  re- 
duced to  a  deplorable  state  on  account 
of  the  War,  289;  resolution  of  City 
Council,  March  4, 1862,  instructing  their 
State  Senator  to  procure  from  the  Leg- 
islature a  repeal  of  so  much  of  the  Col- 
lege Charter  as  exempted  the  President 
and  Professors  from  taxation,  545. 

Newport  Mercury,  advertisement  re- 
specting father  of  William  Rogers,  64; 
vehicle,  for  the  expression  of  disloyal 
sentiments,  85;  article  in  favor  of  a 
College,  cited,  117;  caustic  letter  in  re- 
specting final  vote  of  the  Corporation 
on  location  of  the  College,  124;  article 
of  March  12,  1770,  giving  account  of  the 


affair  of  another  college  to  be  located  in 
Newport,  129-131. 

Newton,  James,  colleague  of  Caleb 
Evans, recommended  for  college  honors, 
245,  417;  Manning  promises  Evans  an 
honorary  degree  for,  430. 

Newton,  John,  Curate  of  Olney,  recom- 
mended by  Ryland  for  college  honors, 
173. 

Nichols,  Jonathan,  signed  original  peti- 
tion for  Charter,  517. 

Nightingale,  Colonel  of  the  Company  of 
Cadets,  260,  315. 

Nightingale,  Samuel,  borrowed  the 
Stiles  Charter,  522. 

Niles,  Jeremiah,  Corporator,  536;  Char- 
ter Trustee,  538. 

Non  Importation  Agreements  entered 
into  after  Stamp  Act,  86. 

Norcott's  work  on  Baptism,  cited,  161. 

North  Carolina,  progress  of  the  Gospel 
there  and  in  Virginia,  thousands  con- 
verted and  baptized,  176;  adopted  Fed- 
eral Constitution  in  November,  1789, 
leaving  Rhode  Island  alone  in  her 
glory,  477. 

North  Fairfield,  329. 

North  Kingstown,  Baptist  Church  Six 
Principle  in  1764,  73. 

Northwestern  Territory,  General  Var- 
num  appointed  by  Congress  one  of  the 
Judges  of,  9(5. 

Norwalk,  Connecticut,  burned  by  the 
British,  324.  ■ 

Nunn,  Mary,  of  Cork,  Ireland,  wife  of 
Morgan  Edwards,  12. 

Oats,  two  quarts  six  shillings,  317. 
Oliver,  Mr.,  member  of  deputation  from 

Boston  church  to  church  in  Portsmouth, 

Rhode  Island,  197. 
Olney,  Captain,  at  West  Point,  328. 
Olney,  Richard,   of    Boston,    Congrega- 

tionalist  Fellow,  550. 
Olney,  Thomas,  one  of  the  founders  of 

Rhode  Island,  202;  one  of  the  original 

members  of   the    Baptist  church,    ex- 


INDEX. 


597 


eluded  from  the  Salem  Church,  203; 
Elder  in  the  church,  208;  withdrew 
with  others  in  1654,  on  account  of  Lay- 
ing on  of  Hands,  and  formed  a  "Five 
Point  Baptist  Church,"  204,  209. 

Oppressions  of  the  Baptists  by  the  Stand- 
ing Order,  Manning's  efforts  to  resist, 
276-280. 

Oratorial  Art,  subject  of  the  first  val- 
edictory address,  102. 

Oratory  prominent  in  the  early  teaching 
of  the  College,  first  professorship  one 
of  "  Oratory  and  Belles-lettres,"  102. 

Order  of  Exercises  at  Commencements, 
complete  set  preserved  in  College  Li- 
brary, 89. 

Osgood,  Howard,  paper  on  the  "Higher 
Criticism,"  cited,  272. 

Otis,  Jonathan,  signed  original  petition 
for  Charter,  517. 

Otis,  Major,  329. 

Oulton,  John,  Calvinistic  Baptist  Min- 
ister of  England,  245. 

Owen,  Mr.,  married  Lizzy  Burden,  317, 
327. 

Packard,  Henry  C,  donor  of  clock  for 
First  Baptist  meeting-house,  224. 

Padelford,  Philip,  graduate  in  class  of 
1773,  247. 

Page,  Benjamin,  one  of  the  actors  in 
affair  of  the  Gaspee,  185. 

Paget,  Henry,  154. 

Paine,  Robert  Treat,  attends  Conference 
with  Baptists  in  Carpenter's  Hall,  278. 

Paley's  Political  Philosophy,  cited,  75. 

Paper  Money,  made  a  legal  tender, 
greatly  depreciated  in  value,  financial 
embarrassments  of  the  country  in  con- 
sequence of,  313,  322;  policy  of  will 
never  make  a  State  prosper,  441 ;  run 
down  to  six  for  one  in  Rhode  Island, 
444 ;  distress  in  Rhode  Island  great  in 
consequence  of  a  miserable  paper  cur- 
rency, farms  sold  for  one-quarter  their 
value,  445. 

Parchment  for  Manning's  degree  of  A. 


B.,  32;  parchment,  or  diploma,  for  Wil- 
liam Williams's  degree  of  A.  B.,  99; 
parchment  for  Manning's  honorary  de- 
gree of  D.  D.,  400. 

Park,  Edwards  A.,  of  Andover,  Congre- 
gationalist  Fellow,  1863-1896,  550;  Me- 
moir of  Dr.  Hopkins,  cited,  187;  ac- 
count of  Asa  Messer,  456. 

Parker,  Isaiah,  Trustee  of  Baptist  Edu- 
cation Fund,  367. 

Parker,  Sir  Peter,  landed  body  of  six 
thousand  troops  in  Newport  and  took 
possession  of  the  town,  293. 

Parsonage  house  for  Manning  in  War- 
ren, 48. 

Patience  Island,  289. 

Patten,  William  S.,  member  committee 
of  five  on  question  of  taxation,  546. 

Patterson,  Esquire,  328. 

Peace  Treaty  between  United  States  and 
Great  Britain,  news  of  in  Providence, 
service  of  thanksgiving  in  Baptist 
meeting-house,  371-372. 

Peale,  Rembrandt,  painted  portrait  of 
William  Rogers,  63. 

Pearce,  Daniel,  proclaimed  by  beat  of 
drum  the  Gaspee  was  grounded,  184. 

Pearce,  Preserved,  signed  the  memorial 
from  East  Greenwich  in  favor  of  the 
College,  114. 

Pearce,  Samuel,  engraved  portrait  in 
Rippon's  Register,  487. 

Pease,  Simon,  of  Newport,  Corporator, 
536;  Charter  Trustee,  537;  Baptist  Trus- 
tee, 1770,549;  present  at  first  and  second 
meetings  of  Corporation,  52,  57. 

Pedobaptists,  prejudices  of  against  the 
Baptists  greatly  abated  since  the  War, 
379;  again  taxing  Baptists  in  Massa- 
chusetts and  Connecticut,  380;  put 
three  of  Mr.  Thomas  Green's  people  in 
Cambridge  in  jail,  398.  See  Congrega- 
tionalists,  Presbyterians,  Standing 
Order. 

Pelot,  Francis,  appointed  to  address 
Baptist  Associations  in  behalf  of  the 
College,  22. 


598 


INDEX. 


Pemberton,  Israel,  and  James,  Quakers, 
attended  Conference  with  Baptists  in 
Carpenter's  Hall,  278;  charged  by  Dr. 
Stiles  with  abusing  members  of  Con- 
gress, 280. 

Penn,  Thomas,  subscribed  £20  for  the 
College,  71. 

Pennepek,  321,  326. 

Pennsylvania  Gazette,  cited,  32. 

Periam,  Joseph,  classmate  of  Manning, 
32. 

Perkins,  Nathan,  gave  Right  Hand  of 
Fellowship  at  ordination  of  Tutor  Flint, 
484. 

Peters,  Hugh,  pastor  of  church  in  Salem, 
200 ;  letter  to  church  at  Dorchester  giv- 
ing notice  of  exclusion  of  Roger  "Wil- 
liams, and  others,  203-204. 

Petition  for  Charter  presented  to  General 
Assembly,  August,  1763,  516-517. 

Philadelphia,  riot  in  1779  in  consequence 
of  attempts  to  regulate  prices,  323; 
Baptist  church  and  Elhanan  Winches- 
ter, 382-384. 

Philadelphia  Association,  oldest  Bap- 
tist Association  in  America,  Brown 
University  owes  its  origin  to,  7 ;  min- 
utes first  printed  by  Morgan  Edwards, 
12;  minutes  from  1707  to  1807;  edited 
by  Dr.  Gillette,  published  in  one  vol- 
ume, 18;  annual  meeting  in  1762,  Mor- 
gan Edwards,  Moderator,  who  makes 
motion  for  the  establishment  of  a  Bap- 
tist College,  beginnings  of  Brown  Uni- 
versity found  in  connection  with  the 
Association,  18-20;  extracts  from  the 
minutes  relating  to  the  College,  21-22 ; 
plan  for  raising  funds  for  the  College, 
22;  Manning  attends  the  Association 
in  1782,  represents  the  condition  of  the 
College  and  its  pressing  needs,  letter 
from  Richard  Lemon  respecting,  340; 
Manning  in  his  narrative  of  the  College 
states  that  "application  was  made  to 
the  Philadelphia  Association  where  the 
thing  took  its  rise,"  519;  extract  from 
Circular  Letter  of  the  Association  al- 


luding to  the  death  of  Manning,  502- 
503. 

Philbrick,  James,  and  Elizabeth  his  wife, 
161. 

Philips's  Tavern,  Litchfield,  316. 

Pierce's  history  of  Harvard  College, 
cited,  160. 

Piscataway,  birthplace  of  Manning,  part 
of  the  "  Elizabethtown  Grant,"  23,  324; 
remarkable  meeting  at,  multitudes  af- 
fected, many  conversions,  435. 

Pitman,  Rev.  Mr.,  324. 

Pitman's  Alumni  Address,  cited,  83-264. 

Plimpton,  Nathan,  member  of  Commit- 
tee on  Grievances,  166. 

Polsiper,  Hannah,  161. 

Pond,  Enoch,  graduated  in  class  of  1777, 
his  copy  of  College  laws  in  1774,  pre- 
served, 264. 

Popular  Education,  Manning's  efforts 
in  behalf  of,  chairman  of  special  com- 
mittee, his  report  best  of  the  kind  ex- 
tant, 461-463. 

Porter,  William,  minister  in  England, 
recommended  by  Ryland  for  honors  of 
the  College,  174. 

Portsmouth,  near  Newport,  settled  in 
spring  of  1638,  196. 

Postage  on  letter  to  Philadelphia  three 
or  four  shillings,  398. 

Potter,  Elisha  R.,  of  South  Kingstown, 
report  presented  to  General  Assembly, 
entitled  "  Right  of  a  Legislature  to 
grant  a  perpetual  exemption  from  tax- 
ation," 545-546. 

Potter,  Robert,  signed  original  petition 
for  Charter,  517. 

Potter,  Thomas,  name  mentioned  in 
preamble,  535. 

Power,  Nicholas,  one  of  the  managers  of 
a  lottery  for  new  Baptist  meeting-house, 
222. 

Poynting,  John,  Baptist  minister  of  Eng- 
land, recommended  by  Ryland  for 
honors  of  the  College,  174,  245. 

Presbyterian  Lane  leading  up  to  the  Col- 
lege edifice,  151. 


INDEX. 


599 


Presbyterians,  Baptists  of  New  Hamp- 
shire obliged  to  pay  Presbyterian  min- 
isters, 171 ;  mean  to  monopolize  and 
gain  an  establishment  in  Kentucky, 
405 ;  in  the  Jerseys  opening  their  houses 
to  the  Baptists,  483;  attempted  with 
"William  Ellery  to  defeat  a  motion  to 
postpone  action  on  the  Stiles  draft  of  a 
Charter,  522;  opposition  to  the  Charter 
and  the  College  as  stated  by  Morgan 
Edwards,    528.    See    Congregational- 

ISTS. 

Present,  Jeremiah,  of  Deerfield,  161. 

President's  House,  Nicholas  Brown 
urged  by  Manning  to  say  nothing  about 
until  question  of  location  was  settled, 
119. 

President's  Levee,  inaugurated  by  Dr. 
Wayland,  took  the  place  of  a  Com- 
mencement sermon,  85. 

Prevost,  General,  commanded  the  Brit- 
ish on  the  invasion  of  South  Carolina, 
321. 

Priestley,  Joseph,  Lectures  on  History, 
"  best  book  on  that  interesting  sub- 
ject," 459;  as  a  theologian  gone  to  the 
ne  plus  ultra  of  heresy,  Caleb  Evans 
preaches  in  opposition  to  his  strange 
notions,  460 ;  speaks  out  what  he  means, 
474. 

Prince,  Mr.,  at  Rocky  Hill,  324. 

Princeton,  Massachusetts,  cases  of  suf- 
fering from  oppressions  reported  to 
Warren  Association,  166. 

Princeton  University.  See  College  of 
New  Jersey. 

Proctor,  John,  appointed  to  present  peti- 
tion to  General  Court  of  Massachusetts 
for  redress  of  grievances,  78. 

Pronouncing  Society  for  mutual  im- 
provement, Solomon  Drowne  president 
of,  246. 

Providence,  St.  John's  Episcopal  Church 
formed  in  1720,  211;  incorporated  in 
1772,  228;  extends  a  call  to  Rev.  Dr. 
William  Rogers,  62;  Congregational 
Church  incorporated  in  1770,  228 ;  first 


motion  to  have  the  College  in,  motion 
came  from  Moses  Brown,  112 ;  claims  of 
for  permanent  location  of  the  College 
discussed  and  advocated,  113;  reasons 
urged  in  favor  of  Providence  for  the 
location,  115-116;  Dr.  Stiles's  estimate 
of  the  population  of  Providence  in  1770, 
prevailing  religious  sentiment  Baptist, 
116;  final  meeting  of  the  Corporation 
held  in  Warren  to  settle  the  question 
of  the  permanent  location,  town  meet- 
ing held,  and  committee  appointed  to 
attend  and  urge  claims  of  Providence, 
118 ;  final  vote  in  favor  of  Providence, 
twenty-one  to  fourteen,  121 ;  Chancellor 
Hopkins's  summary  of  the  arguments 
in  favor  of  "unreasonable  enmity  of 
Newport,"  126-135;  Providence  in  1770 
compared  with  Newport,  136;  town 
meetings  called  in  January,  1774,  and 
resolutions  passed  deprecating  "a  tame 
submission  to  any  invasion  of  Ameri- 
can freedom,"  259,  260;  first  of  any 
municipal  corporation  to  propose  a 
General  Congress,  281 ;  inhabitants  pa- 
triotic before  the  war  began,  285 ;  thanks 
voted  in  town  meeting  to  Judge  Daniel 
Jenckes  for  long  continued  and  faithful 
service,  521 ;  Providence  County  re- 
ceived and  provided  for  four  hundred 
of  the  poor  of  Newport  who  were  re- 
moved to  Providence  during  the  War, 
290;  a  military  camp  for  three  years, 
war  of  artillery  and  hostile  flames  fre- 
quent, 294 ;  Manning  writes  to  Wallin 
in  London  after  the  war,  King's  army 
in  sight  of  my  house,  College  broken 
up,  alarm  upon  alarm  destroyed  all 
tranquillity,  343;  celebration  of  the 
Fourth  of  July,  1788,  by  the  partisans 
of  ratification,  parties  from  the  country 
opposed  to  ratification  of  the  Federal 
Constitution  protested,  riot  averted, 
452 ;  government  of  Rhode  Island  mak- 
ing a  disgraceful  figure  among  her  sis- 
ter States  in  opposing  the  Constitution, 
"  Providence   shines   forth  as  a  lumi- 


600 


INDEX. 


nous  spot  upon  this  dark  mass,"  459; 
petition  presented  at  the  annual  town 
meeting  in  June,  1791,  in  favor  of  edu- 
cating children  at  the  puhlic  expense, 
462;  committee  appointed  in  town 
meeting,  Aug.  27,  1789,  to  draft  petition 
to  Congress,  praying  that  the  State  may 
not  he  regarded  as  a  foreign  State,  and 
subjected  to  imposts  and  tonnage, 
Manning  chairman  of  the  committee, 
468^69;  two  hundred  and  fiftieth  anni- 
versary of  the  planting  of  observed 
June  24,  1886,  200.  See  College  Com- 
mencement, Corporation,  Gaspee, 
Brown,  Manning,  Jenckes,  Hopkins, 
etc. 

Providence  Art  Club,  occupies  the 
house  owned  originally  by  Nicholas 
Brown,  226. 

Providence  Association  of  Mechanics 
and  Manufactures,  463. 

Providence  Fusileers,  261. 

Providence  Gazette,  established  by  Wil- 
liam Goddard  through  the  influence  of 
Stephen  Hopkins,  85;  articles  in,  cited, 
account  of  First  Commencement,  83-85; 
account  of  ordination  of  Charles  Thomp- 
son, 100;  notices  of  Building  Commit- 
tee, March  31,  and  Feb.  10,  1770,  139; 
paragraph  respecting  mission  of  Heze- 
kiah  Smith  in  the  South,  148;  votes  of 
the  Corporation,  1770,  and  notice  of 
Building  Committee,  Jan.  19,  1771,  152, 
153;  account  of  First  Commencement 
in  Providence,  164-165;  address  from 
Baptist  Committee  on  Grievances,  165- 
166;  account  of  Commencement  for 
1771,  President's  address  to  graduating 
class,  180;  notice  respecting  Manning's 
Latin  School,  188;  drawing  of  lottery 
for  the  new  Baptist  meeting-house  an- 
nounced, 222;  account  of  Commence- 
ment for  1773, 247;  do.  for  1774,260-261; 
communication  from  a  committee  of  the 
Senior  Class,  286 ;  account  of  Commence- 
ment for  1776,  291-292 ;  notification  of 


the  President  suspending  College  exer- 
cises, 293;  notice  from  the  President  to 
the  Senior  Class,  307;  notice  for  meet- 
ing of  Corporation  in  1780,332;  notice 
of  Commencement  exercises  in  1783, 
344-355;  advertisement  of  Wilkinson 
and  Learned  English  and  Latin  School, 
in  1786,  387;  Manning's  sketch  of 
Stephen  Hopkins,  1785,  417 ;  allusion  to 
Washington's  visit  to  the  College,  1790, 
480:  Judge  Howell's  Sketch  of  Man- 
ning, 1791,  503-504;  articles  in  1774  in 
reference  to  College  taxation,  cited, 
543. 

Provost,  Dr.,  Rector  of  Episcopal  church 
in  New  York,  410. 

Prudence  Island,  seven  miles  in  length, 
deserted  on  account  of  the  War,  289. 

Public  worship  on  the  Sabbath,  266. 

Pulaski,  Count,  repulsed  at  Charleston, 
321. 

Purchas,  Jonathan,  engraved  portrait  in 
Rippon's  Baptist  Register,  487. 

Putnam,  Fort,  at  West  Point,  account  of, 
328. 

Pye,  John,  minister  of  England,  recom- 
mended by  Ryland  for  honors  of  the 
College,  174. 

Quakers,  Rich  and  Scott  joined,  205; 
Shaking  Quakers,  or  New  Dispensa- 
tion, 394. 

Quincy's  history  of  Harvard  University, 
cited,  94,  160. 

Randal,  Dr.,  342, 
Randall,  Mr.,  317. 
Randall,  Jonathan,  153. 
Randolph.    See  Fitz  Randolph. 
Randolph,  Aunt,  wife  of  Uncle  Ephraim, 

494. 
Randolph,  Captain,  324. 
Randolph,  Robert,  cousin  to  Manning, 

426. 
Randolph,  Samuel,  320. 
Randolph,  Uncle  Joseph,  319,  326. 


INDEX. 


601 


Rathbun,  Baptist  Elder  of  Pittsfield, 
voted  against  Federal  Constitution, 
450. 

Rawmagin  Iron  "Works  in  Connecticut, 
316. 

Read,  Israel,  signed  Manning's  parch- 
ment, 32. 

Read,  Josiah,  member  of  class  of  1775, 
signed  an  address  to  the  Faculty, 
286. 

Read,  Seth,  graduated  in  1770,  received 
degree  of  A.  M.  in  1773, 164,  247. 

Reading,  Connecticut,  329. 

Record  of  Deeds,  City  Hall,  Book  19 
contains  account  of  original  College 
premises,  137-138. 

Redman,  John,  first  President  of  College 
of  Physicians  in  Philadelphia,  adher- 
ent of  Elhanan  Winchester,  383. 

Redwood,  Mr.,  of  Philadelphia,  322. 

Redwood,  Abraham,  would  give  liberally 
towards  the  College  if  in  Newport,  117 ; 
has  at  last  subscribed  five  hundred 
pounds,  119. 

Redwood,  William,  name  mentioned  in 
preamble  to  Charter,  535, 

Redwood  Library,  Robert  Rogers,  Sec- 
retary, Treasurer,,  and  Librarian,  63; 
second  library  in  the  country  in  1770, 
136. 

Reeve,  lawyer,  of  Litchfield,  316. 

Rehoboth  Baptist  Church,  Six  Principle 
in  1764, 73. 

Reid,  Captain  William  of  the  British 
armed  sloop  Liberty,  87. 

Religious  basis  of  the  College  as  seen  in 
its  laws,  271. 

Relly's  Book  on  Union,  Murray  a  mere 
retailer  of,  343;  Doctrine  of  Union, 
cited,  363. 

Revolutionary  War,thousands  and  thou- 
sands of  families  once  living  in  af- 
fluence reduced  to  beggary  by,  365.  See 
American  Revolution,  War. 

Reynolds,  Elisha,  Corporator,  536 ;  Char- 
ter Trustee,  538. 

Reynolds,  John,  received  degree  of  A. 
76 


M.  in  1770, 165;  Calvinistic  Baptist  min- 
ister in  London  able  to  read  Greek,  245. 

Rhode  Island  a  patriotic  State  or  Col- 
ony, first  to  appoint  delegates  to  the 
Continental  Congress,  first  of  any  Col- 
ony to  propose  an  annual  Congress,  281 ; 
scarcely  anything  but  a  line  of  sea 
coast,  exposed  in  consequence  to  the 
enemy,  commerce  destroyed,  and  the 
inhabitants  kept  constantly  under 
arms,  289;  Rhode  Island  and  the  Five 
Per  Cent.  Impost,  341;  likely  to  hold  a 
distinguished  rank  amongst  the  con- 
tributors to  the  ruin  of  the  Federal 
Government,  440;  rejected  the  Federal 
Constitution  in  town  meetings,  456; 
seven  times  moved  in  General  Assem- 
bly for  the  calling  of  a  special  Conven- 
tion, defeated  by  country  members, 
477.  See  Convention,  Federal  Con- 
stitution, General  Assembly,  Legis- 
lature, Providence. 

Rhode  Island,  Island  of  Rhode  Island, 
sixteen  miles  in  length,  threatening  de- 
mands on,  286,  289;  two  thousand  per- 
sons driven  from  in  January,  1779, 
homeless  and  penniless,  309;  "Days  of 
Auld  Lang  Syne,"  cited,  89;  Yearly 
Meeting,  72. 

Rhode  Island  Historical  Society,  obli- 
gations to  acknowledged,  5 ;  manuscript 
of  Morgan  Edwards's  "materials" 
placed  in  its  archives  by  Dr.  Benedict, 
513. 

Rhode  Island  Literary  Repository, 
cited,  3,  308. 

Rhodes,  Charles,  name  mentioned  in  pre- 
amble to  Charter,  535. 

Rhodes,  Mr.,  Mayor  of  Philadelphia,  at- 
tended Conference  with  the  Baptists  in 
Carpenter's  Hall,  278. 

Rice,  Nathan,  signed  original  petition  for 
Charter,  517. 

Richards,  William,  of  Lynn,  England, 
corresponds  with  Manning,  has 
thoughts  of  writing  life  of  Roger  Wil- 
liams, has  a  library  of  fifteen  hundred 


602 


INDEX. 


volumes,  suggests  that  he  may  leave  it 
to  the  College,  490;  brief  biographical 
sketch  with  account  of  his  writings,  491 ; 
bequeathed  his  library  in  1818  to  Brown 
University,  492.    See  Letters. 

Richmond,  Barzillai,  name  mentioned  in 
preamble  to  Charter,  535. 

Richmond,  S.  K.,  143. 

Richmond  Baptist  Church,  Six  Principle 
in  1764,  73. 

Richmond  Street  Church  formed  by 
Joseph  Snow  and  his  adherents  in  1793, 
164. 

Rickard,  George,  138. 

Rippon,  John,  a  Calvinistic  Baptist  min- 
ister of  London,  successor  of  Dr.  Gill, 
able  to  read  Greek,  245 ;  student  at  Bris- 
tol Academy  under  Hugh  and  Caleb 
Evans,  374;  published  in  his  Baptist 
Register  a  history  of  First  Baptist 
Church,  Providence,  197 ;  writes  to  Man- 
ning that  all  the  Baptist  ministers  in 
London,  but  two,  and  most  of  the  Bap- 
tist clergy  in  the  country,  were  on  the 
side  of  the  Americans  during  the  War, 
gives  an  account  of  himself  and  his 
church,  373-376;  copy  of  his  "  Selection 
of  Hymns"  presented  by  Mrs.  Man- 
ning, in  the  writer's  possession,  453; 
"  Baptist  Annual  Register"  taking  a 
prodigious  spread  among  the  churches, 
485 ;  intended  to  serve  American  Breth- 
ren particularly,  486;  account  of  the 
four  volumes  published,  487;  contained 
Judge  Howell's  obituary  notice  of  Man- 
ning, with  portrait,  506 ;  Register,  cited, 
11,  63,  226.    See  Letters. 

Robbins,  Asher,  Tutor  in  College,  first 
Librarian  after  the  War,  account  of, 
379-280;  gives  good  satisfaction,  398; 
oldest  Tutor,  gone  to  Connecticut  sick, 
457. 

Rorbins,  E.,  483. 

Roberdean,  Daniel,  American  merchant 
in  London,  231. 

Robinson,  Mr.,  of  Mansfield,  315. 


Robinson,  Rev.  Mr.,  of  Bridgewater,  re- 
vival under,  454. 

Robinson,  George,  Trustee  of  Baptist  Ed- 
ucation Fund,  367. 

Robinson,  Robert,  of  Cambridge,  Eng- 
land, able  to  read  Greek,  245 ;  author  of 
"History  of  Baptism,"  known  to  have 
adopted  Dr.  Priestley's  system  in  gen- 
eral, 474;  Socinian  at  time  of  his  death, 
funeral  sermon  preached  by  Priestley, 
History  of  Baptism  criticised  by  Booth, 
484;  Ecclesiastical  Researches  in  press, 
491. 

Robinson,  Thomas,  name  mentioned  in 
preamble  to  Charter,  535. 

Rockawat,  327. 

Rodman,  Joseph  and  Thomas,  signed 
original  petition  for  charter,  517. 

Roffey,  Samuel,  benefactor  of  the  Col- 
lege, died  in  April,  1770,  71,  162. 

Rogers,  Dr.,  of  Greenfield,  329. 

Rogers,  John,  Captain  of  the  Charlotte, 
241. 

Rogers,  Jonathan,  signed  original  peti- 
tion for  charter,  517. 

Rogers,  Mrs.  Eliza  B.,  daughter  of 
Stephen  Gano,  and  granddaughter  of 
Joseph  Brown,  414. 

Rogers,  Captain  William,  merchant  of 
Newport,  advertisement  in  Newport 
Mercury,  64 ;  signed  original  petition  for 
charter,  517 ;  requested  Judge  Jenckes 
to  sign  petition  for  charter  for  a  Bap- 
tist College,  522 ;  bequeathed  to  the  Col- 
lege two  hundred  pounds,  250. 

Rogers,  Daniel,  son  of  Captain  William, 
pupil  of  Manning's  Latin  School,  died 
in  1792,  52,  63. 

Rogers,  Joseph,  pupil  of  Manning's  Latin 
School,  52;  well,  but  mourning  the  loss 
of  a  dear  wife,  402. 

Rogers,  Robert,  son  of  Captain  William, 
graduated  in  1775,  prominent  educator, 
63,  288;  Trustee  of  Baptist  Education 
Fund,  367. 

Rogers,  William  Sanford,  son  of  Robert, 


INDEX. 


603 


founded  Newport  Rogers  Professorship 
of  Chemistry  in  honor  of  his  father  and 
his  uncle  William,  63. 

Rogers,  William,  son  of  Captain  William, 
pupil  of  Manning's  Latin  School,  52; 
first  student  of  the  College,  matricula- 
ted Sept.  3,  1765,  biographical  sketch 
with  portrait,  59-64;  Commencement 
Oration  on  Benevolence,  91-92 ;  resem- 
blance to  Hezekiah  Smith,  such  another 
son  of  thunder,  175;  successor  of  Mor- 
gan Edwards  in  the  pastorate  at  Phila- 
delphia, 13 ;  very  popular  preacher,  187 ; 
received  degree  of  A.  M.  in  1772,189; 
attends  Conference  with  the  Baptists 
in  Carpenter's  Hall,  278;  references  to, 
321,  325;  present  at  meeting  of  Corpo- 
ration in  1782,  Secretary,  pro  tern.,  336; 
requested  to  solicit  benefactions  for  the 
College  in  Europe,  348;  signed  an  ad- 
dress respecting  Baptist  church  in  Phil- 
adelphia and  Elhanan  Winchester,  384; 
requested  to  solicit  benefactions  to  the 
Southward,  386;  preaches  Morgan  Ed- 
wards's funeral  discourse,  12;  extracts 
from,  17 ;  Journal  of  a  Brigade  Chap- 
lain, cited,  61;  engraved  portrait  in 
Rippon's  Baptist  Register,  487. 

Rogers,  Eliza  J.,  daughter  of  Dr.  Rogers, 
paints  her  father's  portrait,  63. 

Rolins,  Ephraim,  of  Mansfield,  331. 

Room  Rent,  four  dollars  per  year,  385. 

Ross,  Mr.,  of  Stratford,  329. 

Round,  Richard,  represented  Second 
Church,  Rehoboth,  at  first  meeting  of 
Warren  Association,  75. 

Rum  for  building  College  edifice,  154,  155. 

Runyan,  Rev.  Mr.,  435. 

Rush,  Benjamin,  signer  of  Declaration  of 
Independence,  321 ;  an  adherent  of  El- 
hanan Winchester,  383;  reference  to, 
401. 

Russell,  Joseph,  of  Providence,  Episco- 
pal Trustee,  1770,549;  present  at  final 
meeting  to  determine  permanent  loca- 
tion, 121 ;  member  of  committee  to  fix 
upon  suitable  place  for  the  College  edi- 


fice, 136;  chairman  of  committee  to  hire 
suitable  house  for  the  President,  142; 
member  of  auditing  committee,  156; 
Joseph  and  William,  merchants  of  Prov- 
idence, 171;  member  of  Committee  of 
Inspection  during  the  War,  283 ;  present 
at  meeting  of  Corporation  in  1780,333; 
chairman  of  committee  to  superintend 
Manning's  funeral,  496. 

Russell,  William,  merchant  of  Provi- 
dence, 171;  purchased  John  Angell's 
orchard  for  a  lot  for  the  new  Baptist 
meeting-house,  219-220;  member  of 
standing  committee  of  eleven,  221;  man- 
ager of  lottery  for  the  new  meeting- 
house, 222;  elected  Trustee  in  room  of 
Hon.  Samuel  Ward,  deceased,  292; 
present  at  meeting  of  Corporation  in 
1780,  333;  member  of  committee  to  draft 
petition  to  Congress,  334, 

Russell,  William,  M.  D.,  animadversions 
on  Allen's  Essay  on  Singing,  cited,  215. 

Russell,  Joseph  Dolbeare,  of  Newport, 
graduated  in  class  of  1772,  189. 

Ryland,  John,  prominent  Baptist  minis- 
ter and  teacher  of  Northampton,  Eng- 
land, received  honorary  degree  of  A. 
M.  at  First  Commencement,  84;  Man- 
ning begins  a  correspondence  with,  171  ; 
contributes  annually  five  guineas 
towards  Manning's  support,  171,  242, 
258 ;  memoranda  and  hints  for  Professor 
Manning,  243-245;  remarkable  saying 
in  regard  to  the  American  War,  cited, 
376.    See  Letters. 

Ryland,  John,  Jr.,  successor  of  his  fa- 
ther, in  charge  of  the  school  at  North- 
ampton, and  preacher  of  the  Gospel, 
Manning  corresponds  with,  395;  re- 
ceived honorary  degree  of  A.  M.  in  1772, 
189;  distinguished  scholar,  President 
of  the  Baptist  College  at  Bristol,  173; 
references  to,  361,  412.    See  Letters. 

Sabbath  no  holiday  in  Manning's  time, 

266. 
Sabin,  Mr.,  of  New  Haven,  329. 


604 


INDEX. 


Sabin,  James,  plans  for  destruction  of 
the  Ga.spee  found  at  his  house,  184. 

Sabine's  American  Loyalists,  cited,  304. 

St.  Clair,  General  in  command  of  the 
Pennsylvania  Line,  318. 

St.  John's  Encampment  of  Knights  Tem- 
plar, Dr.  Gano  a  member  of,  414. 

St.  Martin  in  the  Fields,  one  of  the 
finest  churches  in  London,  steeple  sim- 
ilar to  steeple  of  Baptist  meeting-house 
in  Providence,  223. 

Samptown,  326. 

Sanderson's  Algebra,  recommended  by 
Ryland,  244. 

Sanford,  Joseph,  signed  original  petition 
for  charter,  517. 

Saratoga,  Chaplain  Smith  present  at 
when  Burgoyne  surrendered,  147. 

Saunders,  Joshua,  signed  original  peti- 
tion for  charter,  517. 

Savage's  Genealogical  Dictionary,  cited, 
200. 

Schermerhorn,  Captain  of  sloop  Sally, 
148. 

Scholarships,  system  of  inaugurated  by 
President  Sears,  3(56. 

Scituate  Baptist  Church,  Six  Principle 
in  1764,  73. 

Scotch  Plains,  surprising  spirit  of  emi- 
gration prevailing  there,  456. 

Scotch  Plains  Baptist  Church,  Benjamin 
Miller  pastor,  baptized  Manning  when  a 
student,  25;  licensed  Manning  to  preach, 
33 ;  references  to,  41, 50,  318,  326,  381. 

Scott,  Captain,  381. 

Scott,  Richard,  statement  respecting  bap- 
tism of  Roger  Williams,  205. 

Seal  for  the  College,  of  silver,  ordered 
at  second  meeting  of  Corporation,  bill 
for  amounting  to  £10  13  shillings,  57 ; 
had  busts  of  the  King  and  Queen, 
broken  and  committee  appointed  to 
make  new  seal,  337;  device  for  exhibited 
by  Doct.  Drowne  and  approved  by  Cor- 
poration, 349;  seal  for  another  college 
to  be  located  in  Newport,  impression 
of  in  writer's  possession,  134;  original 


in  possession  of  Charles  H.  Wyatt,  Esq., 
of  Baltimore,  135. 

Seamans,  Job,  of  Attleborough,  present 
at  meeting  of  AVarren  Association  in 
1782,  339. 

Sears,  Barnas,  obligations  to  acknowl- 
edged, 5;  inaugurated  system  of  schol- 
arships, 866;  views  respecting  exemp- 
tion from  taxation,  544;  Centennial  Dis- 
course, cited,  11,  42,  128,  525. 

Seekonk  River,  John  Clarke  and  Mr. 
Lukar  baptized  in,  206-107. 

Semple's  History  of  Baptists  in  Virginia, 
cited,  8,  407. 

Senior  Class  authorized  to  admonish 
members  of  under  classes,  272. 

September  gale,  caused  steeple  of  Bap- 
tist meeting-house  to  quiver,  224. 

Sergeant,  Jonathan  Dickinson,  class- 
mate of  Manning,  32. 

Sessions,  Darius,  Corporator,  536;  Charter 
Trustee,  537;  Congregationalist  Trus- 
tee in  1770,  549 ;  views  in  favor  of  Prov- 
idence for  permanent  location  of  the 
College,  114;  in  town  meeting,  added 
to  a  committee  to  lay  Providence  sub- 
scriptions before  Corporation,  118; 
present  at  final  meeting  to  determine 
location,  121 ;  member  of  committee  of 
five  to  prepare  and  enforce  remon- 
strance to  General  Assembly,  132;  mem- 
ber of  auditing  committee  on  College 
edifice,  156;  Deputy  Governor,  corre- 
sponds in  regard  to  affair  of  the  Gas- 
pee,  184;  on  committee  to  confer  with 
Manning  in  reference  to  soliciting 
funds  in  Europe,  190;  reference  to,  314. 

Shand,  Captain  of  ship  from  Providence 
to  London,  175,  254. 

Sharp,  Daniel,  estimate  of  the  character 
of  William  Rogers,  62. 

Sharp,  Granville,  correspondent  of  Man- 
ning, benefactor  of  the  College,  noted 
for  his  opposition  to  the  American  War, 
407.    See  Letters. 

Sharp,  Archbishop,  sermons  and  works 
presented  to  the  Library,  410. 


INDEX. 


605 


Shatism  in  Massachusetts,  456. 

Sheldon,  Christopher,  one  of  the  Asses- 
sors of  taxes  in  1774, 543;  member  stand- 
ing committee  of  eleven  for  building 
new  meeting-house,  221;  signed  letter 
to  Manning  asking  him  to  preach,  472. 

Sheldon,  Joseph,  name  mentioned  in 
preamble  to  Charter,  535. 

Shepard,  Jonathan,  represented  Haver- 
hill Baptist  Church  at  first  meeting  of 
Warren  Association,  75. 

Shepard,  Dr.  Samuel,  ordained  in  1771  at 
Stratham,  161. 

Shepherd,  Deacon,  412. 

Sherburne,  Benjamin,  signed  original 
petition  for  Charter,  517. 

Sheridan's  Lectures  on  Elocution,  cited, 
355. 

Sherman,  Rev.  Mr.,  of  Milford,  329. 

Shields,  Thomas,  member  of  Baptist 
Church,  Philadelphia,  signed  an  ad- 
dress respecting  Elhanan  Winchester, 
384;  references  to,  321,  322,  323,  325. 

Sibley  s  Catalogues  of  Harvard  Univer- 
sity, cited,  89. 

Signal  Post,  or  Beacon,  on  Prospect  Hill, 
157. 

Silver,  Edgar  O.,  of  Boston,  Baptist 
Trustee,  550. 

Simmons,  James  B.,  of  New  York,  Baptist 
Trustee,  549. 

Simpson's  Work  on  Fluxions,  244. 

Singing  in  Public  Worship,  opposed  by 
Quakers  and  many  early  Baptists, 
works  on,  cited,  215. 

Singleton,  Mrs.,  of  Delaware,  second 
wife  of  Morgan  Edwards,  13. 

Skillman,  Isaac,  pupil  of  Isaac  Eaton  at 
Hopewell  Academy,  9;  admitted  to  de- 
gree of  A.  M.,261;  desired  with  Man- 
ning and  others  to  prepare  Spelling 
Book  and  Baptist  Catechism,  340;  mem- 
ber of  Committee  on  Grievances,  380. 

Slade,  Jonathan,  Corporator,  536 ;  Char- 
ter Trustee.  538. 

Slave  Trade,  Presbyterians,  Independ- 
ents, and  Anti-Pedobaptists  in  England 


united  in  a  political  bond  for  the  aboli- 
tion of,  453. 

Smiley,  Albert  K.,  of  Mohonk  Lake,  Qua- 
ker Trustee,  550. 

Smith,  Rev.  Mr.,  324, 325. 

Smith,  Dr.,  of  Litchfield,  316;  of  Chatham, 
327;  of  Hartford,  331. 

Smith,  Caleb,  signer  of  Manning's  di- 
ploma, 32. 

Smith,  Eliphalet,  Presbyterian  minister, 
baptized  by  Hezekiah  Smith,  160-161; 
Mary,  wife  of  Eliphalet,  161. 

Smith,  Hayward,  signed  memorial  from 
Providence  in  favor  of  the  College,  115. 

Smith,  Hezekiah,  pupil  of  Isaac  Eaton  at 
Hopewell  Academy,  9;  classmate  and 
intimate  friend  of  Manning,  32 ;  name 
omitted  in  Stiles  draft  of  charter,  520; 
appointed  Baptist  Fellow  in  1765,  ex- 
tract from  his  diary,  53;  punctual  in  his 
attendance  at  all  the  meetings  of  the 
Corporation,  account  of  his  diary,  1762- 
1805,  acknowledged  leader  among  the 
Baptists,  55-56;  designated  by  Backus 
as  one  of  the  three  liberally  educated 
Baptist  ministers  in  New  England,  64; 
one  of  the  four  illustrious  names  that 
united  to  form  the  Warren  Association, 
represented  Baptist  Church  of  Haver- 
hill, 74-75;  appointed  to  receive  well- 
attested  grievances,  78;  received  the 
degree  of  A.  M.  at  First  Commence- 
ment, 84;  accustomed  in  Manning's 
time  to  preach  the  Commencement  ser- 
mon, 85;  desired  by  the  Corporation 
to  solicit  benefactions  for  the  College 
in  the  Southern  Provinces,  copy  of  cre- 
dentials given  him,  brief  account  of 
him  and  his  mission,  146-150,  gave 
charge  at  ordination  of  Samuel  Shep- 
ard, 161;  when  in  Providence  accus- 
tomed to  preach  part  of  the  time  for 
Manning,  and  part  for  Mr.  Snow,  164; 
member  of  Committee  on  Grievances, 
166 ;  chosen  in  1770  agent  to  the  Court 
of  Great  Britain  to  act  in  conjunction 
with  Stennett,  Llewelyn,  and  Wallin, 


606 


INDEX. 


166 ;  reference  to  in  Circular  Letter, 
167;  marvellously  blessed  in  his  minis- 
terial labors  at  Haverhill,  177;  owned 
a  chaise, man  of  means  and  consequence, 
237 ;  account  of  Commencement  week, 
1773,  diary,  250;  present  at  meeting  of 
Corporation,  1774,  263;  urges  Backus  to 
go  to  Philadelphia  and  secure  from 
Continental  Congress  religious  liberty, 
276;  prepares  Circular  Letter  of  War- 
ren Association,  extract  from,  277;  pres- 
ent at  meeting  of  Corporation  in  1782, 
335;  Moderator  of  Warren  Association, 
339;  account  of  Commencement,  1783, 
diary,  349;  designated  by  Manning  as 
member  of  a  Standing  Committee  to 
aid  poor  students,  366;  Trustee  of  the 
Baptist  Education  Fund,  367 ;  member 
of  Committee  on  Grievances  in  1784, 
380;  attended  Commencement  for  1786, 
preached  three  sermons  in  Baptist  meet- 
ing-house on  the  succeeding  Sabbath, 
442;  fitted  Asa  Messer  for  College,  455 ; 
diary  cited,  99,  111,  160-161,  179.  See 
Letters. 

Smith,  Hezekiah,  Jr.,  in  College,  needs 
more  stability,  460-461 ;  standing  shall 
remain  as  it  has  done,  483. 

Smith,  John,  member  of  the  Baptist 
Church,  202. 

Smith,  John,  passenger  in  sloop  Sally  for 
Charleston,  148. 

Smith,  Peter,  324. 

Smith,  Turpin,  one  of  the  actors  in  affair 
of  the  Gaspee,  185. 

Smith,  William  O.,  signer  to  Manning's 
diploma,  32. 

Smithfield,  part  of  Providence  until 
1730,  521 

Smithfield  Baptist  Church,  Six  Princi- 
ple in  1764,  73. 

Snow,  Mr.  at  Westford  tavern,  331. 

Snow,  Joseph,  pastor  of  a  Society  called 
"  New  Lights,"  or  "  Separates,"  after- 
wards the  Beneficent  Congregational 
Church,  163;  First  Commencement  in 
Providence  held  in  his  meeting-house, 


164 ;  thanks  of  the  Corporation  extended 
for  the  use  of,  152;  frequently  practised 
baptism  by  immersion  in  the  Provi- 
dence river,  156;  church  formed  in  1743, 
211 ;  Commencement  for  1774  held  for 
the  last  time  in  "Mr.  Snow's  meeting- 
house," 260;  Hezekiah  Smith,  of  Haver- 
hill, accustomed  when  visiting  Provi- 
dence to  preach  part  of  the  time  for 
Manning  and  part  for  Mr.  Snow,  164; 
on  committee  with  Manning  in  favor  of 
public  schools,  463. 

Snow,  Samuel,  member  of  Junior  Class 
at  breaking  up  of  the  College,  admitted 
to  degree  of  A.  B.,  326. 

Snow,  Stephen,  315. 

Socinianism,  gaining  ground  in  England, 
485. 

Somner,  Major,  from  Providence,  325. 

Sons  of  Liberty,  87. 

South,  Rev.  Dr.,  cited,  507. 

South  Carolina,  benefactions  for  the 
College  from,  147. 

South  Carolina  College,  Jonathan 
Maxcy  President  of,  448. 

South  County,  subscribed  for  the  College 
to  be  located  in  Newport,  119. 

South  Kingstown,  44;  Baptist  Church 
Six  Principle  in  1764,  73. 

Soward,  Colonel,  318. 

Spalding's  Centennial  Discourse,  cited, 
47,  50. 

Spark's  American  Biography,  cited,  197. 

Speaking  at  evening  prayers,  268. 

Spear,  Nathan,  of  Boston,  name  omitted 
in  Stiles  draft  of  charter,  520;  Baptist 
Trustee  in  1770,  549;  appointed  to  pre- 
sent petitions  to  General  Courts  of 
Massachusetts  and  Connecticut  for  re- 
dress of  grievances,  78;  present  at  final 
meeting  to  determine  permanent  loca- 
tion, 121 ;  voted  in  favor  of  Providence, 
126 ;  present  at  meeting  of  Corporation 
in  1774,  gives  ten  pounds  for  increase  of 
Prof.  Howell's  salary,  263,  264. 

Speculation  and  discontent  everywhere 
manifest,  322. 


INDEX. 


607 


Spelling  Book  and  Baptist  Catechism, 
Warren  Association  voted  to  publish, 
339-340. 

Spencer,  Major-General  Joseph,  323,  325. 

Spilsbury,  John,  pastor  of  Baptist  church 
in  England,  1633,  204. 

Sprague,  William,  of  Narragansett  Pier, 
Baptist  Trustee,  549. 

Sprague,  William  B.,  obligations  of  the 
writer  to  acknowledged,  5 ;  collector  of 
autographs,  the  Stiles  charter  formerly 
in  his  possession,  525;  Anuals  of  the 
American  Pulpit,  cited,  18,  25,  62,  98, 
101,  321,  456.     See  Letters. 

Stafford,  John,  recommended  by  By- 
land  for  College  honors,  174. 

Stamp  Act,  opposition  to  interfered  with 
Morgan  Edwards's  subscriptions,  70; 
went  into  operation  Nov.  1,  1765,  fatal 
day,  universal  resistance  to,  86. 

Stanbury,  Becompense,  Elder  in  Scotch 
Plains  Church,  33,  34. 

Standing  Order,  grievous  oppressions 
and  persecutions  from,  especially  in 
Ashfield,  78 ;  oppressive  measures 
against  Baptists  in  Connecticut,  rem- 
edy sought  by  Warren  Association 
through  Committee  on  Grievances,  165. 

Stanford,  John,  author  of  Book  of  Rec- 
ords, or  history  of  Baptist  Church  in 
1789,  197;  preacher  from  England,  tem- 
porary pastor  of  Baptist  Church  in 
Providence,  1788-1789,  compiled  records 
of  the  church,  212-213;  expected  from 
New  York  in  the  spring,  451 ;  not  to  stay 
after  expiration  of  term  agreed  on,  461 ; 
name  in  connection  with  history  in 
Rippon's  Baptist  Register,  to  be  kept 
entirely  out  of  sight,  486. 

Staples,  William  R.,  incorporated  in  his 
history  Appendix  to  Morgan  Edwards's 
"Materials,"  513;  Annals  of  Provi- 
dence, cited,  19,  129,  170,  188,  209,  211, 
219,  261,  283,  293,  304,  462,  468,  469,  525 ; 
Rhode  Island  in  the  Continental  Con- 
gress, cited,  290, 479. 

Stark,  Obadiah,  of  Colchester,  189. 


Stead,  Mr.,  Baptist  Trustee  for  manage- 
ment of  Moore's  funds  for  an  Indian 
College,  163. 

Steel,  Captain  Elijah,  passenger  in  sloop 
Sally,  148. 

Steeple  of  First  Baptist  meeting-house 
described, 223. 

Stelle,  Benjamin,  a  worthy  magistrate, 
for  many  years  pastor  of  the  Piscata- 
way  Baptist  Church,  37. 

Stelle,  Isaac,  succeeded  his  father  in  the 
pastoral  office,  37 ;  one  of  the  inspectors 
of  Hopewell  Academy,  9;  made  the 
prayer  at  Manning's  ordination,  37; 
references  to,  319,  320,  324,  326 ;  died  in 
1781,  344. 

Stelle,  Benjamin,  son  of  Isaac,  pupil  of 
Isaac  Eaton  at  Hopewell  Academy,  10; 
brief  account  of,  graduated  at  College 
of  New  Jersey,  37;  has  a  Latin  School 
in  Providence  of  twenty  scholars,  220; 
clerk  of  a  meeting  of  the  Baptist  Soci- 
ety, 220;  first  clerk  of  Charitable  Bap- 
tist Society,  partner  of  Benjamin  Bowen 
in  the  druggist  business,  227;  admitted 
to  the  degree  of  A.  M.  in  1774,  261. 

Stelle,  Mary  Bowen,  daughter  of  Benja- 
min, second  wife  of  Hon.  Nicholas 
Brown,  227. 

Stennett,  Samuel,  of  London,  Morgan 
Edwards  studied  divinity  under,  14; 
subscriber  to  the  early  funds  of  the  Col- 
lege, 71;  chairman  of  committee  to  act 
in  conjunction  with  Committee  on 
Grievances,  Manning  opens  corre- 
spondence with,  account  of,  with  por- 
trait, 158-159;  trustee  for  management 
of  Dr.  Moore's  funds  for  an  Indian  Col- 
lege, 163;  chairman  of  committee  to  act 
in  conjunction  with  agent  of  the  War- 
ren Association,  166;  success  in  procur- 
ing passage  of  an  act  to  relieve  the  Bap- 
tists in  Ashfield,  memorial  to  His  Maj- 
esty's Commissioners  for  Trade  and 
Plantations,  168-169;  Discourses  on  Do- 
mestic Duties,  239,  404;  procured  an 
order  from  Government  to  put  a  stop 


608 


INDEX. 


to  the  oppressions  of  the  Baptists  near 
Boston,  244;  ahle  to  read  Greek,  245; 
engraved  portrait  in  Rippon's  Baptist 
Register,  487.    See  Letters. 

Sterling's  Rhetoric,  385. 

Steuben,  Baron,  Manning  introduced  to 
at  West  Point,  328. 

Stevens,  Robert,  signed  original  petition 
for  Charter,  517. 

Stewards,  Commons,  etc.,  273-274. 

Stiles,  Ezra,  pastor  of  Second  Congrega- 
tional Church  in  Newport,  1755-1776, 
"most  learned  American  of  his  day," 
117,  203;  librarian  for  many  years  of  the 
Redwood  Library,  136 ;  Corporator,  536 ; 
Charter  Fellow,  538 ;  gave  as  a  reason 
for  not  accepting  a  Fellowship,  the 
offense  he  should  give  his  brethren,  242 ; 
solicited  by  Governor  Lyndon  and  Col- 
onel Bennet  to  assist  them  in  drafting 
a  charter,  his  course  in  the  matter,  Pro- 
fessor Kingsley's  statement,  518;  mem- 
orandum respecting  the  first  charter 
found  among  the  Stiles  papers,  and 
cited  by  Dr.  Sears  in  appendix  to  Cen- 
tennial Discourse,  525;  remarks  con- 
cerning for  the  Rev.  Dr.  Charles  Chaun- 
cy,  Boston,  written  on  the  back  of  the 
Stiles  draft,  526;  statement  that  the 
first  church  in  Rhode  Island,  founded 
by  Roger  Williams,  was  Congrega- 
tional, 203;  diary  respecting  the  Col- 
lege in  1770,  contest  between  Provi- 
dence and  Newport  for  the  location, 
cited,  117;  diary  respecting  Manning 
and  his  leaving  the  church  to  go  with 
the  College  to  Providence,  cited,  143; 
diary  respecting  William  Ellery  and  a 
petition  for  another  College  to  be  loca- 
ted in  Newport,  cited,  129;  diary  re- 
specting a  visit  to  the  College  edifice, 
November,  1771,  five  or  six  lower  rooms 
finished,  cited,  155:  estimate  respect- 
ing population  of  Providence  in  1770, 
five  hundred  dwelling-houses,  four 
thousand  inhabitants,  half  as  big  as 
Newport,  prevailing  sentiment  Baptist, 


116;  assertions  made  in  reference  to 
the  Baptist  Conference  in  Carpenter's 
Hall,  1774,  280;  account  of  the  finding 
of  the  lost  copy  of  the  Stiles  draft  of 
charter,  525-527.  See  Letters. 
Stillman,  Samuel,  of  Boston,  pupil  of 
Isaac  Eaton  at  Hopewell  Academy,  9 ; 
aided  by  the  Religious  Society  of 
Charleston,  27;  name  omitted  in  the 
Stiles  draft  of  charter,  520;  Corporator, 
536;  Charter  Trustee,  538;  Baptist  Fel- 
low, 1770,  550 ;  present  at  second  meet- 
ing of  the  Coloration,  brief  account  of, 
appointed  to  procure  seal  for  the  Col- 
lege, 56,  58 ;  portrait  of,  344 ;  designated 
by  Backus  as  one  of  the  three  liberally 
educated  Baptist  ministers  lately  come 
from  the  South,  64;  chairman  of  Com- 
mittee on  Grievances,  78, 166 ;  appointed 
by  the  Warren  Association  to  present 
to  the  General  Courts  of  Massachusetts 
and  Connecticut  petitions  for  redress, 
78;  present  at  First  Commencement, 
received  degree  of  A.  M.,  84;  accus- 
tomed in  Manning's  time  to  preach  the 
Commencement  sermon,  85;  present  at 
final  meeting  to  determine  permanent 
location  of  the  College,  voted  in  favor 
of  Providence,  120, 126 ;  member  of  com- 
mittee of  five  to  prepare  Remonstrance 
to  the  General  Assembly,  132 ;  preached 
sermon  at  ordination  of  Samuel  Shep- 
ard,  161 ;  present  at  meeting  of  Corpo- 
ration in  1774,  and  also  in  1782,  263,  335 ; 
present  at  meeting  of  Warren  Associa- 
tion in  Providence,  1782,  preached  the 
opening  sermon,  339;  desired  with  Man- 
ning and  others  to  prepare  Spelling 
book  and  Baptist  Catechism,  340;  pres- 
ent in  1783  when  the  public  exercises 
of  Commencement  were  resumed, 
preached  an  animating  sermon  from 
Luke  xv.  32,  344;  appointed  with  Man- 
ning and  Hopkins  to  make  out  Cata- 
logue of  the  Library,  347 ;  appointed 
with  Manning  and  Waterhouse  to  draft 
an  address  and  petition  to  the  King  of 


INDEX. 


609 


France  for  his  patronage  of  the  College, 
348 ;  designated  by  Manning  as  member 
of  a  Standing  Committee  to  aid  poor 
students,  366;  trustee  of  the  Baptist 
Education  Fund,  3G7;  chairman  of  Com- 
mittee of  Grievances  in  1784,  380 ;  one  of 
the  twelve  Representatives  from  Boston 
to  the  Federal  Convention,  449;  voted 
for  the  adoption  of  the  Federal  Constitu- 
tion, 450;  engraved  portrait  in  Rippon's 
Baptist  Register,  487.    See  Letters. 

Stillwater,  Chaplain  Smith  present  at 
battle  of,  147. 

Stites  family,  ancestry  of,  35. 

Stites,  "William,  moved  from  Hampstead 
in  1727,  35. 

Stites,  William,  Jr.,  resided  in  Eliza- 
bethtown,  35,  326. 

Stites,  John,  oldest  son  of  William  1st., 
Manning's  father-in-law,  mayor  of 
Elizabethtown,  resided  at  Connecticut 
Farms,  character  of ,  34-35;  one  of  the 
founders  of  the  College,  20;  appointed 
by  Philadelphia  Association  to  receive 
donations  for,  21 ;  three  sons  educated 
at  Hopewell  Academy,  35;  received  de- 
gree of  A.  M.  at  First  Commencement, 
84;  references  to,  318,  319;  Dr.  Dayton 
executor  of  his  estate,  342. 

Stites,  Mrs.,  wife  of  John,  and  Manning's 
mother-in-law,  about  to  die  of  consump- 
tion, June,  1784,  387. 

Stites,  Margaret,  daughter  of  John  and 
wife  of  Manning,  34;  professed  religion 
in  1775,  died  in  1815,  36;  bequeathed 
Manning's  portrait  to  Brown  Univer- 
sity, 36;  her  portrait  bequeathed  to 
Brown  University  by  Miss  Maria  Ben- 
edict, 36. 

Stites,  Sarah,  daughter  of  John,  and 
wife  of  John  Gano,  36. 

Stites,  Mary,  daughter  of  John,  and  Man- 
ning's sister-in-law,  36. 

Stites,  Hezekiah,  son  of  John,  and  Man- 
ning's brother-in-law,    pupil  of  Isaac 
Eaton  at  Hopewell   Academy,  physi- 
cian, 10,  36,326,413. 
77 


Stites,  John,  son  of  John,  Manning's 
brother-in-law,  merchant  and  physi- 
cian, pupil  of  Isaac  Eaton,  10,  36,  404. 

Stites,  Richard,  youngest  son  of  John, 
and  Manning's  brother-in-law,  pupil  of 
Isaac  Eaton,  10;  pupil  of  Manning's 
Latin  School  at  Warren,  52;  second 
student  of  the  College,  matriculated 
June  20,  1766,  59;  graduated  in  1769, 
biographical  sketch,  93;  received  de- 
gree of  A.  M.  in  1772,  189. 

Stites,  Richard  Montgomery,  son  of 
Richard,  graduated  in  1792,  93,  342. 

Stites,  Richard  Montgomery,  grandson 
of  the  above,  Civil  Engineer  in  Morris- 
town,  93. 

Stites,  Mr.,  324,  326. 

Stoddard,  Elijah  B.,  of  Worcester,  Con- 
gregationalist  Trustee,  550. 

Stone,  Edwin  M.,  edited  the  Morgan  Ed- 
wards manuscript,  513.;  Life  of  Elhanan 
Winchester,  cited,  384 ;  Life  and  Recol- 
lections of  John  Howland,  cited,  143;' 
Our  French  Allies,  cited,  353. 

Stone's  Euclid,  356. 

Stony  Point,  taken  by  General  Wayne, 
324. 

Storm,  Captain,  317. 

Stout,  Nathaniel,  325. 

Stout,  Rebecca,  wife  of  Isaac  Eaton,  and 
mother  of  Joseph  Eaton,  of  the  first 
graduating  class,  90. 

Strong,  Nathan,  pastor  of  First  Congre- 
gational Church,  Hartford,  315,  331; 
offers  Introductory  Prayer  at  ordina- 
tion of  Tutor  Flint,  484. 

Stuart,  Gilbert,  received  his  first  lessons 
in  drawing  from  Cosmo  Alexander,  506. 

Studies  and  text-books  in  1783,  355-356. 

Sullivan,  General,  in  command  in  Rhode 
Island,  308. 

Sumner,  James,  Chief  Engineer  in  erect- 
ing high  steeple  of  Baptist  meeting- 
house, 224. 

Sunday,  or  First  day  of  the  week,  no  hol- 
iday in  Manning's  time,  266. 

Sutton,  John,  pupil  of  Isaac  Eaton  at 


610 


INDEX. 


Hopewell  Academy,  member  with  Man- 
ning of  the  Scotch  Plains  Church,  10, 
42;  accompanied  Manning  on  his  voy- 
age to  Halifax  in  1763,  42,  214 ;  settled 
in  Nova  Scotia  in  1760,  preached  and 
baptized,  settled  again  in  Nova  Scotia, 
1766-1770,  214 ;  preached  six  months  in 
Providence  as  assistant  to  Elder  Win- 
sor,  1769-1770,  213;  finally  settled  in 
Kentucky,  worldly  prospects  happy, 
214,  483. 

Swain,  Edward  A.,  one  of  the  Princi- 
pals of  University  Grammar  School,  52. 

:Swansea  Baptist  •  Church,  founded  by 
John  Miles  in  1663,  oldest  in  Massachu- 
setts, 47 ;  Six  Principle  in  1764,  73. 

Sweetland,  Cornelius  S.,  of  Providence, 
Episcopal  Trustee,  550. 

Symonds,  Joshua,  Calvinistic  Baptist 
minister,  preacher  in  John  Bunyan's 
pulpit,  recommended  by  Ryland  for 
College  honors,  177,  245. 

Taggart,  "William,  signed  original  peti- 
tion for  charter,  517. 

Tanner,  James,  signed  original  petition 
for  charter,  517. 

Tanner,  John,  of  Newport,  Baptist  Trus- 
tee, 1770,  549 ;  signed  original  petition 
for  charter,  517 ;  present  at  final  meet- 
ing to  determine  permanent  location  of 
the  College,  voted  in  favor  of  Newport, 
121,  126. 

Taxation,  clause  in  the  Charter  exempt- 
ing from,  has  given  rise  to  unhappy 
discussions,  account  of  in  1773-1774, 
542-544 ;  act  passed  by  the  General  As- 
sembly in  1863,  the  Corporation  con- 
senting, exempting  President  and  Pro- 
fessors to  the  amount  of  ten  thousand 
dollars,  account  of,  544-548;  recent  re- 
newal of  the  subject,  City  Assessors 
taxed  College  property  on  Westminster 
Street,  tax  paid  under  protest,  ques- 
tion brought  before  Appellate  Division 
of  the  Supreme  Court,  548-549;  de- 
cision of  the  Court,  621-625. 


Taxes  imposed  by  the  State  in  1779  enor- 
mous, 313. 

Taylor,  George,  kept  small  school  for 
church  scholars  in  1770,  461. 

Taylor,  John,  Corporator,  536;  Charter 
Trustee,  538. 

Tea,  agreement  not  to  purchase  or  use 
after  March,  1775,  three  hundred  pounds 
burned  in  the  Market  Place,  283. 

Tennent,  Gilbert,  Benjamin  Miller  con- 
verted under  his  preaching,  25. 

Tennent,  William  Mackay,  a  distin- 
guished Presbyterian  minister,  329. 

Test  Laws,  Baptists  in  England  clogged 
with,  475. 

Tew,  Paul,  of  Woodstock,  314. 

Text-Books  in  1783,  355-366. 

Thayer,  Jabez,  graduated  at  Commence- 
ment of  1776,  291. 

Thivell,  Captain,  388. 

Thomas,  David,  received  degree  of  A.  M. 
at  First  Commencement,  84. 

Thomas,  Hiram  H,  owner  of  the  Nicholas 
Brown  dwelling  on  Thomas  Street,  226. 

Thomas,  John,  engraved  portrait  of  in 
Rippon's  Baptist  Register,  487. 

Thomas,  Mr.,  of  London,  finds  first  vol- 
ume of  Backus  used  as  waste  paper,  423. 

Thomas  Street,  in  1787  a  lane,  226. 

Thompson,  Charles,  pupil  of  Isaac  Eaton 
at  Hopewell  Academy,  9;  student  in 
Rhode  Island  College,  allowed  fourteen 
pounds  out  of  Mrs.  Hobb's  legacy,  21; 
Valedictorian  of  first  graduating  class, 
biographical  sketch,  with  valedictory 
oration,  99-107 ;  baptizes  his  classmate, 
William  Williams,  97;  revival  under 
his  ministry  at  Warren,  187;  received 
degree  of  A.  M.  in  1772,  189. 

Thompson,  Doct.  William  of  Warren,  son 
of  Charles,  102. 

Thompson,  Capt.  John  B.,  of  Warren, 
grandson  of  Charles,  102. 

Thompson,  Louisa  H,  of  Warren,  great- 
granddaughter  of  Charles,  102. 

Thompson,  Ebenezer,  member  of  commit- 
tee to  draft  petition  to  Congress,  334. 


INDEX. 


611 


Thompson,  Mr.,  of  Connecticut,  314. 

Thornton's  Pulpit  of  American  Revolu- 
tion, cited,  304,  433. 

Thresher,  Ebenezer,  149. 

Throckmorton,  John,  one  of  the  found- 
ers of  Rhode  Island,  202;  John  and  his 
wife  excluded  from  the  Salem  church, 
203. 

Thurber,  Benjamin,  on  committee  to 
draft  charter  for  Charitable  Baptist 
Society,  member  of  Standing  Commit- 
tee of  eleven,  221 ;  manager  of  lottery 
for  the  new  meeting-house,  222. 

Thurber,  Benjamin,  of  Pomfret,  Ct.,  314. 

Thurber,  Edward,  member  of  Standing 
Committee  of  eleven,  221 ;  manager  of 
lottery  for  new  meeting-house,  222. 

Thurber,  James,  314. 

Thurber,  Samuel,  account  of  schools  in 
Manning's  time,  461. 

Thurber,  Mr.,  331. 

Thurston,  Benjamin  Babcock,  member 
of  committee  on  question  of  taxation, 
546. 

Thurston,  Edward,  Jr.,  of  Newport,  Cor- 
porator, 536;  Charter  Trustee,  538;  Qua- 
ker Trustee,  1770,  549;  signed  and  sealed 
the  Charter  as  Secretary  of  the  Colony, 
Oct.  24,  1765,  542;  present  at  first  and 
second  meetings  of  the  Corporation,  52, 
55;  present  at  final  meeting  to  deter- 
mine permanent  location,  121 ;  voted  in 
favor  of  Newport,  126;  appointed  by 
the  Corporation  to  procure  from  Eng- 
land a  copperplate  for  diplomas,  250. 

Thurston,  Gardner,  of  Newport,  signed 
original  petition  for  charter,  517 ;  Cor- 
porator, 536;  Charter  Trustee,  538;  Bap- 
tist Trustee,  1770,  549;  meeting-house 
and  congregation  largest  of  any  con- 
nected with  Baptist  denomination  in 
New  England,  46;  occasionally  visited 
and  baptized  in  Warren  before  Man- 
ning's time,  47 ;  participated  in  services 
at  Manning's  ordination,  48;  intimate 
friend  of  Dr.. Stiles,  present  at  first  and 
second  meetings  of  Corporation,  52,  57; 


present  at  final  meeting  to  determine 
permanent  location  of  the  College,  121 ; 
voted  in  favor  of  Providence,  126; 
blessed  shower  of  divine  grace  under 
his  preaching,  forty  baptized,  344;  des- 
ignated by  Manning  as  member  of  a 
Standing  Committee  to  aid  poor  stu- 
dents, 366. 

Thurston,  Mrs.,  wife  of  Gardner,  died  of 
small  pox,  1784,  397. 

Thurston,  Peleg,  name  mentioned  in 
preamble  to  Charter,  535. 

Tingley,  Baptist  Elder  of  "Waterbury, 
voted  against  adoption  of  Federal  Con- 
stitution, 450. 

Tingley,  Joseph,  Manning's  brother-in- 
law,  lived  in  Samptown,  24, 319,  326. 

Tingley  Bros.,  in  possession  of  the  copy 
of  Gibbs's  Designs  of  Building  used  in 
constructing  steeple  to  new  Baptist 
meeting-house,  223. 

Tillinghast,  Colonel  of  the  Company  of 
Artillery,  escorted  the  Commencement 
procession,  1788,  457. 

Tillinghast,  Daniel,  in  town  meeting 
added  to  the  committee  appointed  to 
lay  Providence  subscriptions  before 
Corporation,  118 ;  member  of  Standing 
Committee  of  eleven  to  advise  in  build- 
ing new  meeting-house,  221 ;  manager 
of  lottery  for  the  new  house,  222;  on 
committee  to  hire  suitable  dwelling- 
house  for  Manning,  142. 

Tillinghast,  George,  received  degree  of 
A.  B.  in  1783.  345. 

Tillinghast,  Henry  H.,  graduated  in 
class  of  1773,  247. 

Tillinghast,  John,  of  Newport,  signed 
original  petition  for  charter,  517 ;  Cor- 
porator, 536;  Charter  Trustee,  537;  Bap- 
tist Trustee,  1770,  549;  present  at  first 
and  second  meetings  of  Corporation, 
53,57;  member  of  committee  to  present 
and  enforce  remonstrance  to  General 
Assembly,  132. 

Tillinghast,  Joseph,  one  of  the  actors  in 
affair  of  the  Gaspee,  185. 


612 


INDEX. 


Tillinghast,  Nicholas,  signed  original 
petition  for  charter,  517;  Corporator, 
536;  Charter  Trustee,  537;  Baptist  Trus- 
tee, present  at  first  and  second  meet- 
ings of  Corporation,  52,  57. 

Tillinghast,  Pardon,  Elder  in  Baptist 
Church,  208;  account  of ,  209-210. 

Tillinghast,  Thomas,  Judge  of  the  Su- 
preme Court  in  case  of  Trevett  vs. 
Weeden,  96. 

Tillinghast,  William,  received  degree 
of  A.M.  in  1774,261. 

Tirrill,  William,  161. 

Tirril's  tavern  in  Kent,  316. 

Tiverton  Baptist  Church,  Six  Principle 
in  1764,  73, 

Tobey,  Samuel  Boyd,  Chairman  of  Com- 
mittee on  Suhject  of  Taxation,  546. 

Todd,  Charles  S.,  communication  respect- 
ing John  Gano,  cited,  39. 

Tolman's  History  of  Higher  Education 
in  Bhode  Island,  cited,  72. 

Tommas,  John,  engraved  portrait  of  in 
Rippon's  Baptist  Register,  487. 

Toplady,  Augustus  M.,  recommended  hy 
Ryland  for  the  honors  of  the  College, 
173 ;  account  of  Toplady  and  his  works, 
231-233;  Treatise  on  Predestination  a 
masterly  performance,  254;  language 
used  hy  him  in-reference  to  the  hon- 
orary degree  of  D.  D.,  conferred  "like 
grace  from  heaven,  unthought  of,  un- 
implored,"  400. 

Tories,  great  damage  done  hy  rohhing, 
etc.,  Dutchess  Co.,  316. 

Toryism,  Morgan  Edwards's  recantation 
of,  16. 

Toulmin,  Joshua,  benefactor  of  the  Col- 
lege, received  degree  of  A.  M  at  First 
Commencement,  84. 

Trade  embarrassments,  especially  in 
New  England,  404. 

Treat,  Richard,  signed  Manning's  di- 
ploma, 32. 

Treby,  John,  signed  original  petition  for 
charter,  517. 

Trevett  vs.  Weeden,    celebrated   case, 


General  Varnum's  great  forensic  effort, 
96. 

Triennial  Catalogue  of  1772,  the  first  one 
published,  no  copy  of  it  known  to  exist, 
alluded  to  by  Dr.  Stiles  in  his  diary,  191. 

Trinity  Church,  Newport,  incorporated 
in  1769,  227. 

Trinity  College,  Dublin,  boasts  of  her 
Archbishop  Usher,  59. 

Tuition,  twenty-four  shillings  per  quar- 
ter, 1784,  385. 

Turner,  Daniel,  Calvinistic  Baptist  min- 
ister of  England,  received  degree  of  A. 
M.  in  1770,  165,  245. 

Turner,  Mr.,  326. 

Turner's  Rhetoric,  385. 

Tustin's  Dedication  Discourse,  cited,  48, 
112. 

Tuttle,  Moses,  318,  327. 

Tyler,  Othniel,  received  degree  of  A.  B. 
in  1783,  345. 

Tyler's  History  of  Amherst  College, 
cited,  511. 

Tyron,  Governor  of  New  York,  invasion 
of  Connecticut,  with  two  thousand  Brit- 
ish troops  attacked  the  village  of  Dan- 
bury,  324,  329. 

Union  College,  Jonathan  Maxcy  Presi- 
dent of,  447. 

United  States  Bureau  of  Education, 
cited,  72. 

United  Train  of  Artillery,  formed  in  1775 
from  Fusileers  and  Artillery,  261. 

Universal  Salvation,  doctrine  propaga- 
ted by  James  Relly  and  John  Murray, 
363;  preached  in  Baptist  Church,  Phil- 
adelphia, by  Elhanan  Winchester,  383. 

University  Hall.    See  College  Edifice. 

University  of  Pennsylvania,  under  Epis- 
copal control,  20 ;  William  Rogers  Pro- 
fessor in,  61. 

University  of  Vermont,  conferred  on 
Asa  Messer  the  degree  of  LL.  D.,  456. 

Upham,  Edward,  of  Newport,  graduate 
of  Harvard,  46 ;  one  of  the  two  Baptist 
ministers  in  New  England  in  1644  who 


INDEX. 


613 


had  a  liberal  education,  64 ;  Corporator, 
536;  Charter  Fellow,  538;  Baptist  Fel- 
low in  1770,  550;  present  at  first  and 
second  meetings  of  the  Corporation,  52, 
56 ;  received  degree  of  A.  M.  at  the  First 
Commencement,  84;  present  at  the 
fi>al  meeting  to  determine  the  perma- 
nent location  of  the  College,  120;  voted 
in  favor  of  Providence,  126. 
Ustick,  Thomas,  Philadelphia  Associa- 
tion voted  fourteen  pounds  towards  de- 
fraying his  expenses  in  College,  22; 
graduated  in  1771,  prominent  teacher 
and  preacher,  180;  received  degree  of 
A.  M.  in  1774,  261 ;  recommended  by 
Manning  for  the  pastorate  of  the  Bap- 
tist Church,  in  Ashford,  262;  succeeds 
Elhanan  Winchester  as  pastor  of  the 
Baptist  Church  in  Philadelphia,  384; 
finds  that  a  school  greatly  interferes 
with  the  discharge  of  a  pastor's  duty, 
399 ;  interests  himself  in  obtaining  from 
the  University  of  Pennsylvania  the 
degree  of  D.  D.  for  his  beloved  Presi- 
dent Manning,  400;  selected  by  Man- 
ning to  take  charge  of  books  and  for- 
ward them  to  illiterate  Baptist  minis- 
ters in  Kentucky,  403,  405-406,  415. 

Vacations  in  College  in  1774,  1783,  and 
1843,  265. 

Vane,  Sir  Henry,  in  sympathy  with  the 
religious  views  of  Roger  Williams,  206. 

Van  Horne,  Peter  B.,  inspector  of  Hope- 
well Academy,  9. 

Van  Horne,  William,  received  honorary 
degree  in  1774,  261;  present  at  Com- 
mencement, 1774,  urges  Backus  to  go  to 
Philadelphia  and  endeavor  to  procure 
from  Congress  religious  liberty,  276; 
brief  account  of,  320 ;  requested  by  the 
Corporation  to  solicit  benefactions  in 
the  South,  348,  386. 

Van  Kirk,  Dr.  Manning  visits,  320. 

Van  Pelt,  Sarah,  wife  of  John  Manning, 
and  sister-in-law  of  President  Manning, 
24. 


Varnum,  James  Mitchel,  member  of  first 
graduating  class,  biographical  sketch, 
93-97 ;  member  of  committee  to  present 
and  enforce  remonstrance  to  General 
Assembly,  132;  received  degree  of  A. 
M.  in  1772,  189 ;  oration  on  by  Solomon 
Drowne,  246 ;  forensic  effort  Trevett  vs. 
Weeden,  445. 

Varnum,  Joseph  Bradley,  younger 
brother  of  James,  prominent  states- 
man in  Massachusetts,  97. 

Vavasor,  Captain  Josiah,  of  New  York, 
414. 

Vermont,  formerly  the  Hampshire 
grants,  glorious  revival  in,  394. 

Vernon,  William,  signed  the  original  pe- 
tition for  charter,  517. 

Virginia,  thousands  there  hopefully  con- 
verted, 176,  191,  193 ;  adopts  the  Federal 
Constitution  by  majority  of  ten,  448. 

Vose,  James  G.,  statement  in  reference 
to  Nicholas  Cooke,  156. 

Wadsworth,  General,  329. 

Wakeman,  Squire,  329. 

Waldo's  meeting-house,  congregation 
divided  in  politics,  316-317. 

Walker,  Joseph  H.,  of  Worcester,  Bap- 
tist Trustee,  549. 

Wall,  Mr.,  320. 

Wallace,  Captain,  made  threatening  de- 
mands on  Conanicut,  286. 

Wallin,  Benjamin,  received  degree  in 
1770,  165;  member  of  Baptist  Commit- 
tee of  Great  Britain  to  act  in  conjunc- 
tion with  agent  of  Warren  Association, 
166;  works,  including  Hymns,  de- 
scribed by  the  author,  240;  sent  his 
works  in  ten  volumes,  together  with 
works  of  John  Bunyan,  as  a  present  to 
the  Library,  254;  presented  box  of 
books  to  the  Library,  342,  359 ;  promi- 
nent Baptist  minister  in  London,  ac- 
count of,  237-238 ;  died  in  1783, 374.  See 
Letters. 

Walton,  Doct.  John,  of  Newport,  210. 

Walton's  Biblia  Sacra  Polyglotta,  417. 


614 


INDEX. 


"Wanton,  Governor  Joseph,  Corporator, 
536;  Charter  Trustee,  537;  Episcopal 
Trustee,  1770,549;  present  at  first  and 
second  meetings  of  Corporation,  52,  54; 
received  degree  of  A.  M.  at  First  Com- 
mencement, 84;  present  at  final  meet- 
ing to  determine  permanent  location, 
121;  voted  in  favor  of  Newport,  126; 
always  attended  the  Commencements 
until  superseded  by  Governor  Cooke, 
143;  preceded  the  procession  in  1774, 
260;  corresponds  in  regard  to  the  Gas- 
pee,  184;  protests  against  action  of  the 
General  Assembly,  deposed  from  office, 
284. 

Wanton,  John  G.,  Corporator,  536;  Char- 
ter Trustee,  538;  Quaker  Trustee,  1770, 
549;  present  at  first  and  second  meet- 
ings of  Corporation,  52,55;  present  at 
final  meeting  to  determine  permanent 
location  of  the  College,  121 ;  voted  in 
favor  of  Newport,  126. 

Wanton,  Captain  Stephen,  48. 

AVar  of  Independence,  first  British  blood 
shed  in  the  attack  on  the  Gaspee,  185. 

War  of  the  Revolution,  termed  by  Backus 
a  "  church  war,"  304. 

Ward,  Henry,  of  Newport,  signed  origi- 
nal petition  for  charter,  517 ;  Baptist 
Fellow  in  1770,  Baptist  Trustee  in  1771, 
550;  present  at  final  meeting  to  deter- 
mine permanent  location  of  the  Col- 
lege, 120;  offered  arguments  in  favor  of 
Newport,  124 ;  voted  in  favor  of  New- 
port, 126 ;  Secretary,  appointed  to  draft 
address  to  Congress,  288;  present  at 
meeting  of  Corporation  in  1780,  333; 
member  of  committee  to  draft  petition 
to  Congress  respecting  College  edifice, 
334. 

Ward,  Hon.  Samuel,  of  Westerly,  Cor- 
porator, 536;  Charter  Trustee,  537; 
Baptist  Trustee,  1770,  549;  signed  origi- 
nal petition  for  charter,  517 ;  signed  and 
sealed  the  Charter  as  Governor  of  the 
Colony,  Oct.  24,  1765,  542;  present  at 
first  meeting  of  Baptists  in  Newport  to 


consider  motion  for  a  College,  43; 
present  at  first  and  second  meetings  of 
Corporation,  brief  sketch  of,  52,  57; 
alone  in  his  patriotic  refusal  to  sustain 
the  Stamp  Act,  87;  present  at  final 
meeting  to  determine  permanent  loca- 
tion of  the  College,  121 ;  voted  in  favor 
of  Newport,  126 ;  member  of  Committee 
to  present  and  enforce  remonstrance  to 
General  Assembly,  132;  appointed  by 
General  Assembly  delegate  to  first 
Continental  Congress,  260;  attends 
Conference  with  the  Baptists  in  Car- 
penter's Hall,  1774,  278. 

Ward,  Samuel,  son  of  Hon.  Samuel, 
pupil  of  Manning's  Latin  School,  52; 
graduated  in  1771,  served  as  Major  in 
the  Revolutionary  War,  180;  delivered 
an  oration  in  1774,  and  received  degree 
of  A.  M.,261. 

Ward's  Oratory,  355,  385. 

Ward  and  Hopkins  controversy,  1755- 
1768,  stimulated  the  zeal  and  passions 
of  the  Providence  and  Newport  claim- 
ants for  the  permanent  location  of  the 
College,  128. 

Warner,  Captain,  of  Middletown,  329. 

Warner,  John,  138. 

Warner,  Samuel,  of  Wrentham,  received 
from  the  daughter  of  William  Wil- 
liams his  pine  table  which  he  used  at 
Warren,  and  which  is  now  preserved 
in  the  College  Library,  99. 

Warren,  Captain  John,  of  Newport,  Bap- 
tist Trustee,  1770,  549;  on  committee  to 
purchase  materials  for  College  edifice 
in  Warren,  110;  on  committee  to  fix 
upon  a  suitable  place  in  Providence  for 
the  College  edifice,  113;  member  of 
committee  to  carry  on  the  building,  114 ; 
present  at  final  meeting  to  determine 
permanent  location  of  the  College,  121 ; 
voted  in  favor  of  Newport,  126 ;  mem- 
ber of  committee  to  fix  upon  a  suitable 
place  for  the  College  edifice,  136;  mem- 
ber of  the  Building  Committee,  139, 150. 

Warren,    a  thriving   town    in    Bristol 


INDEX. 


615 


County,  selected  as  the  home  for  the 
infant  College,  47 ;  selected  as  the  place 
for  the  College  edifice,  110-111 ;  meet- 
ing-house, parsonage,  arsenal,  and  pri- 
vate dwellings  hurned  hy  English 
troops,  May  25,  1778,  100;  people  build- 
ing then  a  new  meeting-house,  applied 
to  Manning  to  recommend  them  a  min- 
ister who  could  teach  a  school,  386. 
Warren  Association,  founded  by  Man- 
ning inl7G7,  to  resist  acts  of  oppression 
on  the  part  of  the  Standing  Order,  to 
promote  education,  and  aid  the  College, 
account  of,  72-80;  plan  and  sentiments 
of,  modified  hy  Manning  and  adopted 
in  1769,  76-77 ;  faith  and  order  the  same 
as  expressed  by  one  hundred  congrega- 
tions in  Great  Britain  in  1689,  and 
adopted  by  the  Philadelphia  Associa- 
tion in  1742,  77 ;  set  of  the  minutes  from 
1767  to  the  present  time  preserved  in  the 
College  Library,  79;  Circular  Letter  for 
1769,  80-81;  extract  from  the  minutes 
respecting  plan  to  collect  facts  and  re- 
dress grievances,  78;  sessions  of  1785 
and  1802  held  in  the  Baptist  meeting- 
house in  Wrenthara,  99 ;  meeting  in  Bel- 
lingham,  September,  1770,  appeal  of 
Committee  on  Grievances  published  in 
Providence  Gazette,  165-166;  authorship 
of  Circular  Letter  ascribed  to  Manning, 
167-168;  Association  met  in  Medfield, 
Sept.  7, 1773,  determined  not  to  carry  in 
any  more  certificates,  paragraph  from 
Circular  Letter,  cited,  251 ;  met  in  Med- 
field, September,  1774,  adopted  plan  of 
Charleston  Association  for  raising  a 
fund  for  the  College,  Backus  sent  to 
Philadelphia  to  represent  the  churches 
and  endeavor  to  secure  from  the  Conti- 
nental Congress  religious  liberty,  cer- 
tificate addressed  to  the  delegates  in 
Congress,  277-278;  met  for  the  first 
time  in  Providence,  Sept.  10,  1782,  Col- 
lege uppermost  in  the  thoughts  of  the 
brethren,  voted  to  publish  a  Spelling 
Book  and  Baptist  Catechism,  339;  the 


meeting  in  Charleston  in  1783,  large  and 
enthusiastic,  Manning  attended,  an 
address  prepared  to  their  "  friends  and 
countrymen,"  giving  a  faithful  picture 
of  the  times  at  the  close  of  the  war, 
extract  from,  349, 370-371 ;  meets  in  1784 
at  Mr.  Hunt's,  Middleborough,  extract 
from  the  minutes  in  reference  to  the  dis- 
tress made  upon  a  number  of  the  breth- 
ren for  the  support  of  Pedobaptist  wor- 
ship, determined  to  maintain  their 
rights  and  resist  oppression,  380,  390; 
founds  in  1792  an  Education  Society  in 
accordance  with  a  plan  devised  by 
Manning,  367;  Association  report  in 
1850  on  the  priority  of  the  First  Bap- 
tist Church,  196;  Dr.  Stephen  Gano  for 
nineteen  consecutive  years  moderator 
of  the  annual  meetings,  414;  extract 
from  the  Circular  Letter  of  1791  allud- 
ing to  the  death  of  Manning,  502. 

Warren  Baptist  Church.    See  Baptist. 

Warwick,  within  five  miles  of  the  Jersey 
line,  mountains  infested  with  Tory 
robbers,  318,  327. 

Warwick  Baptist  Church,  Six  Principle 
in  1764,  73. 

Washington,  proclaimed  peace  at  New- 
burg,  Chaplain  Gano  offered  prayer  of 
thanksgiving,  39;  friend  and  corre- 
spondent of  Hezekiah  Smith,  56;  friend 
of  Dr.  Rogers,  view  of  him  in  his  social 
and  private  relations,  61-62;  army  en- 
camped at  Middlebrooknear  Elizabeth- 
town,  318;  letter  to  Reed,  President  of 
Pennsylvania,  cited,  322;  Washington 
and  General  Wayne,  324 ;  headquarters 
one  mile  north  of  West  Point,  Man- 
ning arrives  at,  327 ;  introduced  to  by 
General  Greene,  328;  Thomas  Mullett 
interviews  at  Mount  Vernon,  362;  what 
John  Ryland  would  do  if  he  were  Gen- 
eral Washington,  376 ;  Washington  with 
his  suite  visits  Providence,  Tuesday, 
Aug.  17,  1790,  visits  the  College,  Man- 
ning's address  to,  479-480;  address  to 
the  Corporation  in  reply  to  Manning's 


616 


INDEX. 


address,  481 ;  Washington  the  Great  in 
contrast  with  Lewis  the  Little,  482 ;  de- 
gree of  LL.  D.  conferred  on  him  at  the 
Commencement  of  1790,  poetical  effu- 
sion respecting  in  Rippon's  Baptist 
Register,  482. 

Waterhouse,  Dr.  Benjamin,  description 
of  Newport,  cited,  135;  trying  experi- 
ences of  President  Manning  narrated, 
157;  qualified  as  a  Fellow  in  1783,  ap- 
pointed with  Manning,  Hopkins,  and 
others,  to  make  out  Catalogue  of  the 
Library,  347,  348;  appointed  with  Man- 
ning and  Stillman  to  draft  an  address 
and  petition  to  the  King  of  France, 
brief  biographical  sketch,  348;  chosen 
Professor  of  Natural  History  to  lecture 
without  charge,  381 ;  extract  from  let- 
ter, cited,  392;  mentions  an  incident  in 
connection  with  the  closing  of  the  Mas- 
sachusetts Federal  Convention,  450. 

Waterman,  Amaziah,  his  land  purchased 
as  an  addition  to  the  lot  for  the  new 
meeting-house,  220. 

Waterman,  John,  name  mentioned  in 
preamble  to  Charter,  535. 

Waterman,  Richard,  one  of  the  founders 
of  Rhode  Island,  202. 

Watkins,  Mr.,  of  Philadelphia,  321. 

Watson,  Elkanah,  memoirs  of,  cited,  94. 

Watt's  Logic,  335. 

Wayland,  President  Francis,  delivers 
discourse  on  Nicholas  Brown  in  1841, 
443. 

Watland,  Francis,  of  New  Haven,  Bap- 
tist Fellow,  550. 

Wayland,  Heman  Lincoln,  of  Philadel- 
phia, Baptist  Trustee,  549. 

Wayne,  General,  the  hero  of  Stony  Point, 
324. 

Weathersfield,  Ct.,  329. 

Webb,  Colonel,  at  West  Point,  328. 

Webster,  Daniel,  defended  Dartmouth 
College  in  case  before  Supreme  Court 
of  the  United  States,  531 ;  case  of  Girard 
College,  cited,  "  The  Baptist  College  in 
Rhode    Island    receives  and  educates 


youth  of  all  religious  sects  and  beliefs," 
533. 

Webster, Rev.  Richard,  of  Mauch  Chunk, 
Pennsylvania,  pastor  of  Joshua  Ed- 
wards, 71. 

Well,  at  southeast  corner  of  University 
Hall,  157. 

West,  Benjamin,  the  artist,  subscribed  in 
London  £10  10s.  for  the  College,  71 ;  re- 
ceived degree  of  A.  M.  in  1770,  165. 

West,  Dr.  Benjamin,  kept  a  small  school 
in  Providence  in  1770,  461. 

West,  John,  extends  a  call  to  Manning 
in  behalf  of  the  Baptist  church,  51. 

Westcot,  Mr.,  of  Philadelphia,  321,  323. 

Westcott,  Elder  John,  of  Foster,  479. 

Westcott,  Stukeley,  one  of  the  founders 
of  Rhode  Island,  one  of  the  original 
members  of  the  Baptist  church,  ex- 
cluded from  the  Salem  church,  202- 
203. 

Weston,  Francis,  one  of  the  founders  of 
Rhode  Island,  203. 

West  Point,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Manning  visit 
in  company  with  Lieutenant  Hubbel, 
account  of,  327-328. 

Wheaton,  Comfort,  on  committee  ap- 
pointed to  make  a  draft  of  new  meet- 
ing-house, 220. 

Wheaton,  Ephraim,  on  committee  to 
draft  charter  for  Charitable  Baptist  So- 
ciety, 221;  signed  letter  to  Manning 
asking  him  to  preach,  472. 

Wheaton,  John,  signed  original  petition 
for  charter,  517 ;  member  of  committee 
to  extend  to  Manning  a  call,  48. 

Wheaton,  Levi,  member  of  Junior  Class 
at  breaking  up  of  the  College,  admitted 
to  degree  of  A.  B.,  336. 

Wheaton,  Nathaniel,  member  of  Stand- 
ing Committee  of  eleven  for  building 
new  meeting  house,  221 ;  manager  of 
lottery  for  the  meeting-house,  222 ;  one 
of  the  assessors  of  taxes  in  1774, 543. 

Wheelock,  Dr.,  President  of  Dartmouth 
College,  designed  at  first  as  school  for 
the  poor  Indians,  178 ;  likely  to  succeed 


INDEX. 


6i7 


in  securing  for  his  College  the  patron- 
age of  the  King  of  France,  348. 

Whipple,  Captain  Abraham,  one  of  John 
Brown's  trusty  shipmasters,  prominent 
in  the  affair  of  the  Gaspee,  184. 

Whipple  Hall,  recommended  that  it  be 
purchased  and  used  for  a  free  public 
school,  463. 

Whipple,  Jeremiah,  added  to  the  com- 
mittee to  lay  before  the  Corporation  the 
Providence  subscriptions,  118. 

White,  John.wealthy  merchant  of  Haver- 
hill, only  person  in  town  in  1764,  who 
owned  a  chaise,  237. 

White,  John,  of  Harvard  College,  ad- 
mitted to  degree  of  A.  M.,  261. 

Whitefield,  George,  delusion  respect- 
ing a  child  whom  he  named  John,  15 ; 
Jonathan  Dickinson  his  intimate 
friend,  25 ;  reference  to,  164. 

Whitmarsh,  Major,  officer  of  the  Kent- 
ish Guards,  95. 

Whitsitt,  William  H.,  President  of  the 
Southern  Baptist  Theological  Semi- 
nary, erroneous  statements  respecting 
First  Baptist  Church,  published  in 
Johnson's  Cyclopaedia,  198-199. 

Whittier,  Jacob,  represented  Haverhill 
Baptist  Church  at  first  meeting  of  War- 
ren Association,  75. 

WiCKENDEN.William,  ancestor  of  Stephen 
Hopkins,  197;  one  of  the  original  mem- 
bers of  the  Baptist  Church,  202,  203; 
Elder  in  the  Church,  208. 

Wickham,  Charles,  signed  original  peti- 
tion for  charter,  517. 

Wickham,  Thomas,  signed  original  peti- 
tion for  charter,  517. 

Wig  of  Governor  Wanton,  the  size  and 
pattern  of  the  Speaker  of  the  House  of 
Commons,  144. 

Wig  of  President  Manning  white,  and  of 
the  largest  dimensions  worn,  144. 

Wightman,  Timothy,  of  Groton,  ap- 
pointed to  receive  well  attested  griev- 
ances, 78. 

Wilkinson,  Jemima,  Manning's  account 
78 


of,  founded  a  colony  in  Yates  County 
in  1789,  363-364. 

Wilkinson,  William,  graduated  in  1783, 
good  master,  taught  the  College  Latin 
School  until  1792,,  appointed  Librarian 
in  1785,  345,  387;  fitted  James  Burrill 
for  College,  458;  removes  his  school 
from  the  College  edifice  to  the  Brick 
School  House,  387. 

Willett,  Francis,  Corporator,  536 ;  Char- 
ter Trustee, 537. 

William  and  Mary  College,  under  Epis- 
copal control,  20. 

Williams,  Rev.  Mr.,  of  Durham,  329. 

Williams,  David,  received  degree  of  A. 
M.  in  1770, 165. 

Williams,  David  R.,  Governor  of  South 
Carolina,  pupil  at  the  Wrentham  Acad- 
emy, 98. 

Williams,  Jeremiah,  153. 

Williams,  Elder  John,  of  Foster,  leaves 
the  General  Assembly  and  goes  home 
to  preach,  leaving  the  Senate  a  tie  on 
the  question  of  calling  a  Convention, 
478;  voted  nay  on  the  question  of  the 
adoption  of  the  Federal  Constitution, 
479. 

Williams,  Jonathan,  of  Harvard  College, 
admitted  ad  eundem  to  Rhode  Island 
College,  189. 

Williams,  Professor,  account  of  the  Dark 
Day  of  1780,  cited,  310. 

Williams,  Robert,  one  of  the  members  of 
the  Baptist  Church,  138,  202. 

Williams,  Roger,  founded  a  colony  and  a 
church  in  Providence,  where  liberal 
Baptist  sentiments  have  always  pre- 
vailed, 136;  preached  before  he  came  to 
Providence,  and  continued  to  preach 
for  some  time  in  Providence,  testimony 
respecting  Chad  Brown,  137 ;  Roger 
Williams  and  his  free  Colony  expe- 
rienced opposition  and  unfriendliness 
from  the  Standing  Order  in  New  Eng- 
land similar  to  that  experienced  by  the 
College  in  later  days,  175;  founder  of 
the  Baptist  Church  in  Providence,  196  ; 


618 


INDEX. 


set  up  a  church  in  1639,  baptized  in 
1639,  ceremony  most  likely,  according 
to  Whitsitt,  performed  by  sprinkling, 
199 ;  Hopkins's  account  of  the  first  set- 
tlement in  Rhode,  Island,  202;  Roger 
and  his  wife  excluded  from  the  Salem 
church,  203;  minister  of  the  Salem 
church  and  of  those  who  came  with  him 
from  Salem  to  Providence,  204;  how 
long  he  continued  pastor  of  the  Baptist 
Church  which  he  organized  not  deter- 
mined, statements  of  Winthrop  and 
Scott  respecting,  205;  change  in  some 
of  his  religious  views,  a  firm  believer  in 
the  general  doctrines  of  the  Baptists, 
his  great  mission  the  conversion  of  the 
Indians  to  Christianity,  206-207;  Man- 
ning not  an  unworthy  successor  of 
Roger  Williams,  229. 

Williams,  Sidney,  married  a  daughter  of 
Asa  Messer,  455. 

Williams,  William,  pupil  of  Isaac  Eaton 
at  the  Hopewell  Academy,  9 ;  member 
of  the  first  graduating  class,  biographi- 
cal sketch,  diploma,  97-99 ;  received  de- 
gree of  A.  M.  at  Commencement  of 
1772,  189;  present  at  meeting  of  the 
Warren  Association  in  1782,  339;  trus- 
tee of  Baptist  Education  Fund,  367; 
daughter  died  in  1867,  aged  90,  her  fa- 
ther's pine  table  which  he  used  at  War- 
ren given  to  the  University,  99. 

Wilson,  Mr.,  a  successful  young  minis- 
ter of  Bordentown,  New  Jersey,  378, 
457. 

Wilson,  Rev.  Mr.,  of  England,  ser- 
mons presented  to  the  College  Library, 
329. 

Wilson,  of  Philadelphia,  threatened  with 
banishment  to  New  York,  323. 

Wilson,  Jonathan,  signed  original  peti- 
tion for  charter,  517. 

Wilson's  Navigation,  356. 

Wilton,  Samuel,  of  England,  recom- 
mended by  Ryland  for  the  honors  of 
the  College,  174. 


Winchester,  Elhanan,  instrumental  of  a 
great  revival  in  New  England  in  1780, 
374 ;  alas !  he  has  wofully  changed  his 
sentiments,  375;  his  apostasy  a  lamen- 
tation amongst  the  Baptists,  self  emu- 
lation the  rock  on  which  he  split,  378 ; 
brief  sketch,  account  of  his  relations 
with  the  Baptist  Church  in  Philadel- 
phia, 382-384 ;  in  possession  of  his  fifth 
wife  and  a  red  coat,  an  eccentric  genius, 
399. 

Wingate,  Judge,  account  of  the  allot- 
ment of  places  in  the  college  classes  at 
Harvard,  90. 

Winslow,  Samuel,  and  Jane,  his  wife, 
161. 

Winsor,  Col.  Abraham,  314. 

Winsor,  Samuel,  pastor  of  the  Baptist 
Church  in  Providence,  46;  Corpora- 
tor, 536:  Charter  Trustee,  538;  Bap- 
tist Trustee,  1770,  549 ;  present  at  first 
and  second  meetings  of  the  Corpora- 
tion, 52,  57;  present  at  final  meeting 
to  determine  permanent  location  of 
the  College,  121;  grandson  of  Roger 
Williams  and  a  deacon  in  the  church, 
succeeded  James  Brown  as  Elder,  210; 
home  in  Johnston,  three  miles  from  the 
meeting-house,  212;  gave  seventy-five 
acres  of  land  to  the  College,  brief  bio- 
graphical sketch,  213;  believer  in  the 
doctrine  of  Laying  on  of  Hands,  and 
opposed  to  singing  in  public  worship, 
214;  opposed  to  Manning,  withdraws 
from  the  church  and  forms  a  Six  Prin- 
ciple Church  in  Johnston,  215-216;  sep- 
aration from  the  church  alienated  him 
from  the  College,  218;  statement  in 
Stiles's  diary,  "The  Browns  and 
Jenckes  intend  to  turn  off  Elder  Win- 
sor and  put  in  President  Manning," 
143. 

Winthrop's  Journal  has  the  first  dis- 
tinct record  of  any  organic  action  in 
Providence  of  a  Baptist  Church,  200, 
203;  statement  respecting  Roger  Wil- 


INDEX. 


619 


liams's  immersion,  or  second  baptism, 
205. 

"Witsius's  works  in  Latin,  402. 

Wood,  Amos,  about  to  enter  the  Sopho- 
more class  in  1784,  385. 

"Wood,  Jabez,  pastor  of  the  venerable 
Baptist  Church  in  Swansea,  47. 

"Wood,  Rev.  Mr.,  settlement  at  Ware,  461. 

Woodbridge,  desolations  at,  326. 

Woodman,  Isaac,  a  Calvinistic  Baptist 
minister  of  England,  Kyland's  account 
of,  232,  245,  254;  received  degree  of  A. 
M.  in  1770,  165.    See  Letters. 

Woodruff,  Mrs.  Joseph,  sister  of  Presi- 
dent Manning,  315,  318,  319, 326,  327, 342 ; 
died  previous  to  1766,  24. 

Woodruff,  Samuel,  signed  Manning's 
diploma,  32. 

Woods,  J.  C.  B.,  of  Providence,  Baptist 
Trustee,  549. 

Woods,  Marshall,  of  Providence,  Baptist 
Trustee,  549. 


Wool,  combination  entered  into  for  sup- 
ply of,  86. 

Worthington's  History  of  Dedham, 
cited,  200. 

Wren,  Sir  Christopher,  223. 

Wrentham  Academy,  founded  by  Wil- 
liam Williams,  97,  200. 

Wyatt,  Charles  H.,  of  Baltimore,  has  the 
seal  of  the  proposed  rival  college  in 
Newport,  135.    See  Letters. 

Wyatt,  Stanley,  signed  original  petition 
for  charter,  517. 

Yale  College,  controlled  by  Congrega- 
tionalists,  20;  funds  increased  by  lot- 
teries, 187. 

Yearly  Meeting  of  Six  Principle  Bap- 
tists, 72;  declined  to  interfere  in  con- 
troversy between  Elder  Winsor  and 
President  Manning,  215;  decided  that 
the  church  at  Providence  should  be 
considered  the  old  church,  217. 


The  End. 


Opinion  of  the  Supreme  Court  Relative  to  the  Taxation  of 
College  Property. 


The  final  decision  of  the  Supreme  Court  in  the  case  referred  to  on 
pages  548  and  549,  comes  to  hand  just  as  these  last  sheets  are  passing 
through  the  press.  The  opinion  of  the  Court  was  written  by  the  Hon. 
Judge  Tillinghast.  Our  readers  will  be  glad  to  see  it  transferred  to 
the  pages  of  this  work  where  it  can  be  available  for  future  reference. 
It  belongs  to  the  history  of  the  Charter. 

Brown  University  \ 

v.  \  Dem.  No.  136. 

Daniel  L.  D.  Granger,  City  Treasurer,  j 

OPINION. 

Tillinghast,  J.  The  main  question  raised  by  the  pleadings  in  this  case  is  whether 
a  certain  parcel  of  real  estate,  situate  on  Westminster  Street,  in  the  City  of  Providence, 
which  the  plaintiff  owns  and  holds  for  its  corporate  purposes,  is  liable  to  taxation. 
Said  real  estate  constitutes  a  part  of  the  endowment  of  the  plaintiff  Corporation. 

In  the  year  1895,  the  assessors  of  taxes  of  said  city  assessed  a  tax  on  said  real  estate 
amounting  to  $2,491.20,  which  sum,  together  with  interest  and  expenses  of  levy,  was 
paid  by  the  plaintiff  under  protest,  and  this  action  is  brought  to  recover  the  same,  on 
the  ground  that  the  tax  was  illegal. 

The  Charter  of  the  plaintiff  was  granted  in  February,  1764.  It  provides  that  the 
corporators  shall  be  a  "  body  corporate  and  politic,"  "  to  have,  take,  possess,  purchase, 
acquire,  or  otherwise  receive  and  hold  lands,  tenements,  hereditaments,  goods,  chattels, 
or  other  estates,  of  all  which  they  may  and  shall  stand  and  be  seized,  notwithstanding 
any  misnomer  of  the  College  or  the  Corporation  hereof." 

"And  with  the  monies,  estates,  and  revenues,  of  which  they  shall  from  time  to  time 
become  legally  seized  as  aforesaid,  to  endow  the  same  and  erect  the  necessary  buildings 
and  edifices  thereof  on  such  place  within  this  Colony  as  they  shall  think  convenient. 
And  generally  to  regulate,  order,  and  govern  the  same,  appoint  officers  and  make  laws 
as  hereinafter  prescribed,  and  hold,  use,  and  enjoy  all  the  liberties,  privileges,  exemp. 
tions,  dignities,  and  immunities  enjoyed  by  any  college  or  university  whatever." 

"And  furthermore  for  the  greater  encouragement  of  this  seminary  of  learning,  and 
that  the  same  may  be  amply  endowed  and  enfranchised  with  the  same  privileges,  digni- 


622  OPINION   OF   THE    SUPREME    COURT. 

ties,  and  immunities  enjoyed  by  the  American  colleges  and  European  universities,  we 
do  grant,  enact,  ordain,  and  declare,  and  it  is  hereby  granted,  enacted,  ordained,  and 
declared,  that  the  College  estate,  the  estates,  persons,  and  families  of  the  president  and 
professors  for  the  time  being  lying  and  being  within  the  Colony,  with  the  persons  of 
the  tutors  and  students  during  their  residence  at  the  College,  shall  be  freed  and 
exempted  from  all  taxes,  serving  on  jurors  and  menial  services,  and  that  the  persons 
aforesaid  shall  be  exempted  from  bearing  arms,  impress  and  military  services  except 
in  case  of  invasion." 

"  And  lastly,  we  the  governor  and  company  aforesaid  do  for  ourselves  and  our  suc- 
cessors forever  hereby  enact,  grant,  and  confirm  unto  the  said  Trustees  and  Fellows,  and 
to  their  successors,  that  this  Charter  of  incorporation  and  every  part  thereof  shall  be 
good  and  available  in  all  things  in  the  law  according  to  our  true  intent  and  meaning, 
and  shall  be  construed,  reputed,  and  adjudged  in  all  cases  most  favorable  on  the  behalf 
and  for  the  best  benefit  and  behoof  of  the  said  Trustees  and  Fellows  and  their  succes- 
sors so  as  most  effectually  to  answer  the  valuable  ends  of  this  useful  Institution." 

In  view  of  the  provisions  of  the  Charter  above  set  out,  the  first  question  which  logi- 
cally presents  itself  is,  whether  the  exemption  clause  thereof  is  broad  enough  to  include 
the  land  in  question.  It  is  very  clear  from  the  language  used  in  the  Charter,  taken  as  a 
whole,  that  the  General  Assembly  intended  to  foster  and  promote  the  interests  and  wel- 
fare of  the  College  as  far  as  possible.  The  preamble  is  couched  in  language  of  unmis- 
takable import  in  this  regard.    It  is  as  follows: 

"Whereas  institutions  for  liberal  education  are  highly  beneficial  to  society,  by 
forming  the  rising  generation  to  virtue,  knowledge  and  useful  literature  and  thus  pre- 
serving in  the  community  a  succession  of  men  duly  qualified  for  discharging  the 
offices  of  life  with  usefulness  and  reputation,  they  have  therefore  justly  merited  and 
received  the  attention  and  encouragement  of  every  wise  and  well  regulated  state :  And 
whereas  a  public  school  or  seminary  erected  for  that  purpose  within  this  Colony,  to 
which  the  youth  may  freely  resort  for  education  in  the  vernacular  and  learned  lan- 
guages and  in  the  liberal  arts  and  sciences,  would  be  for  the  general  advantage  and 
honor  of  the  government :  And  whereas  Mr.  Nicholas  Brown  and  others  (naming  them) 
with  many  other  persons  appear  as  undertakers  in  the  valuable  design,"  &c. 

The  General  Assembly  evidently  contemplated  that  the  College  would  be  endowed, 
and  in  order  that  it  might  be,  and  that  it  might  be  enfranchised,  with  the  same  privi- 
leges and  immunities  enjoyed  by  the  American  colleges  and  European  universities, 
they  ordained  that  the  College  estate  should  be  freed  and  exempted  from  all  taxes.  Nor 
did  they  stop  here ;  but,  lest  their  desire  to  specially  favor  this  valuable  institution  of 
learning  should  be  misunderstood,  they  declared  that  "  the  Charter  and  every  part 
thereof  shall  be  good  and  available  in  all  things  in  law,  according  to  our  true  intent  and 
meaning,  and  shall  be  construed,  reputed  and  adjudged  in  all  cases  most  favorably  on  the 


OPINION    OF   THE    SUPKEME    COURT.  623 

behalf  and  for  the  best  benefit  and  behoof  of  the  said  Trustees  and  Fellows  and  their  Succes- 
sors so  as  most  effectually  to  answer  the  valuable  ends  of  this  useful  Institution." 

It  is  difficult  to  see  how  the  intention  of  the  General  Assembly  to  exempt  all  of  the 
property  which  might  be  owned  by  the  plaintiff  from  taxation  could  have  been  more 
clearly  and  emphatically  expressed.  The  Charter  abounds  in  expressions  of  almost 
paternal  solicitude  for  the  welfare  of  the  College,  and  then  winds  up  by  providing  that 
it  shall  be  construed  most  favorably  in  behalf  of  the  Corporation.  To  this  it  might  be 
added,  as  matter  of  common  knowledge,  that  substantially  the  same  fostering  spirit 
which  dominated  the  Colonial  General  Assembly  in  the  passage  of  this  Charter  has 
ever  since  prevailed  amongst  all  classes  of  our  citizens  towards  the  College,  it  having 
always  been  considered  the  special  pride  and  honor  of  the  State  as  an  Institution  of 
higher  education. 

But  it  is  argued  by  the  City  Solicitor  that  the  phrase,  "  the  College  estate,"  in  the 
Charter,  ought  to  be  given  its  most  limited  meaning,  and  held  to  include  only  the  Col- 
lege estate  proper,  i.  e.,  the  College  buildings  and  grounds,  and  not  the  endowment  of 
the  College  which  might  comprise  both  real  and  personal  property ;  and  in  this  connec- 
tion he  argues  that  there  is  a  wide  difference  between  the  meaning  of  the  phrases,  "the 
College  estate,"  and  "  the  estate  of  the  College."  Perhaps  there  might  be  some  force  in 
this  argument  if  this  phrase  stood  alone,  but,  taken  as  it  must  be  in  connection  with 
the  entire  exemption  clause  in  question,  there  can  be  no  doubt  whatsoever  that  it  was 
intended  to  include  property  held  by  the  plaintiff  by  way  of  endowment,  as  well  as  the 
College  estate  proper ;  and  to  place  any  different  construction  thereon  would  be  to  do 
violence  to  the  manifest  intention  of  the  Legislature. 

It  is  doubtless  true  that,  in  the  construction  of  statutes  whereby  the  State  has  abro- 
gated a  part  of  its  sovereignty,  the  strict  rule  of  interpretation  contended  for  obtains, 
on  the  ground  that  the  presumption  is  against  such  abrogation  of  power.  And  as  in 
England  the  Crown  is  not  reached  by  statute  except  by  express  words  or  by  necessary 
implication  in  any  case,  where  it  would  be  ousted  of  an  existing  prerogative  or  interest, 
so  here  the  State  is  not  reached  in  any  such  case  except  by  the  use  of  express  words  or 
by  necessary  implication.  That  is  to  say,  it  is  to  be  presumed  that  the  Legislature  does 
not  intend  to  deprive  the  State  of  any  part  of  its  sovereign  power  unless  the  intent  to 
do  so  is  clearly  expressed  or  arises  by  necessary  implication  from  the  language 
employed.  See  Endlich  on  Interpretation  of  Statutes,  §  161,  and  cases  cited;  Vickburg, 
etc.,  E.R.  Co.  v.  Dennis,  116  U.  S,  665;  Yazoo  Railroad  Co.  v.  Thomas,  132  U.  S.  174;  Cleve- 
land v.  Norton,  6  Cush.  383-4 ;  St.  Joseph's  Church  v.  Tax  Assessors  of  Providence,  12  R.  1.20 ; 
In  re  College  Street,  6  R.  I.  484.  This  doctrine  was  clearly  enunciated  in  Providence  Bank 
v.  Pitman,  4  Pet.  561,  by  Chief  Justice  Marshall,  who,  in  speaking  of  the  taxing  power 
of  the  State,  said :  "  It  would  seem  that  the  relinquishment  of  such  a  power  is  never  to 
be  assumed.    We  will  not  say  that  the  State  may  not  relinquish  it ;  that  a  consideration 


624  OPINION    OF    THE    SUPREME    COURT. 

sufficiently  valuable  to  induce  a  partial  release  of  it  may  not  exist ;  but  as  the  whole 
community  is  interested  in  retaining  it  undiminished,  that  community  has  a  right  to 
insist  that  its  abandonment  ought  not  to  be  presumed  in  a  case  in  which  the  deliberate 
purpose  of  the  State  to  abandon  it  does  not  appear." 

Then,  however,  as  in  the  case  before  us,  the  statute  does  contain  language  which  is 
not  only  easily  capable  of  the  meaning  contended  for  by  the  plaintiff  Corporation,  but 
was  evidently  intended  to  have  that  meaning;  and,  furthermore,  when  there  is  coupled 
with  said  language  a  positive  direction  as  to  the  rule  of  construction  which  shall  be 
applied  thereto,  the  plain  and  obvious  duty  of  the  court  is  to  declare  the  intention  of 
the  law  accordingly;  and  to  do  otherwise,  as  the  defendant  urges  us  to  do  in  this  case, 
would  be  to  disregard  our  highest  obligation. 

But  the  defendant's  counsel  further  contends  that  the  exemption  clause  in  said  Char- 
ter was  repealed  by  article  1,  section  2,  of  the  State  Constitution,  adopted  in  1842,  which 
provides  that  "  All  free  governments  are  instituted  for  the  protection,  safety,  and  happi- 
ness of  the  people.  All  laws,  therefore,  should  be  made  for  the  good  of  the  whole  ;  and 
the  burdens  of  the  State  ought  to  be  fairly  distributed  among  its  citizens." 

Assuming,  for  the  purpose  of  the  argument,  that  it  was  competent  for  the  people  to 
repeal  that  part  of  the  Charter  in  question,  yet  we  fail  to  see  anything  in  said  constitu- 
tional provision  which  can  possibly  be  construed  to  have  that  effect.  The  language 
used  has  no  relevancy  to,  or  bearing  upon,  the  Charter  in  question.  It  is  very  general, 
and  was  evidently  intended  as  a  declaration  of  certain  great  and  fundamental  princi- 
ples which  lie  at  the  foundation  of  every  republican  form  of  government.  See  In  re 
Dorrance  Street,  4  R.  I.  249 ;  Cleveland  v.  Tripp,  13  R.  I.  62.  That  the  last  clause  of  said 
article  relates  to,  and  was  intended  to  control,  in  a  general  way  at  least,  the  framing  of 
laws  relating  to  taxation,  there  can  be  no  doubt.  It  clearly  means  that  taxes  are  to  be 
fairly  distributed ;  that  A  ought  not  to  be  taxed  and  B  exempted  from  taxation,  they 
being  similarly  situated ;  nor  ought  the  one  to  be  taxed  on  a  different  basis  from  the 
other.  See  McTwigganv.  Hunter,  18  R.  1. 778.  But  that  it  seems  that  the  General  Assem- 
bly has  no  power  to  exempt  any  property  whatever  from  taxation,  or  that  property 
theretofore  exempted  by  charter  was  to  be  affected  thereby,  is  wholly  unreasonable. 
The  whole  course  of  State  legislation,  from  the  adoption  of  the  Constitution  to  the 
present  time,  conclusively  negatives  any  such  intention.  Commencing  with  the  Digest 
of  1844  (see  page  431),  the  statutes  of  this  State  have  expressly  and  uniformly  exempted 
from  taxation  "property  specially  exempted  by  charter,"  together  with  property 
invested  in  houses  for  public  religious  worship,  houses  for  schools,  and  the  land  on 
which  they  stand,  etc.,  and  various  kinds  of  property  used  for  charitable  purposes.  See 
Revision  of  1857,  cap.  37,  §2;  Gen.  Stat.  1872,  cap,  38,  §2;  Pub.  Stat.  1882,  cap,  41,  §1; 
Gen.  Laws  1896,  cap.  44,  §  2.  Moreover,  the  General  Assembly  has  expressly  recognized 
both  the  validity  and  the  inviolability  of  the  particular  exemption  in  question,  by  the 
passage,  on  Feb.  11, 1863,  of  Pub.  Laws  R.  I.  cap.  451,  which  is  as  follows : 


OPINION    OF   THE    SUPREME    COURT.  625 

"  An  Act  to  limit  the   Exemption  from  Taxation  of  the  Estates,  Persons,  and 
Families  of  the  President  and  Professors  of  Brown  University. 

It  is  enacted  by  the  General  Assembly  as  follows: 

Section  1.  The  Corporation  of  Brown  University  in  Providence  consenting  hereto, 
that  the  estates,  persons,  and  families  of  the  President  and  Professors,  for  the  time 
being,  of  said  University,  and  of  their  successors  in  office,  shall  not  hereafter  be  freed 
and  exempted  from  taxes  for  more  than  the  amount  of  ten  thousand  dollars,  for  each  of 
such  officers,  his  estates,  person,  and  family  included. 

Sec.  2.  The  vote  of  said  Corporation  under  the  seal,  and  certified  by  the  secretary 
thereof,  declaring  that  the  Corporation,  being  authorized  by  the  President  and  Profes- 
sors of  said  University,  does  in  behalf  of  the  President  and  Professors,  and  in  behalf  of 
said  Corporation,  consent  to  this  act,  shall  be  deemed  and  taken  to  be  proof  of  their  con- 
sent thereto,  when  said  vote  shall  have  been  filed  inthe  office  of  the  Secretary  of  State." 

Still  further,  from  the  time  when  the  plaintiff  was  incorporated  to  the  present  time, 
a  period  of  a  century  and  a  third,  so  far  as  we  are  informed,  no  tax  has  ever  before  been 
assessed  upon  any  property  whatsoever  owned  by  it.  Such  a  uniform,  long-continued 
and  practical  interpretation  of  the  Charter  would  be  entitled  to  great  weight,  even  in 
case  of  doubt  as  to  the  proper  construction  thereof;  but  when  taken  in  connection  with 
the  plain  and  manifest  meaning  of  the  exemption  clause  in  question,  it  would  seem  to 
be  about  as  conclusive  as  both  language  and  conduct  could  make  it  See  Union  Com- 
pany v.  <Spra<7we,  14  R.  I.  452-ti;  In  re  Realty  Voters,  14  R.  I.  G45;  American  Bank  v.  Mum- 
ford,  4  R.  I.  478 ;  Packard  v.  Richardson,  17  Mass.  144. 

The  City  Solicitor  has  filed  an  elaborate  brief  in  which  he  has  discussed  with  much 
ability  the  power  of  the  General  Assembly  to  repeal  the  exemption  clause  in  question, 
and  in  which  he  argues  at  length  that  such  a  repeal  would  not  be  a  violation  of  the  con- 
stitutional provision  regarding  the  impairing  of  the  obligation  of  contracts.  We  do  not 
find  it  necessary,  however,  to  consider  this  part  of  his  brief.  No  laAV  has  been  passed 
repealing  the  clause  in  question,  and  hence  it  would  be  a  work  of  supererogation  to 
determine  what  its  effect  would  be  if  passed,  even  if  such  a  decision  would  be  of  any 
force  or  validity,  which  of  course  it  would  not.  It  is  enough  for  us  to  declare  that  the 
provision  of  the  Charter  in  question  is  in  full  force  and  operation,  and  hence  that  the 
tax  assessed  upon  the  property  of  the  plaintiff  was  wholly  illegal  and  void. 

The  demurrer  is  overruled,  and  case  remitted  to  the  Common  Pleas  Division  with 
direction  to  enter  judgment  for  the  plaintiff. 
79 


LIST  OF  SUBSCRIBERS. 


Hon.  Joshua  M.  Addeman, 

Providence,  R.  I. 
Adelbebt  College, 

Per  Hon.  John  Hay, 

Cleveland,  Ohio. 

Hon.  Nelson  W.  Aldbich, 

United  States  Senator, 

Providence, R.  I. 

Doct.  Justin  Allen, 

Topsfield,  Mass. 

Rev.  De.  E.  Benjamin  Andbews, 

President  of  Brown  University, 

Providence,  R.  I. 

Hon.  James  B.  Angell,  LL.  D., 

President  of  University  of  Michigan, 
Ann  Arhor,  Mich. 

ASTOB    LlBBABY, 

Per  F.  Saunders,  Librarian, 

New  York  City. 
Mb.  Richabd  M.  Atwateb, 

Syracuse, N.  Y. 
James  Austin,  Jb.,  Esq., 

Toledo,  Ohio. 
Mb.  Fbanklin  R.  Babeett, 

Portland,  Maine. 

N.  J.  Babtlett  &  Co.,  Booksellers,  • 

Boston,  Mass. 
Mb.  E.  Baxteb,  Artist, 

Bayside,  Warwick,  R.  I. 

Mb.  Mabtin  Bennett, 

Hartford,  Connecticut. 
Hon.  Thomas  W.  Bicknell, 

Proyidence,  R.  I. 


Rev.  Db.  Moses  H.  Bixby, 

Providence,  R.  I. 

*Peof.  Eli  W.  Blake, 

Brown  University, 

Providence,  R.  I, 
John  L.  Blake,  Esq., 

Orange,  New  Jersey. 
Boston  Athenjeum, 

Per  W.  C.  Lane,  Librarian, 

Boston,  Mass. 
Boston  Public  Libbaey, 

Per  Herbert  Putnam,  Librarian, 

Boston,  Mass. 

Hon.  Augustus  O.  Boubn, 

Bristol,  R.  I. 
Bowdoin  College  Libraby, 

Brunswick,  Maine. 
Doct.  Frank  S.  Bbadfoed, 

Morristown,  N.  J. 
Hon.  John  S.  Bbayton, 

Fall  River,  Mass. 

Bbookline  Public  Libbaey, 

Per  C.  K.  Bolton,  Librarian, 

Brookline,  Mass. 

Me.  John  Nicholas  Brown,  5  copies, 

Providence,  R.  I. 

Brown  University  Library, 

Per  H.  L.  Koopman,  Librarian, 

Providence,  R.  I. 

Bucknell  Libbaey, 

Crozer  Theological  Seminary, 
Per  Robert  P.  Bliss,  Librarian, 

Chester,  Penn. 


628 


LIST    OF    SUBSCRIBERS. 


Buffalo  Library, 

Per  J.  H.  Lamed,  Superintendent, 

Buffalo,  N.  Y. 
Mr.  Joseph  G.  Chapman, 

St.  Louis,  Mo. 

Mr.  Frank  L.  Child, 

Boston,  Mass. 
Cincinnati  Public  Library, 

Per  A.  W.  Whelpley,  Librarian, 
Cincinnati,  Ohio. 
Doct.  Augustus  P.  Clarke, 

Cambridge,  Mass. 

*Hon.  Charles  L.  Colby, 

8  East  Sixty-ninth  Street, 

New  York  City. 

Doct.  George  L.  Collins, 

Providence,  R.  I. 
Columbia  College  Library, 

Per  George  H.  Baker,  Librarian, 

New  York  City. 

Mr.  John  W.  Conger, 

President  of  Ouacbita  College, 

Arkadelphia,  Arkansas. 

Mrs.  Samuel  S.  Cox, 

13  East  Twelfth  Street, 

New  York  City. 

Prof.  Benjamin  F.  Clarke, 

Brown  University, 

Providence,  R.  I. 

Mr.  James  E.  Cranston, 

Providence,  R.  I. 

Crozer  Theological  Seminary, 
Per  President  Weston, 

Chester,  Penn. 
Mr.  James  H.  Davenport, 

Providence,  R.  I. 

Doct.  Frank  L.  Day, 

Providence,  R.  I. 

Mr.  John  L.  Denison, 

Hartford,  Ct. 

Detroit  Public  Library, 

Per  H.  M.  Utley,  Librarian, 

Detroit,  Mich. 


Drexel  Institute  Library, 

Per  President  McAllister, 

Philadelphia,  Penn. 

Rev.  Dr.  Thomas  S.  Drowne, 

Brooklyn,  N.  Y. 
Mr.  William  Butler  Duncan, 

No.  1  Fifth  Avenue, 

New  York  City. 
Samuel  C.  Eastman,  Esq., 

Concord,  N.  H. 

Forbes  Library, 

Per  C.  A.  Cutter,  Librarian, 

Northampton,  Mass. 

Mr.  Asa  Messer  Gammell, 

Providence,  R.  I. 

Mr.  Robert  I.  Gammell, 

%  Providence,  R.  I. 

Mr.  William  Gammell, 

Providence,  R.  I. 

Mr.  Edward  F.  Gamwell, 

Cambridge,  Mass. 

Col.  William  Goddard, 

Providence,  R.  I. 

Dr.  Charles  B.  Goff, 

Providence,  R.  I. 

Prof.  Nathan  E  Goldthwait, 

Boone,  Iowa. 

John  M.  Gould,  Esq., 

Newton,  Mass. 

Mr.  Henry  T.  Grant,  Jr., 

Providence,  R.  I. 


Mr.  Stephen  Greene, 
Mrs.  J.  Anson  Guild, 


Boston,  Mass. 

Brookline,  Mass, 

Mr.  George  M.  Guild, 

72  Huntington  Avenue, 

Boston,  Mass. 

Harvard  University  Library, 

Per  Justin  Winsor,  Librarian, 

Cambridge,  Mass. 


LIST    OF    SUBSCRIBERS. 


629 


Prof.  Albert  Harkness,  LL.  D., 
Brown  University, 

Providence,  R.  I. 

Col.  Rush  C.  Hawkins, 

21  West  Twentieth  Street, 

New  York  City. 

Hon.  John  Hay, 

Washington,  D.  C. 

Hon.  Ratcliffe  Hicks, 


Hon.  Henry  Howard, 


Mr.  James  H.  Hoyt, 


New  York  City. 


Providence,  R.  I. 


Cleveland,  Ohio. 


Mr.  Ray  Greene  Huling, 

Cambridge,  Mass. 
Mrs.  David  Hunt, 

Catasanqua,  Penn. 

Indianapolis  Public  Library, 

Per  E.  Browning,  Librarian, 

Indianapolis,  Indiana. 

Doct.  George  F.  Jelly, 

Boston,  Mass. 
Mr.  Elisha  T.  Jenks, 

Middleborough,  Mass. 
James  L.  Jenks,  Esq., 

Pawtucket,  R.  I. 
Mr.  Augustine  Jones, 

Principal  of  the  Friends  School, 

Providence,  R.  I. 

Mr.  Henry  V.  A.  Joslin, 

Providence,  R.  I. 

William  V.  Kellen,  Esq.,  2  copies, 

Boston,  Mass. 
Doct.  William  W.  Keen,  LL.  D., 

Philadelphia,  Penn. 

Mr.  George  Gordon  King, 

5  West  Thirty-fifth  Street,  3  copies, 

New  York  City. 
Rev.  Dr.  Henry  M.  King, 

Providence,  R.  I. 


Mr.  H.  L.  Koopman, 

Librarian  Brown  University, 

Providence,  R.  I. 

Mr.  Alfred  G.  Langley, 

Newport,  R.  I. 

Mr.  Oliver  B.  Leonard, 

Plainfield,  N.  J. 

John  Erastus  Lester,  Esq., 

Providence,  R.  I. 

Mr.  Leontine  Lincoln, 

Fall  River,  Mass. 

Mr.  William  E.  Lincoln, 

Pittsburgh,  Penn. 

Mr.  Joseph  F.  Lindsay,  Jr., 

Fall  River,  Mass. 

Hon.  Charles  W.  Lippitt, 

Governor  of  Rhode  Island, 

Providence,  R.  I. 
His  Honor,  Edwin  D.  McGuinness, 

Mayor  of  Providence,  R.  I. 

Mercantile  Library, 

Per  W.  T.  Peoples,  Librarian, 

New  York  City. 

Donald  L.  Morrill,  Esq., 

Chicago,  Illinois. 

Prof.  Winfred  H.  Munro, 

Brown  University, 

Providence,  R.  I. 

Aaron  H.  Nelson,  Esq., 

Helena,  Montana. 

New  England  Historic  Genealogical 
Society, 

Per  John  Ward  Dean, 

Trustee  of  Kidder  Fund, 
Boston,  Mass. 

New  Hampshire  State  Library, 

Concord,  N.  H. 

Newton  Theological  Institution, 
Per  Rev.  Dr.  George  Bullen, 

Newton  Centre,  Mass. 

Prof.  Albert  D.  Palmer, 

Brown  University, 

Providence,  R.  I. 


630 


LIST    OF    SUBSCRIBERS. 


Rev.  Dr.  Edwards  A.  Park, 

Andover,  Mass. 

Rev.  Charles  A.  Parker, 

Cambridge,  Mass. 

James  Parker  &  Co., 

Foreign  Booksellers, 

Oxford,  England. 
Pawtucket  Public  Library, 

Per  W.  R.  Sayles,  Trustee, 

Pawtucket,  R.  I. 

Mr.  Calvin  F.  Pease, 

Superintendent  of  Schools, 

Northampton,  Mass. 

Doct.  Fenner  H.  Peckham, 

Providence,  R.  I. 
♦Mr.  John  Peirce, 

Providence,  R.  I. 

*Rev.  Dr.  S.  Dryden  Phelps, 

New  Haven,  Ct. 

Providence  Athenaeum, 

Per  J.  L.  Harrison,  Librarian, 

Providence,  R.  I. 

Providence  Public  Library, 

Per  William  E.  Foster,  Librarian, 

Providence,  R.  I. 

Mr.  C.  C.  Pursell,  Bookseller, 

Washington,  D.  C. 

G.  P.  Putnam's  Sons, 

27  West  Twenty-third  Street, 

New  York  City. 
Mr.  Philip  J.  Reid, 

Detroit,  Mich. 
Mr.  Edward  S.  Rhodes, 

City  Messenger, 

Providence,  R.  I. 

Rhode  Island  Historical  Society, 
Per  Hon.  Amos  Perry,  Secretary, 

Providence,  R.  I. 
Rochester  Theological  Seminary, 
Per  President  Strong, 

Rochester,  N.  Y. 

Hon.  Horatio  Rogers, 

Judge  of  the  Supreme  Court, 

Providence,  R.  I. 


Mrs.  Henry  G.  Russell,  3  copies, 

Providence,  R.  I. 
James  Scammon,  Esq., 

Kansas  City,  Mo. 
Capt.  William  B.  Sears, 

45  Kilby  Street, 

Boston,  Mass. 

William  P.  Sheffield,  Esq., 

Newport,  R.  I. 
Prof.  Francis  Wayland  Shepardson, 
University  of  Chicago, 

Chicago,  .Illinois. 
Mr.  Edgar  O.  Silver, 

110  Boylston  Street, 

Boston,  Mass. 

Southern    Baptist    Theological    Semi- 
nary, 

Per  President  Broadus, 

Louisville,  Kentucky. 

Mr.  Edward  L.  Spink, 

228  South  Water  Street, 

Providence, R.  I. 

Mrs.  R.  Rose  Stearns, 

374  Newbury  Street, 

Boston,  Mass. 

George  L.  Stedman,  Esq., 

Albany,  N.  Y. 

Mr.  Charles  M.  Stillman, 

55  Fulton  Street, 

New  York  City. 

Hon.  John  H.  Stiness, 

Judge  of  the  Supreme  Court, 

Providence,  R.  I. 

Col.  Elijah  B.  Stoddard, 

Worcester,  Mass. 

Hon.  Oscar  J.  Straus,  2  copies, 
42  Warren  Street, 

New  York  City. 

Mr.  Smith  Sweet, 

Care  J.  H.  &  J.  B.  Sweet, 

Providence,  R.  I. 


Mr.  Edward  T.  Taft, 


Providence,  R.  I. 


LIST    OF    SUBSCRIBERS. 


631 


Hon.  Royal  C.  Taft, 

Providence,  R.  I. 
Dr.  Samuel  Thurber, 

13  Westminster  Avenue, 

Roxbury,  Mass. 
Rev.  Dr.  Charles  F.  Thwing, 
President  of  Western  Reserve 

University, 
Cleveland,  Ohio. 
James  Tillinghast,  Esq., 

Providence,  R.  I. 
Hon.  Pardon  E.  Tillinghast, 

Judge  of  the  Supreme  Court, 

Pawtucket,  R.  I. 
Mr.  Frank  L.  Tinkham, 

Taunton,  Mass. 
Mr.  Frank  L.  Titcomb, 

Everett,  Mass. 
George  F.  Tucker,  Esq., 

Court  House, 

Boston,  Mass. 
Union  Theological  Seminary, 

Per  Charles  R.  Gillette,  Librarian, 

New  York  City. 


Hon.  Francis  Wayland, 

Yale  University, 

New  Haven,  Ct. 

Mr.  William  B.  Weeden, 

Providence,  R.  I. 

Doct.  James  L.  Wheaton, 

Pawtucket,  R.  I. 

Rev.  Dr.  Beniah  L.  Whitman, 

President  of  Columbian  University, 
Washington,  D.  C. 

Mr.  William  W.  Whitman, 

Troy,  New  York. 

Mr.  Henry  D.  Williams,  Artist, 

Boston,  Mass. 

Woburn  Public  Library, 

Per  W.  R.  Cutter,  Librarian, 

Woburn,  Mass. 

Worcester  Free  Public  Library, 
Per  S.  S.  Green,  Librarian, 

Worcester,  Mass. 


*  Deceased. 


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